Edexcel IGCSE Arabic specification (4AA1)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE Arabic exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel IGCSE Arabic specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel IGCSE Arabic (4AA1) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Edexcel International GCSE in Arabic (First Language) enables students to develop a confident understanding of written Arabic, with strong emphasis on reading, grammar and writing. It aims to cultivate linguistic precision, interpretative ability and a deeper appreciation for Arabic’s richness and cultural depth. Students learn to communicate effectively in various forms and for different audiences, as well as to analyse and construct meaning from texts. This qualification supports progression to further study of Arabic and enhances transferable skills such as reasoning, critical thinking and effective communication.
Subject content breakdown
Paper 1: Reading, Summary and Grammar
- Reading tasks based on two unseen Arabic texts: extract meaning, compare texts, identify writer’s techniques.
- Summarise main points of a third unseen text concisely.
- Answer grammar questions testing knowledge of morphology, syntax, word formation, and linguistic structures.
- Topic areas: youth matters, education, media, culture, sport and leisure, travel and tourism, business, environment, health, and technology.
Paper 2: Writing
- Write two extended responses (around 300 words each) from a choice of three prompts.
- Purpose may include: argue, narrate, describe, persuade, inform or explain.
- Genres may include essays, letters, speeches, emails, articles, or leaflets.
- Focus on content relevance, vocabulary range, sentence structure, grammar and spelling.
Grammar content includes:
- Case system, noun/adjective agreement, idafa, verbs (including quadriliteral, passive, imperative), verbal nouns, particles, prepositions, interrogatives, and sentence types (nominal, verbal).
- Structures such as kana/inna and sisters, al-Hal, Tamyiz, comparative/superlative, demonstratives, and Hamzated/impersonal verbs.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Reading, Summary and Grammar
- Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Marks: 75 (60% of qualification)
- Sections:
- Part 1: Reading – 49 marks; questions on two extracts (interpretation, effect, comparison).
- Part 2: Summary – 6 marks; summarise a third text.
- Part 3: Grammar – 20 marks; four 5-mark grammar questions.
Paper 2: Writing
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Marks: 50 (40% of qualification)
- Task: Choose two out of three extended writing questions.
- Each response marked for communication/content and accuracy/language use.
Assessment Objectives:
- AO1: Reading comprehension and summary – 44%
- AO2: Writing skills – 40%
- AO3: Grammar and language analysis – 16%
Grading:
- 9–1 scale; papers taken at the end of the course.
- First assessment from June 2019. All work assessed externally.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE Arabic isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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