Edexcel IGCSE English Literature specification (4ET1)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE English Literature 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 English Literature 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 English Literature (4ET1) 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 English Literature enables students to engage critically and creatively with a broad range of literature. The course fosters appreciation for literary style and meaning through the study of prose, poetry, and drama. Learners develop skills in interpretation, comparison, and contextual analysis while responding to global and historical texts. With options for examination-only or a mix of exam and coursework, the qualification supports progression to A Level English Literature and encourages enjoyment of reading, deeper literary understanding, and cultural awareness:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Poetry and Modern Prose
- Unseen poetry: analysis of form, structure and meaning in an unfamiliar poem.
- Anthology poetry: comparison of two poems from the set anthology (e.g. Kipling, Dharker, Duffy, Shakespeare).
- Modern prose (choose one): To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, The Whale Rider, The Joy Luck Club, Things Fall Apart.
- Focus: literary techniques, interpretation, and contextual understanding.
Component 2 / 3: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts
- Choose one drama text (e.g. An Inspector Calls, A View from the Bridge, Kindertransport, Death and the King’s Horseman).
- Choose one literary heritage text (e.g. Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Pride and Prejudice, Great Expectations).
- Analyse language, form, structure, context, and personal response.
- Either completed via:
- Component 2: external exam (open book), or
- Component 3: internally assessed coursework (two essays).
Contexts studied include:
- Authorial intent and biography
- Historical and social influences
- Genre and literary movement
- Reader/audience interpretation over time:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Component 1: Poetry and Modern Prose (4ET1/01)
- 2 hours; 90 marks; 60% of total qualification.
- Section A: Unseen Poetry – 1 essay question (20 marks).
- Section B: Anthology Poetry – compare 2 poems from anthology (30 marks).
- Section C: Modern Prose – 1 essay question on chosen text (40 marks).
- Closed book; poems provided in exam paper.
Component 2: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts (4ET1/02)
- 1 hour 30 minutes; 60 marks; 40% of qualification.
- Section A: Drama – 1 essay from choice of two (30 marks).
- Section B: Literary heritage – 1 essay from choice of two (30 marks).
- Open book; prescribed editions permitted in exam.
OR
Component 3: Coursework (4ET1/03)
- 2 essays marked internally, moderated externally (60 marks total).
- Assignment A: Modern Drama (30 marks – AO1, AO2).
- Assignment B: Literary Heritage (30 marks – AO1, AO2, AO4).
- Typically 650–800 words per essay; no set word limit.
- Authentication required; original work only.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge, engagement, critical style – 30%
- AO2: Language, form, structure – 40%
- AO3: Comparison of texts – 10%
- AO4: Contextual understanding – 20%
Grading
- 9–1 scale based on total marks.
- All components assessed at end of course; Component 3 is optional alternative to Component 2:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE English Literature 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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