Edexcel IGCSE French specification (4FR1)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE French 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 French 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 French (4FR1) 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.
Download specificationSpecification overview
The Edexcel International GCSE in French is designed for learners studying French as a foreign language to support their future educational and employment prospects. The course aims to develop understanding and use of both spoken and written French in familiar and practical contexts. It encourages communication through realistic, authentic tasks while building vocabulary, grammar, and cultural awareness. Students are expected to participate effectively in formal and informal conversations, understand various text styles, and produce coherent writing. The qualification aligns with CEFR Levels A2 to B1, supporting progression to further language study such as A Level French.
Subject content breakdown
A. Home and abroad
- Life in towns/rural areas, holidays, directions, services, customs, daily life and traditions.
B. Education and employment
- School routine and rules, trips and exchanges, work, volunteering, careers, future plans.
C. Personal life and relationships
- House/home, daily routines, helping at home, role models, relationships with family/friends, childhood.
D. The world around us
- Environmental issues, weather/climate, travel and transport, the media, ICT.
E. Social activities, fitness and health
- Special occasions, hobbies, sports/exercise, shopping and money, health and injuries.
*Note: Sub-topics A3, C3, C5, D2 and E4 are excluded from assessment in the Speaking paper (Paper 3).
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Listening
- 30 minutes + 5 minutes’ reading time; 40 marks; 25% of qualification.
- 7 questions based on monologues/dialogues from all five topic areas.
- Task types: multiple choice, matching, note-taking, gap-fill.
- Audio recordings played twice; assessed externally.
Paper 2: Reading and Writing
- 1 hour 45 minutes; 80 marks (40 reading / 40 writing); 50% of qualification.
- Section A: 5 reading tasks from various text types including literary excerpts.
- Section B: 2 writing tasks and 1 grammar-based exercise:
- Short task (60–75 words with prompts)
- Long task (130–150 words from a choice of three questions)
- Grammar task (word manipulation in sentences)
Paper 3: Speaking
- 8–10 minutes; 40 marks; 25% of qualification.
- Internally conducted, externally assessed.
- Three tasks:
- Task A: Picture-based discussion (student-selected)
- Task B & C: Spontaneous topic-based conversations (randomly assigned by Pearson)
- Must demonstrate use of three different topics across tasks.
- Responses assessed on fluency, interaction, accuracy, and content quality.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (Listening): 25%
- AO2 (Writing): 25%
- AO3 (Reading): 25%
- AO4 (Speaking): 25%
Grading
- 9–1 scale; all components externally assessed; first certification from 2019.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE French 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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