Edexcel International A Level (IAL) Arabic specification (YAA01)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel International A Level (IAL) 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 International A Level (IAL) 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 International A Level (IAL) Arabic (YAA01) 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 Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Arabic aims to develop students’ ability to understand and write in a wide variety of written Arabic for different purposes and contexts. Learners will acquire the skills to express ideas clearly, fluently and appropriately in written form, and gain insight into the culture and society of Arabic-speaking communities. The specification benchmarks attainment to the CEFR B2 level, testing realistic and contextualised language tasks based on authentic materials. It supports students who wish to progress to higher education or careers where Arabic is used as a medium of communication, encouraging cultural understanding, grammatical accuracy and lexical competence.
Subject content breakdown
3.1 Unit 1: Understanding and Written Response
- Read and respond to authentic Arabic texts covering different contexts, styles, and genres
- Demonstrate understanding of Arabic grammar and lexis through gap-filling and sentence manipulation
- Write a 240–280 word essay in Arabic based on a stimulus and bullet points
- General topic areas:
- Youth culture and concerns
- Lifestyle, health and fitness
- Environment and travel
- Education and employment
3.2 Unit 2: Writing and Research
- Translate a short English passage into Arabic
- Write a 240–280 word essay in Arabic on a creative or discursive topic based on a stimulus
- Write a 300–400 word research-based essay in Arabic from a set list of topics, texts, or films
- General topic areas:
- Youth culture and concerns
- Lifestyle, health and fitness
- Environment and travel
- Education and employment
- Technology in the Arabic-speaking world
- Society in the Arabic-speaking world
- Ethics in the Arabic-speaking world
3.3 Grammar List
- Covers both straightforward and complex structures including: noun cases, verb forms (I–X), conditional tenses, negation, demonstratives, relative pronouns, vocalisation system, and use of idiomatic expressions
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Understanding and Written Response
- Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 80 marks total
- Section A: Reading – respond to different Arabic texts using mixed response types
- Section B: Grammar – gap-fill and sentence manipulation tasks, plus vocalisation
- Section C: Essay – 240–280 words in Arabic based on a stimulus and bullet points
Unit 2: Writing and Research
- Written exam: 3 hours
- 80 marks total
- Section A: Translation – short English-to-Arabic translation
- Section B: Creative/Discursive Essay – 240–280 words based on stimulus with choice of format
Section C: Research-based Essay – 300–400 words on a prescribed topic, text, or film with two questions offered per item
- Assessments available in January and June
- IAL grading: A*–E; IAS grading: A–E
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel International A Level (IAL) 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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