Last week I chatted a bit about the importance of knowing what the English Language IGCSE specification expects from each student. This week I will be focusing on the actual Edexcel English IGCSE Exam. Knowing how the Edexcel English IGCSE Exam is set out means there will be no nasty surprises when your child takes the exam. Each exam paper is written in exactly the same way. The only thing that changes is the literary content.
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English Language Specification A
This qualification consists of two exams. Paper one is based on non-fiction texts and transactional writing. Paper two is on poetry and prose texts and imaginative writing.
Edexcel English IGCSE Exam Paper One
As mentioned above, paper one is based on one unseen non-fictional text, one seen non-fictional text (from anthology) and a choice between two transactional writing tasks. The paper is divided into two parts. The first part (A) focuses on the non-fictional texts whilst the second part (B) focuses on the transactional writing. Instructions suggest the examinee spends 1 hour and 30 minutes on part A and 45 minutes on part B. However, both parts carry a maximum of 45 marks. The extra time given in part A is to allow the student time to read the texts, particularly the unseen one.
Paper One Breakdown
Section A {Non-Fiction Texts – 45 marks}
First Question (2 marks) – Read selected lines from text 1 (unseen). Select two words or phrases which show or demonstrate something
Second Question (4 marks) – Read selected passage from Text 1 (unseen) and summarise in your own words
Third Question (5 marks) – Read selected lines from Text 1 (unseen). Describe something from the text and support your answer with brief quotes (of a maximum of two to three words)
Fourth Question (12 marks) – Read text 2 (seen in anthology). Analyse how the writer uses language and structure to achieve particular effects. Support your answers through close referencing of the text and brief quotes.
Fifth Question (22 mark) – Comparison based on both texts (unseen and seen). Compare and contrast how the writers present their ideas and perspectives. Support your answer with detailed examples from both texts including short quotes.
Section B {Transactional Writing – 45 Marks}
A choice of two questions. Write in the given format, adapting your language and tone to suit your audience and purpose. Two of the following formats will be offered: article, leaflet, letter, review, report and speech. I will be going into each of these in depth in future posts.
Edexcel English IGCSE Exam Paper
Paper two is 1 hour and 30 minutes long and is divided into two parts. Section A (reading) is based on a seen text of either poetry or prose from the anthology. It is worth 30 marks and you should spend around 45 minutes on this task, including reading the text. Section B (writing) is an imaginative writing task from a choice of three. It is worth 30 marks and you should spend 45 minutes on this section.
Paper Two Breakdown
Section A {Poetry and Prose – 30 marks}
Re-read a seen text from the poetry and prose section of the anthology. Read the question and the three bullet points given to guide you. Analyse how the writer uses language and structure to achieve particular effects. Support your answers through close referencing of the text and brief quotes.
Section B {Imaginative Writing – 30 marks}
Read questions 3, 4 and 5 and choose one to answer. This is an imaginative writing task based off one of three writing prompts. Question 4 offers two images, one of which you may choose to base your writing on. Write according to your specific audience and purpose.
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In future posts, I will be focusing in on one specific part of the specification. I will be giving lots of tips and tricks to applying that knowledge in the exam.
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