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International GCSE English Literature: the papers and the AOs
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Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Literature (4ET1) has one closed-book exam, plus either an open-book exam or coursework.
Paper 1: Poetry and Modern Prose (60%)
2 hours, 90 marks, closed book. The anthology poems are provided in the exam.
Paper 2 or Paper 3 (40%)
Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes, 60 marks, open book (you may take a clean, unmarked copy of the prescribed edition of each text).
Paper 3 is the coursework alternative: two assignments, set and marked by your school and moderated by Pearson.
Paper 3 is the coursework alternative: two assignments, set and marked by your school and moderated by Pearson.
The assessment objectives
AO1: close knowledge and understanding of texts, critical style, informed personal engagement.
AO2: analyse language, form and structure to create meanings and effects.
AO3: explore links and connections between texts (comparison).
AO4: understand relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written.
Note: these numbers differ from the UK GCSE, where AO3 is context.
AO2: analyse language, form and structure to create meanings and effects.
AO3: explore links and connections between texts (comparison).
AO4: understand relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written.
Note: these numbers differ from the UK GCSE, where AO3 is context.
Which AOs matter most in the modern prose essay?
- Section C is worth 40 marks.
- It assesses AO1 and AO4.
- So you need detailed knowledge of the text and clear understanding of its context.
Answer: AO1 (knowledge and response) and AO4 (context).
Paper 1 (2 h, closed book, 60%): unseen AO2, anthology AO2+AO3, modern prose AO1+AO4. Paper 2 (1 h 30, open book) or Paper 3 coursework (40%): drama AO1+AO2, heritage AO1+AO2+AO4. AO3 = links between texts; AO4 = context.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
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