International GCSE (IGCSE) - Free Past Papers & Mark Schemes
Past papers for International GCSE English Language A: non-fiction reading and transactional writing in Paper 1, poetry and prose and imaginative writing in Paper 2. Download free IGCSE English Language question papers and mark schemes from Edexcel. All papers are available instantly with no sign-up required.
Understanding the exam structure helps you target your revision effectively. Here is a breakdown of each paper:
Component 1, taken by every student.
Component 2, the written-exam alternative to the coursework option (Component 3).
The following topics are covered across the English Language IGCSE syllabus:
Every student takes Component 1, Non-fiction Texts and Transactional Writing: a 2 hour 15 minute exam of 90 marks, 60% of the qualification. Its reading section is on one non-fiction text from Part 1 of the Anthology and one unseen extract, and its writing section is one transactional task from a choice of two. Students then take either Component 2, a 1 hour 30 minute exam, or Component 3, coursework marked in school and moderated externally. Both are called Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing, worth 60 marks and 40%.
Paper 2 is Component 2, in two 30-mark sections: one essay question on a poetry or prose text from Part 2 of the Anthology, and one imaginative writing task from a choice of three.
Half. Communicating effectively and imaginatively, adapting form, tone and register, carries 30% of the marks, and writing clearly and accurately, with a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, 20%. Analysing how writers use language and structure carries 20%, and reading for information and comparing writers' ideas 15% each.
An optional assessment of speaking and listening. It does not count towards the International GCSE grade: a student who completes it has it reported on the certificate as a separate grade.