English Language 

  1. resource

iGCSE English Language is a subject that often students feel they cannot 'revise' for, however, using the tips and resources below consistently, you will be able to prepare yourself in the best possible way ahead of your summer exams. 

iGCSE English Language Course Specification:

It is important to understand the formats, methods, and requirements for your IGCSE English Language assessment to help you prepare in a targeted way. At BISAD, the examination board for English Language is Pearson Edexcel iGCSE (9-1) and the specification is attached below:

iGCSE English Language Exam Format:

In addition to the two pieces of coursework you have submitted for your English Language component, you will also sit one examination at the end of Year 11. This exam paper is 2 hours and 15 minutes long and will assess you on your reading and writing skills. The breakdown below summarises what is assessed in both sections of the paper:

Paper 1

Time

What is assessed?

Section A – Reading

1 hour and 30 minutes

Students will be required to answer five questions on one unseen non-fiction text and one non-fiction anthology text. This is for a total of 45 marks.

Section B – Writing

45 minutes

Students are offered two questions but are only required to answer one. This is for a total of 45 marks.

Top Tips for iGCSE English Revision and Preparation:

If you are consistent with implementing the tips below until your summer exams, you will be successful in reaching your targets. Suggestions for wider reading and links to past papers can be found in the sections below. 

iGCSE English Language Past Papers:

Past exam papers provide invaluable insights to the type of questions you'll encounter, which will help you prepare more effectively. Once you have a thorough understanding of each of your anthology texts, practise with as many past papers in timed conditions. Past papers for Language Paper 1 can be accessed here: Edexcel International GCSE English Language A | Pearson qualifications

iGCSE English Language Resources for Revision:

Read one short story a week here: 13 Short Stories From Classic Novelists You Can Read Over Lunch or here: Englishlibrary.org

Read one opinion article a week here: Opinion | The Guardian or a famous speech here: American Rhetoric: The Power of Oratory in the United States

For a question-by-question breakdown on Language paper 1, use the guidance on this website: Paper 1 Overview - Edexcel IGCSE English Language A

Watch Mrs Rumsey videos for further analysis on the non-fiction texts: 

Finally, please remember to keep dropping in to see your English teachers - we want to see you and we want to help!



Last updated on 24/04/2025

Last updated by

Ben Stanier