Qualification
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
International GCSE English Literature specification 4ET1.
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE · Specification 4ET1
Online IGCSE English Literature Course
Study Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Literature at home
through structured online lessons covering literary analysis, poetry,
prose and drama. Explore major set texts, develop confident essay
writing and prepare for both written examination papers.
Immediate access to the online course
23 lessons and 16 poetry worksheets
Optional tutor marking, tutorials and printed materials
Start your English Literature course
£14.99 / month
Today’s payment:
£24.99
Includes:
- Course materials subscription
- Academic induction session and booking fee
Then
£14.99 per month
🔒 Minimum 6 months subscription applies.
Course overview
English Literature IGCSE course at a glance
Prepare for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Literature through a structured home-study course that develops close reading, literary analysis, essay writing and informed personal responses to poetry, prose and drama.
Course structure
6 modules · 23 lessons
Develop literary analysis and essay skills before studying poetry, prose and drama in depth.
Recommended study time
Approximately 200 hours
Work through the course at a pace that suits your timetable and intended examination date.
Enrolment
Start at any time
There is no fixed term date, so you can begin when it suits your study plans.
Assignments
13 assignments
Eleven tutor-marked assignments followed by two complete practice examination papers.
Assessment
2 written papers
Paper 1 lasts two hours and Paper 2 lasts 90 minutes.
Set texts
3 books · 16 anthology poems
Study Of Mice and Men, An Inspector Calls, Romeo and Juliet and the Edexcel poetry anthology.
Entry and grading
Untiered · Grades 9–1
All students take the same examination papers, with Grade 9 representing the highest achievement.
Develop a confident and informed literary voice
The course helps you read closely, analyse how writers create meaning and construct clear, well-supported arguments about poetry, prose and drama.
How it works
How your IGCSE English Literature course works
Study through a clear sequence of online lessons, reading activities, poetry worksheets and assessments designed to build your literary knowledge and essay-writing skills progressively.
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Enrol and start online
Enrol at any time and receive immediate access to your online course. Your included academic induction session helps you understand the course and plan your studies.
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Build your analytical skills
The opening modules develop close reading, comparison, argument, paragraphing and essay planning before you begin detailed study of the examination texts.
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Study the set texts and poetry
Work through guided lessons on prose and drama, together with 16 poetry worksheets covering the Pearson Edexcel anthology poems and unseen-poetry techniques.
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Prepare for your examinations
Complete two full practice papers to develop your timing, textual knowledge, comparison skills and ability to produce sustained literary essays.
Flexible additional support
Add personal support when you need it
The course can be studied independently using the lesson materials and suggested answers. Tutor marking, mock-exam marking, email support, one-to-one tutorials and printed materials can be purchased separately when useful.
What you’ll study
Explore the IGCSE English Literature course content
The course is organised into six modules, 23 lessons and 16 poetry worksheets. It begins with literary analysis and essay technique before moving into detailed study of prose, drama and poetry.
Module 1 Literary Analysis Begin by exploring personal writing, alternative viewpoints, imagery, setting, character and narrative perspective. 5 lessons
- Writing about Yourself
- Comparing Different Versions of an Event
- Imagery and Setting
- Character
- Point of View
Module 2 Essay Technique Develop persuasive argument, effective paragraphing, essay planning and the organisation of supported literary interpretations. 4 lessons
- Persuasion
- Paragraphing
- Planning Essays
- Argument
Module 3 John Steinbeck: Of Mice and Men Study characterisation, themes, structure, plot, style and narrative viewpoint in Steinbeck’s modern prose text. 5 lessons
- Characters and Characterisation (1)
- Characters and Characterisation (2)
- Themes
- Structure and Plot
- Style and Viewpoint
Module 4 William Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet Explore Shakespeare’s dramatic methods, characters, themes and development of the tragedy across all five acts. 4 lessons
- Studying Shakespeare
- The First Two Acts
- Acts III, IV and V
- Characters and Themes
Module 5 Unseen Poetry and the Poetry Anthology Learn how to analyse unfamiliar poems and compare the language, form, structure and contexts of anthology poetry. 1 lesson · 16 worksheets
- Analysing Poems
16 Edexcel Anthology Poetry Worksheets
Module 6 J. B. Priestley: An Inspector Calls Finish with Priestley’s modern drama, exploring its characters, structure, social ideas and final dramatic twist. 4 lessons
- An Inspector Calls: The Curtain Rises
- Act Two
- Act Three and a Twist in the Tale
- Review and Revision
Practice Exam — Paper 1
Practice Exam — Paper 2
Skills first, followed by focused textual study
The opening modules establish the analytical and essay-writing skills needed for the course. Later modules apply those skills to poetry, prose and drama. The modules can also be revisited in a different order when revising individual examination texts.
Exams and assessment
How the IGCSE English Literature course is assessed
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Literature is assessed through two written examination papers for private candidates. Together they assess unseen and anthology poetry, modern prose, modern drama and a literary heritage text.
Paper 1 · Poetry and Modern Prose
4ET1/01
2 hours
Exam duration
90 marks
Available marks
60%
Of the qualification
Paper 1 contains questions on unseen poetry, comparative anthology poetry and the selected modern prose text, Of Mice and Men.
Paper 2 · Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts
4ET1/02
90 minutes
Exam duration
60 marks
Available marks
40%
Of the qualification
Paper 2 contains one essay on An Inspector Calls and one essay on Romeo and Juliet, with a choice of two questions for each text.
Paper 1
Closed-book prose examination
Students may not take their copy of Of Mice and Men into the examination. The required anthology poems are provided.
Paper 2
Clean set texts permitted
Prescribed editions of An Inspector Calls and Romeo and Juliet may be taken into Paper 2 if they contain no notes or annotations.
Coursework
Exam-only route
The internally assessed coursework option is not suitable for private candidates and is not covered by this course.
Entry tier
Untiered examination
All students take the same examination papers rather than choosing Foundation or Higher Tier.
Arranging your examination
Exam entry is arranged separately
Home-educated students normally enter as private candidates at an approved examination centre. Examination entry and centre fees are not included in the course subscription.
Support and add-ons
Add extra English Literature support when you need it
Your course subscription provides the structured online materials needed for independent study. Additional tutor support, marking and printed materials can be purchased separately whenever they would be useful.
Written feedback
Assignment marking
Submit individual assignments and receive detailed tutor feedback on close reading, textual analysis, essay structure, argument, use of evidence and the effectiveness of your written responses.
Assignment marking bundle£98.90
Exam preparation
Mock exam marking
Complete full examination-style papers and receive feedback focused on timing, question choice, comparison, close analysis, essay planning and examination technique.
Mock examination marking bundle£47.50
Ongoing guidance
Email Tutor Support
Ask English Literature questions by email while working through the course and receive help with difficult texts, literary techniques, interpretation or essay writing.
Email Tutor Support£10.00 / month
Live tuition
One-to-one tutorials
Book an individual online session with a tutor to discuss a set text, explore an interpretation, improve an essay or prepare for a particular examination question.
Tutorial time Purchased separately
Printed materials
English Literature course pack
Add a printed, spiral-bound copy of the course materials if you prefer to read, annotate and plan literary essays away from the screen.
Printed course materials£50.00
Flexible by design
Choose only what you need
Add-ons are optional. Study independently, purchase support for selected assignments or combine several services as your needs change.
Explore your options
See all available English Literature support
Prospective students can compare the different support services. Existing students can purchase English Literature marking, tutorials and other course-specific add-ons through their account.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the IGCSE English Literature course
Find answers about starting the course, set texts, poetry, examinations and the additional support available.
Can I start the English Literature course at any time?
Yes. There are no fixed term dates, so you can enrol and begin studying when it suits you. You can then work through the course at a pace that fits your intended examination date.
How long does the course take to complete?
We recommend allowing approximately 200 hours of study. The actual completion time will depend on your existing reading and writing skills, weekly study schedule and chosen examination date.
Which examination specification does the course cover?
The course prepares students for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Literature specification 4ET1.
Which books will I study?
The selected examination texts are John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, J. B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls and William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Do I need to buy copies of the set texts?
Yes. Students need their own copies of all three selected texts. The course recommends specific editions because its page references and examination rules are based on those editions.
Can I take the books into the examinations?
Of Mice and Men cannot be taken into Paper 1. Clean prescribed editions of An Inspector Calls and Romeo and Juliet may be taken into Paper 2.
Do I need to buy the poetry anthology?
The course includes the relevant Pearson Edexcel anthology material and 16 poetry worksheets. The examination also provides the anthology poems needed for the question.
Can private candidates complete coursework?
The course prepares private candidates for Paper 1 and Paper 2. The internally assessed coursework route is designed for schools and is not supported through this course.
Is tutor marking included in the subscription?
Tutor marking is not included in the monthly subscription. Optional support includes individual assignment marking, marking bundles, Email Tutor Support and one-to-one tutorials.
Can this course prepare me for A Level English Literature?
Yes. The course develops close-reading, literary analysis, comparison and essay-writing skills that provide a strong foundation for further study in English Literature and other essay-based subjects.
Ready to begin?
Start your online IGCSE English Literature course
Enrol at any time and begin working towards the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Literature qualification through a structured, flexible home-study course.
- Start studying at any time
- Immediate access to the online course
- Work at a pace that suits your examination plans
Start your English Literature course
Return to the enrolment panel to review today’s payment and add the course to your basket.