Qualification
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
International GCSE English Language A specification 4EA1.
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE · English Language A · Specification 4EA1
Online IGCSE English Language Course
Study Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language at home
through structured online lessons covering non-fiction reading,
transactional writing, poetry and prose analysis, and imaginative
writing. Start at any time and work at a pace that fits your plans.
Immediate access to the online course
23 lessons across five English modules
Optional tutor marking, tutorials and printed materials
Start your English course
£14.99 / month
Today’s payment:
£24.99
Includes:
- Course materials subscription
- Academic induction session and booking fee
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£14.99 per month
🔒 Minimum 6 months subscription applies.
Course overview
English Language IGCSE course at a glance
Prepare for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language A
through a structured home-study course that develops confident
reading, analysis and writing across a wide range of purposes,
audiences and literary forms.
Course structure
5 modules · 23 lessons
Study non-fiction, transactional writing, poetry, prose and imaginative writing.
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
12 assignments
Ten tutor-marked assignments followed by two complete practice examination papers.
Assessment
2 written papers
Paper 1 lasts 2 hours 15 minutes and Paper 2 lasts 90 minutes.
Core skills
Reading, analysis and writing
Develop close-reading, comparison, persuasive writing, imaginative writing and technical accuracy.
Assessment and grading
Exams only · Grades 9–1
Private candidates take two written papers, with Grade 9 representing the highest achievement.
Communication skills for study, work and everyday life
The course develops the ability to understand complex texts, express ideas clearly and adapt your writing for different purposes and audiences, providing valuable preparation for further study and many other subjects.
How it works
How your IGCSE English Language course works
Study through a clear sequence of online lessons, reading activities, writing tasks and assessments designed to build your English skills progressively and prepare you for both written examination papers.
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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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Work through structured lessons
Each lesson sets out clear aims and combines course notes, anthology texts, close-reading guidance, activities and writing practice linked to the Pearson Edexcel 4EA1 specification.
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Develop your own responses
Activities and self-assessment tasks help you practise analysing writers’ methods, comparing viewpoints and producing effective transactional and imaginative writing.
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Prepare for your examinations
Complete two full practice papers to develop your timing, planning, textual analysis, writing control and confidence under examination conditions.
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 Language course content
The course is organised into five modules and 23 structured lessons, progressing from non-fiction reading and comparison to transactional, analytical and imaginative writing.
Module 1 Non-Fiction Anthology Reading Begin by developing close-reading skills and analysing how non-fiction writers communicate ideas, experiences and perspectives. 5 lessons
- Introduction to Reading Non-Fiction
- Reading for Meaning
- Non-Fiction Anthology — Emma Levine
- Non-Fiction Anthology — Kari Herbert
- Non-Fiction Anthology — Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Module 2 Comparing Non-Fiction and Unseen Texts Analyse anthology extracts alongside unseen material, comparing writers’ ideas, viewpoints, language and structural choices. 5 lessons
- Non-Fiction Anthology and Unseen — Benjamin Zephaniah
- Non-Fiction Anthology and Unseen — Aron Ralston
- Non-Fiction Anthology and Unseen — Jamie Zeppa
- Non-Fiction Anthology and Unseen — George Alagiah
- Non-Fiction Anthology and Unseen — Steven Morris
Module 3 Transactional Writing Learn to communicate clearly and persuasively for different audiences, purposes and forms, including argument, advice, information and explanation. 4 lessons
- Transactional Writing
- Persuasive Texts
- Writing to Argue and Advise
- Writing to Inform and Explain
Module 4 Poetry and Prose Anthology Texts Explore poetry and prose from the Edexcel Anthology, examining language, structure, voice, setting, character and literary effect. 5 lessons
- The Necklace and Out, Out—
- Night and Disabled
- The Story of an Hour and Still I Rise
- Whistle and I’ll Come to You and The Bright Lights of Sarajevo
- Significant Cigarettes and An Unknown Girl
Module 5 Imaginative Writing Finish by developing narrative voice, structure, description and imagined experiences before completing your two practice examination papers. 4 lessons
- Introduction to Imaginative Writing
- Imaginative Writing: How It Is Told
- Imagined Experiences
- Developing Narrative
Practice Exam — Paper 1
Practice Exam — Paper 2
Read closely, think critically and write with confidence
The course develops reading and writing together, helping you recognise effective techniques in published texts and apply that understanding to your own analytical, transactional and imaginative writing.
Exams and assessment
How the IGCSE English Language course is assessed
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language A is assessed through two written examination papers for private candidates. Together they assess non-fiction reading, literary analysis, transactional writing and imaginative writing.
Paper 1 · Non-Fiction Texts and Transactional Writing
4EA1/01
2 hours 15 minutes
Exam duration
90 marks
Available marks
60%
Of the qualification
Section A assesses an anthology non-fiction text alongside a previously unseen extract. Section B requires one transactional writing response from a choice of two tasks.
Paper 2 · Poetry, Prose and Imaginative Writing
4EA1/02
90 minutes
Exam duration
60 marks
Available marks
40%
Of the qualification
Section A contains one essay question on a poetry or prose anthology text. Section B requires one imaginative writing response from a choice of three tasks.
Private candidates
Two written papers
The internally assessed coursework route is not available to external candidates using this course.
Anthology texts
Relevant extracts are provided
The anthology text needed for each examination question is supplied as part of the examination paper.
Writing accuracy
Technical control matters
Spelling, punctuation, grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure and paragraphing contribute to the writing marks.
Spoken Language
Optional endorsement
The optional Spoken Language Endorsement is reported separately and is not supported through this course.
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 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 textual analysis, organisation, argument, style, accuracy and the effectiveness of your written responses.
Exam preparation
Mock exam marking
Complete full examination-style papers and receive feedback focused on timing, question selection, close analysis, planning and examination technique.
Ongoing guidance
Email Tutor Support
Ask subject questions by email while working through the course and receive help with difficult texts, analytical techniques or writing tasks.
Live tuition
One-to-one tutorials
Book an individual online session with a tutor to discuss a text, improve a piece of writing or prepare for a particular examination question.
Printed materials
English course pack
Add a printed, spiral-bound copy of the course materials if you prefer to read, annotate and plan written responses away from the screen.
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 learning support
Prospective students can compare the different support services. Existing students can purchase course-specific add-ons through their account.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the IGCSE English Language course
Find answers about starting the course, anthology texts, examinations, course materials and the additional support available.
Can I start the English 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.
Do I need previous experience of English Language?
No specialist previous study is required. Students should be able to read and write in English, but the course develops analytical and writing skills progressively from the opening lessons.
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 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 Language A specification 4EA1.
How is the course organised?
The course contains five modules and 23 lessons. It also includes ten tutor-marked assignments and two complete practice examination papers.
Do I need to buy a textbook or anthology?
No compulsory textbook is required. A copy of the Pearson Edexcel English Language Anthology is provided with the course materials or can be downloaded. An additional Pearson student book is available as an optional extra.
Can private candidates complete coursework instead?
No. External candidates using this course take Paper 1 and Paper 2. The internally assessed coursework component is not available through the private-candidate route.
Is tutor marking and support included?
Tutor marking is not included in the monthly subscription. Optional support includes individual assignment marking, marking bundles, Email Tutor Support and one-to-one online tutorials.
How are the examinations structured?
Paper 1 lasts 2 hours 15 minutes, carries 90 marks and is worth 60% of the qualification. Paper 2 lasts 90 minutes, carries 60 marks and is worth the remaining 40%.
Can this course prepare me for A Level English?
Yes. The course develops close-reading, analytical and writing skills that provide useful preparation for further study in English Language, English Literature and other essay-based subjects.
Course materials
No compulsory textbook required
The Oxford Home Schooling English Language course contains the core
teaching material, reading guidance and activities needed to prepare
for the Pearson Edexcel 4EA1 examinations.
The Edexcel English Language Anthology
The Pearson Edexcel anthology texts required for the course are supplied with the course pack or can be downloaded. Relevant anthology texts are also provided within the examination papers.
Optional additional reading
Students who would like additional practice may use the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language A Student Book by Pam Taylor, Roger Addison and others, ISBN 9780435182564. This book is optional rather than compulsory.
Ready to begin?
Start your online IGCSE English Language course
Enrol at any time and begin working towards the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language A 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 course
Return to the enrolment panel to review today’s payment and add the course to your basket.