Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language A · specification 4EA1 · Component 1 · Free · no account needed
Timed practice and the shape of both papers (4EA1 specification)
The board publishes timings for Component 1. Most learners have never rehearsed to them, and the writing section is where that shows.
Specification coverage
Components 1 and 2
Assessment objectives: AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4, AO5. Suggested learning time: 30 minutes.
Required knowledge
- Component 1 is 2 hours 15 minutes for 90 marks: the specification advises 1 hour 30 minutes for Section A including reading time, and 45 minutes for Section B
- Component 2 is 1 hour 30 minutes for 60 marks: 45 minutes per section
- Writing is 50% of the qualification across the two components
Required skills
- Work to the board's own advised timings
- Leave proofreading time in every writing task
How it is examined
- Full-paper practice under timed conditions
Common mistakes
- Practising reading questions and never writing a timed transactional piece.
- Skipping the plan under time pressure, which costs more than it saves.
- Leaving no proofreading time, which throws away AO5 marks already earned.
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