Skip to content
Marlbridge

Pearson Edexcel · IGCSE

Pearson Edexcel IGCSE English Literature

English Literature for Pearson Edexcel IGCSE (syllabus 4ET1) — what the qualification covers, and the study material Marlbridge publishes for it.

Syllabus
4ET1
Board
Pearson Edexcel
Qualification
IGCSE

At a glance

Qualification
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE English Literature
Spec code
4ET1
Does Marlbridge teach it?
Yes
Are resources available?
Yes — 6 published
Is enrolment open?
Enquire to join — no online enrolment yet
Where was this verified?
2026-08-19, official Pearson Edexcel specification

Compiled and maintained by the Marlbridge Academic Team, checked against the official Pearson Edexcel specification on 2026-08-19.

Spotted something wrong on this page? Report an error — see the corrections policy.

The qualification

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Literature (4ET1)

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Literature develops learners’ understanding and enjoyment of literature through the study of poetry, prose and drama from a range of authors, periods and cultures. — Pearson Edexcel, official syllabus page

For first teaching 2016. Students take Component 1 (Poetry and Modern Prose) plus EITHER Component 2 (Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts, examined) OR Component 3 (Coursework, the alternative to Component 2). A modular version (4XET1) also exists.

Specifications change between examination series. Always confirm the current syllabus and assessment structure on the Pearson Edexcel syllabus page for your examination year.

Assessment structure

Component-based qualification

Assessment components for Pearson Edexcel English Literature 4ET1
Component Duration Marks Weighting Type
4ET1/01: Component 1: Poetry and Modern Prose 2h 90 60% Written exam
4ET1/02: Component 2: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts (examined) 1h 30m 60 40% * Written exam
4ET1/03: Component 3: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts (coursework) — 60 40% * Coursework

* Candidates sit one of the components marked with an asterisk, not all of them.

Source: official Pearson Edexcel specification, verified 2026-08-28. Directly confirmed against the official PDF (Specification Issue 2, November 2017): students complete Component 1 (compulsory) plus EITHER Component 2 OR Component 3 -- both alternatives carry identical marks (60) and weighting (40%), fitting the existing alternativeGroup mechanism. Component 1 (2h, 90 marks, 60%, closed book): poetry collection + modern prose text. Component 2 (1h30, 60 marks, 40%, externally assessed, open book): Section A modern drama (30 marks) + Section B literary heritage text (30 marks). Component 3 (60 marks total -- 30 marks per assignment, 40%, internally set and assessed, externally moderated by Pearson): two coursework assignments, the alternative to Component 2. A separate modular version (4XET1) also exists and is not modeled here. First teaching September 2016, first examination June 2018.

Assessment FAQs

How is Pearson Edexcel English Literature (4ET1) assessed?

Pearson Edexcel English Literature (4ET1) is assessed through: 4ET1/01 (Component 1: Poetry and Modern Prose) — 2h, 90 marks, 60% of the qualification; 4ET1/02 (Component 2: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts (examined)) — 1h 30m, 60 marks, 40% of the qualification; 4ET1/03 (Component 3: Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts (coursework)) — no fixed duration, 60 marks, 40% of the qualification. It is a component based qualification. Source: official Pearson Edexcel specification, verified 2026-08-28.

The subject

English Literature teaching and study resources, organised by level, board and topic.

All English Literature at Marlbridge

Syllabus topics

The 2 topics below are the official subject content of Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Literature (4ET1), for the For first teaching 2016 examination series, reproduced from the Pearson Edexcel syllabus document.

A topic listed here is part of the syllabus. It does not mean Marlbridge has published material for it — topics with resources are marked. Marlbridge currently has resources for 2 of 2 topics.

  1. 1 Component 1 – Poetry and Modern Prose

    3 Marlbridge resources

  2. 2 Component 2 – Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts

    3 Marlbridge resources

Source: Pearson Edexcel — International GCSE English Literature (9–1) specification at qualifications.pearson.com — For first teaching 2016 series. Verified 2026-08-19. Always check the current syllabus for your examination year.

Study resources

Revision material

Exam preparation

English Literature at other qualifications

These are separate qualifications with different syllabuses and assessments — not different names for the same course. Check which one your school enters you for.

Related articles

Studying Pearson Edexcel IGCSE English Literature? Tell us where the difficulty is.

Find Learning Support