International GCSE · Edexcel · English Language A
Edexcel International GCSE English Language A (4EA1) past papers, marked against the Pearson mark scheme
36 past papers for Paper 1 and Paper 2, from June 2018 to June 2025. Answer a reading question or a writing task, get it marked against the Pearson mark scheme with feedback, then rewrite it and have it marked again.
Studying AQA GCSE English Language (8700) instead? Go to the AQA GCSE course.
What you'll study
The 4EA1 papers on Markaroo
18 past papers, 126 questions: 10 of Paper 01 and 8 of the UK version 01R.
- Section A: short retrieval questions on Text One, the unseen text
- Section A: language and structure in Text Two, from the Anthology
- Section A: comparing the two texts
- Section B: transactional writing, one task from a choice of two
18 past papers, 72 questions: 10 of Paper 02 and 8 of the UK version 02R.
- Section A: an essay on one Anthology poem or prose text
- Section B: imaginative writing, one task from a choice of three, including a picture prompt
- Anthology texts set so far: The Necklace, An Unknown Girl, Disabled, Still I Rise, The Bright Lights of Sarajevo, The Story of an Hour, “Out, Out—”, Night, Significant Cigarettes and Whistle and I’ll Come to You
Papers come from the June 2018 to June 2025 series, including the January and November series Pearson has published. 01R and 02R are the UK versions of each paper, with different texts and tasks, so they are separate practice papers. Every passage is included as the paper printed it, with its line numbers. No question is held back.
Some series are not included because Pearson has not published a question paper and a mark scheme for them, for example January 2019 and November 2020.
Assessment
How Edexcel International GCSE English Language A is examined
| Paper | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Non-fiction Texts and Transactional Writing (2 hr 15 min) | Section A Reading: three short questions on the unseen Text One, a 12-mark question on the Anthology Text Two and a 22-mark question comparing the two. Section B: one transactional writing task from a choice of two (45 marks) | 90 |
| Paper 2: Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing (1 hr 30 min) | Section A: one essay on an Anthology poem or prose text (30 marks). Section B: one imaginative writing task from a choice of three (30 marks) | 60 |
Answers are marked against the Pearson mark scheme for that question: the short reading questions point by point, the longer reading questions on the level grid, and the writing tasks on both writing grids (AO4 and AO5), with feedback on what to improve. Some centres take the Paper 3 coursework instead of Paper 2. Markaroo never marks your actual coursework (non-exam assessment) submission. You can practise the same skills on past exam questions, but your coursework is marked by your teacher, and that mark is the one that counts.
Markaroo is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson Edexcel. Past papers are attempted and marked inside the app, not offered as downloads.
Questions
Edexcel International GCSE English Language A on Markaroo
Which Edexcel International GCSE English Language A (4EA1) papers does Markaroo cover?
Paper 1, Non-fiction Texts and Transactional Writing, and Paper 2, Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing, including the UK versions 01R and 02R: 36 past papers and 198 questions from June 2018 to June 2025. The Paper 3 coursework is not marked on Markaroo.
How is Edexcel International GCSE English Language A assessed?
Paper 1 lasts 2 hours 15 minutes and is worth 90 marks: Section A has reading questions on an unseen text and a text from the Pearson Anthology, ending with a question comparing the two, and Section B is one transactional writing task. Paper 2 lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and is worth 60 marks: Section A is an essay on one Anthology poem or prose text and Section B is one imaginative writing task. Some centres enter students for the Paper 3 coursework instead of Paper 2.
Can Markaroo mark my coursework?
No. Markaroo never marks your actual coursework (non-exam assessment) submission. You can practise the same skills on past exam questions, but your coursework is marked by your teacher, and that mark is the one that counts. Paper 2’s Anthology essays and imaginative writing tasks are useful practice for the same reading and writing skills.
How does Markaroo mark 4EA1 answers?
Each answer is marked against the Pearson mark scheme for that question: the short Paper 1 reading questions point by point, the longer reading questions on the level grid, and the writing tasks on both writing grids. You get a mark with feedback on what to improve, and you can rewrite your answer and have it marked again.
Is there a free plan for Edexcel International GCSE English Language A on Markaroo?
Yes. The free plan gives you your coach and 2 written answers marked free, with no card required. Plus unlocks unlimited questions, AI essay marking and the rewrite loop from £6.99 a month (add more subjects for £5 each, with a 7-day free trial).