See how it works
Watch a tutor work through a question.
Say what you're studying, choose a tutor, then work through your homework step by step, take a quick quiz or call your tutor. This one is IGCSE Maths, and every subject works the same way.
The essentials
How Pearson Edexcel International GCSE works
- Grading
- 9 (highest) to 1, from your total mark across the papers. Individual papers aren’t graded.
- Exam series
- June and November. There is no January series any more. Computer Science and the regional papers some countries sit are June only.
- Tiers
- Maths A has Foundation (grades 5–1) and Higher (9–4) tiers. The sciences, Computer Science and English Language A aren’t tiered.
Separate sciences or Double Award
Paper 1 in Biology, Chemistry and Physics is also the paper for Science (Double Award): Double Award students take all three Paper 1s. Separate-science students add a Paper 2 in each subject, which covers the bold content. Tell your tutor which route you’re on and it keeps to the right content.
From Pearson Edexcel’s published information, checked 2026-10-20. Official source
Command words
Know what the question is asking.
Each question starts with a command word that tells you what kind of answer earns the marks. These are Pearson Edexcel’s own definitions. Ask your tutor to practise any of them.
- Calculate
- Obtain a numerical answer, showing relevant working.
- Describe
- To give an account of something. Statements in the response need to be developed, as they are often linked but do not need to include a justification or reason.
- Explain
- An explanation requires a justification/exemplification of a point. The answer must contain some element of reasoning/justification – this can include mathematical explanations.
- Deduce
- Draw/reach conclusion(s) from the information provided.
- Determine
- The answer must have an element that is quantitative from the stimulus provided, or must show how the answer can be reached quantitatively.
- Suggest
- Use your knowledge to propose a solution to a problem in a novel context.
- Evaluate
- Review information (e.g. data, methods) then bring it together to form a conclusion, drawing on evidence including strengths, weaknesses, alternative actions, relevant data or information.
- Give/State/Name
- All of these command words are really synonyms. They generally all require recall of one or more pieces of information.
FAQ
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE questions, answered.
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