A Level 2026 Exam Trends: Pearson Edexcel International A Level English Language

Pearson Edexcel International A Level English Language is assessed with Unit 1 (language variation, analysis), Unit 2 (child language, writing), Unit 3 (language in the media, etc.). Check the current spec for exact unit titles. Here are recent trends for 2026.

Paper format and structure

• Structure is unchanged for 2025–2026: analysis of unseen/set texts (grammar, lexis, discourse, context) and writing for different purposes/audiences. Linguistic and stylistic terminology are required; evidence (quotation) + analysis of effect.
• Analysis – grammar, lexis, semantics, discourse, context (audience, purpose, mode). Quotation + explanation of how language creates meaning/effect; generic comments score low.
• Writing – adaptation to form, audience, purpose; content and organisation; accuracy (SPAG) and range of expression.

Question types and topics that keep coming up

• Text analysis: Unseen or set texts; language (word class, clause structure, figurative language); context (register, genre, audience); comparison of texts (similarities/differences in language and effect). Quotation + precise linguistic analysis (e.g. “modal verb suggests…”).
• Composition/Writing: Argumentative or discursive; structure (intro, development, conclusion); evidence and reasoning; tone and register appropriate to task. Different forms (e.g. article, letter, speech); audience and purpose clear; SPAG.
• Language concepts – acquisition, change, variety (where on spec); application to data or text with correct terminology.

Are papers getting easier or harder?

• Standards are maintained via grade boundaries. Reports cite quotation without linguistic analysis, vague “effect” comments, writing that doesn’t match form/audience, and terminology errors.
• No reported shift in difficulty; precision in analysis and control in writing are key.

Similarity to past papers and predictability

• Format and style match past Edexcel International series. Past papers are a good guide to analysis and writing demands.
• Text types are predictable from the spec; exact texts are not. Marking focus (evidence, linguistic analysis, form/audience) is consistent.

Examiner expectations and marking

• Analysis: Quotation + explanation using linguistic/stylistic terms; effect on reader/meaning. Generic (“the writer uses language”) scores low. Writing: Form, audience, purpose; content and organisation; SPAG. Marking consistent with past series.

Assessment style and skills in demand

• Close analysis – evidence-based; linguistic and stylistic terminology; context (audience, purpose). Writing – adaptation to task; accuracy and range; argument and structure.

Focus areas for 2026 revision

1. Analysis – quote + linguistic analysis (grammar, lexis, discourse); effect on meaning/reader.
2. Terminology – word class, clause, register, genre; use precisely.
3. Writing – form, audience, purpose; planning and paragraphing; SPAG.
4. Comparison – similarities and differences with evidence from both texts.
5. Past papers – analysis and writing under timed conditions.

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Based on current specification and examiner reports. Always use the latest Pearson Edexcel International A Level English Language specification for your series.