Edexcel IGCSE English Language: Frequent mistakes

Pearson Edexcel Principal Examiner Feedback for English Language (4EA1, 4EB1) identifies recurring weaknesses in analysis, writing and exam technique. Addressing these can improve your grade.

Content vs. technique focus

Describing instead of analysing

A significant number of candidates fail to focus on writers’ techniques and their intended effects in Questions 3 and 6. Instead they describe or retell text content.

Fix: Analyse how language and structure create effects. Quote + technique + effect. “The writer uses [technique] to [effect].”

Generic comments

Weaker candidates make generic comments such as “it makes it more interesting” or “it helps the reader visualize” without clearly explaining the writer’s methods.

Fix: Name the technique (metaphor, repetition, short sentence). Explain the effect. Link to the writer’s purpose.

Copying and lack of originality

Copying extracts

Some candidates copy out all or considerable parts of extracts in response to writing questions (e.g. Question 8). This fails to meet the requirement to produce original work.

Fix: Adapt and transform. Use your own words. Create new content for the audience and purpose specified.

Learned templates

Responses showing evidence of learned templates and inappropriately sophisticated vocabulary that limits candidates’ ability to demonstrate their own skills.

Fix: Write naturally. Use vocabulary you can control. Avoid over-rehearsed phrases that don’t fit the task.

Understanding and time management

Misunderstanding passages

Weaker candidates sometimes struggle to understand passages and questions. They answer the wrong focus or miss the task.

Fix: Read carefully. Underline key words. Check what each question asks.

Not attempting questions

A small number of candidates do not attempt Question 7 (or other questions), suggesting timing problems.

Fix: Allocate time by marks. Leave time for every question. Plan longer answers briefly.

Invalid response methods

Referencing pictures

Some candidates inappropriately reference pictures in their responses, not recognising that pictures are not language or structural devices chosen by writers for effect.

Fix: Analyse language and structure in the text. Ignore images unless the question specifically asks about them.

Planning and structure

Lack of planning

Many candidates do not plan responses to Sections B and C. Examiners note that planning would have benefitted them.

Fix: Spend 2–3 minutes planning. Bullet points. Logical order. Then write.

Where to plan

When planning, do it in the answer booklet rather than on separate sheets. Separate sheets may not be marked.

Fix: Plan in the margin or at the top of the answer space. Cross out if needed.

Writing quality

Brief, incoherent writing

Weaker candidates’ writing is often brief, lacks coherence, and demonstrates weak language control (spelling, grammar, punctuation).

Fix: Develop ideas. Use connectives. Proofread. Vary sentence structure.

How Tutopiya helps

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Based on Pearson Edexcel IGCSE English Language Principal Examiner Feedback (2021–2024).