Unit 1 (4WEA1/01) is 60% of Edexcel modular IGCSE English Language — 2 hours 15 minutes, 90 marks: non-fiction reading plus transactional writing. Many schools sit this unit first, so strong Unit 1 performance builds confidence before Unit 2.

Hub: modular English · Reading skills · Transactional writing.

Paper structure (typical)

Section	Skills	Tips
A Reading	Comprehension, analysis, comparison on anthology + unseen	Precise quotes; writer’s effect language
B Transactional	One task from choice — letter, article, speech, etc.	Format, audience, tone

Texts come from Part 1 of the Pearson anthology plus an unseen extract — anthology guide.

Four-week Unit 1 plan

Week	Focus
1	Anthology Part 1 notes + 2 short questions
2	Unseen practice + writer’s effect bank
3	Transactional formats — one full Section B
4	Full 4WEA1/01 timed + mark scheme

Use Past Paper Timer for 2h 15m discipline.

After Unit 1 (before Unit 2)

• File your error log — plan a unit resit if needed.
• Do not stop reading until cash-in — Unit 2 still tests analysis.

Resources

• 4EA1 past papers (skills overlap with 4WEA1)
• 4EA1 exam trends
• Free English notes

Frequently asked questions

Unit 1 same as linear Paper 1?

Same skill set; confirm modular mark scheme for your series.

Worth 60% — how hard to pass?

Unit 2 still matters (40%); balance revision across both.

Resit Unit 1?

Unit resit guide.

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