Skimming
Quickly read for general meaning and topic.
Read the title → first sentence of each paragraph → conclusion → identify main idea in 30 seconds Use for matching headings, identifying topic and gist questions.
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE ESL 4ES1
📝 Pearson Edexcel IGCSE English as a Second Language Reference Sheet 2026
Reading skills, writing structures (email, article, blog, formal letter), listening strategies and grammar essentials — your complete Pearson Edexcel IGCSE ESL 4ES1 reference for 2026.
Reading Skills Writing Tasks Listening Grammar Essentials
Our reference sheets are free to download — save this one as PDF for offline revision.
Aligned with the latest 2026 syllabus and board specifications. This sheet is prepared to match your exam board’s official specifications for the 2026 exam series.
All the Core Edexcel IGCSE ESL Techniques in One Place
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English as a Second Language (4ES1) is assessed through two papers — Paper 1: Listening, and Paper 2: Reading & Writing combined. This reference sheet brings every text type, exam strategy, vocabulary bank and grammar essential together so you can plan, structure and check your responses with confidence.
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Reading skills: skim, scan, infer, multiple matching, summary writing
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Writing structures for email, article, blog and formal letter
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Listening exam strategies and common question types
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Grammar essentials and vocabulary by Edexcel topic
Reading Skills (Paper 2 Section A — Reading)
Different question types need different reading strategies. Identify the type, then apply the right technique.
Scanning
Look for specific information (names, dates, numbers, key words).
Identify keywords in the question → eyes move quickly across the text → stop at synonyms or paraphrases Use for short-answer questions, true/false and locate-and-extract.
Reading for Detail / Inference
Careful, slow reading where the answer is implied, not stated.
Read full sentence → understand context → identify words that signal opinion, attitude or reason Pay attention to: 'although', 'however', 'despite', 'unfortunately' — these often signal inference.
Multiple Matching
Match statements, headings or people to texts/sections.
Read all options first → eliminate clearly wrong ones → look for paraphrasing, NOT word matching Beware distractors — wrong options often contain a word from the text.
Summary Writing
Write a summary based on identified points from the text.
1. Identify required focus (e.g. benefits AND drawbacks) → 2. Bullet relevant points → 3. Connect with linking words → 4. Stay within word limit Paraphrase — DO NOT copy whole phrases from the text. Use connectives: also, in addition, however, furthermore.
Writing — Email Structure (Paper 2 Section B)
Edexcel gives the recipient and a set of bullet-point cues. Cover ALL cues thoroughly with extension and development.
Informal Email
To a friend or family member — friendly register.
Opening
'Hi [Name]' / 'Hey [Name]' — a chatty opener: 'How are things?', 'Hope you're well!' Body (bullet cues)
One paragraph per bullet point. Develop each with detail, opinion, examples and connectives. Closing
'Anyway, write back soon!' / 'Looking forward to hearing from you.' Sign off: 'Take care', 'Lots of love', 'Bye for now' Use contractions (I'm, don't), informal phrases, exclamation marks. Avoid slang.
Formal Email
To a teacher, employer or unknown professional — neutral/formal register.
Opening
'Dear Mr./Ms. [Surname]' or 'Dear Sir/Madam' if name unknown Body
Clear paragraph per topic. Polite phrasing: 'I would like to inquire about...', 'Could you please...' Closing
'I look forward to your reply.' / 'Thank you for your time.' Sign off: 'Yours sincerely' (named) or 'Yours faithfully' (Sir/Madam) Writing — Article, Blog & Formal Letter
Edexcel's extended writing task is one of these text types. Match register, structure and signposting to the audience.
Article (for a magazine, newspaper or school website)
Engaging, opinion-led writing for a wide reader audience.
Title
Catchy, eye-catching headline — not just the topic word Opening
Hook: rhetorical question, surprising fact, or short anecdote Body
Paragraphs developing opinion with examples — use first/second person to engage reader Closing
Memorable final line — call to action or thought-provoking statement Blog Post (for a personal or themed blog)
Informal, reflective and personal — written as if talking directly to the reader.
Title
Catchy and personal — 'My Week of Living Without Plastic' Opening
Set the scene quickly — 'Last weekend, something happened that completely changed my mind...' Body
Mostly first person · short paragraphs · contractions · rhetorical questions to reader · examples and anecdotes Closing
Invite reader engagement — 'Have you ever tried this? Let me know in the comments!' Formal Letter (to an editor, organisation or official)
Polite, structured, formal register with a clear purpose.
Address
Sender's address top right; date below; recipient's address top left Salutation
Dear Editor / Dear Sir or Madam / Dear Mr/Ms [Surname] Body
Para 1: state purpose · Para 2–3: reasons/examples · Final para: call to action / what you want done Sign-off
Yours faithfully (if Sir/Madam) / Yours sincerely (if named) + your full name Register & Audience Check
Before writing, decide on register and stick to it consistently.
Identify reader (friend? editor? school principal?) → choose register (informal / neutral / formal) → choose appropriate vocabulary, contractions and salutations Mixing registers is one of the top reasons answers lose communication marks.
Listening Skills (Paper 1 — Listening)
You hear each section twice. Use both listens strategically.
Multiple-Choice Listening
Choose the correct answer from given options.
Read all options BEFORE the audio plays · Underline keywords · Listen for paraphrases of options Distractor traps: speakers often mention all options — listen for the FINAL or AGREED answer.
Gap-Fill / Note-Taking
Complete a form, table or notes with information from the audio.
Predict word type before listening (number? day? noun? adjective?) · Spell carefully · Stay within word limit Don't change words you hear — write what's said, not your paraphrase.
Long Recording Strategy
Extended interviews, conversations or talks (multiple questions).
Read all questions before audio starts · Track which question matches which part of the recording · Use second listen to confirm Common Listening Traps
Speaker corrects themselves: 'I meant Tuesday, not Monday' → write Tuesday Speaker disagrees: 'I don't think so' / 'Actually...' → flips meaning Numbers: distinguish 13/30, 14/40, etc. by listening to the stress Grammar Essentials for ESL Top Bands
Examiners reward range AND accuracy. Use a variety of structures and check your work.
Tense Use
Present simple
Habits, facts: 'I play football every Saturday.' Present continuous
Now / temporary: 'I am studying for IGCSE.' Past simple
Completed past: 'I went to Paris last year.' Past continuous
Background past action: 'I was reading when she called.' Present perfect
Past with present relevance: 'I have lived here for 5 years.' Future (will/going to)
Predictions vs plans Conditionals
Zero
If + present, present — 'If you heat ice, it melts.' (general truths) First
If + present, will — 'If it rains, I'll stay home.' (likely future) Second
If + past, would — 'If I had money, I would travel.' (hypothetical) Third
If + past perfect, would have — 'If I had studied, I would have passed.' (regret) Reported Speech
Direct: 'I am tired.' → Reported: She said (that) she was tired. (tense shift back) Direct: 'I will go.' → Reported: He said he would go. Time changes: now → then · today → that day · tomorrow → the next day · here → there Passive Voice
Active: They built the house. → Passive: The house was built (by them). Useful for formal writing and reports — focuses on the action, not the agent.
Common Linking Words
Adding
and, also, in addition, furthermore, moreover, besides Contrasting
but, however, although, despite, on the other hand, whereas Cause/Effect
because, since, as, so, therefore, consequently, as a result Examples
for example, for instance, such as, namely, in particular Sequencing
first(ly), then, next, after that, finally, in conclusion Common Errors to Check
Subject-verb agreement (he goes, not he go) Articles (a, an, the) — most common ESL error Prepositions (depend ON, interested IN, good AT) Spelling — homophones (their/there/they're) Capitalisation — proper nouns and start of sentences Vocabulary by Edexcel Topic
Build a vocabulary bank for each topic — examiners reward range, precision and topic-appropriate language.
Home, Family & Daily Life
relatives, household chores, routine, share a room, get along with, look after, keep in touch, family ties School, Education & Future Plans
syllabus, deadline, revise, sit an exam, pass with flying colours, fall behind, apply for university, career path, gap year Work & Money
part-time job, employer, wage/salary, save up, budget, afford, make ends meet, spend wisely, charity donation Travel, Holidays & Transport
destination, sightseeing, accommodation, tour guide, departure, delayed, set off, get lost, catch a flight, public transport Health, Sport & Lifestyle
balanced diet, work out, get fit, suffer from, recover, lifestyle change, mental health, screen time, well-being Environment & Global Issues
pollution, climate change, recycling, renewable energy, carbon footprint, endangered species, deforestation, raise awareness Technology & Media
social media, scroll through, post, share, online safety, screen time, fake news, cyberbullying, livestream, video call How to Use This Reference Sheet
Boost your Cambridge exam confidence with these proven study strategies from our tutoring experts.
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Always Plan Before Writing
Spend 3-5 minutes planning your structure (intro, paragraphs, conclusion) before writing. Cover ALL bullet-point cues for the email/article/blog/letter task.
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Read Widely in English
Read English news (BBC, The Guardian), magazine articles and short blogs daily. This builds vocabulary, syntax patterns and reading speed for Paper 2 Section A.
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Train Your Ear
Listen to podcasts and English news (BBC World Service, NPR), watch English films with subtitles. The Paper 1 listening rewards trained ears.
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Always Check Your Work
After writing, spend 2-3 minutes checking: tenses, articles (a/an/the), prepositions, spelling. Most lost marks are avoidable errors.
Reference Sheet FAQ
Quick answers about this free PDF and how to use it for exam revision and active recall.
Is the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE English as a Second Language Reference Sheet 2026 free to download as a PDF?
Yes. This Tutopiya formula sheet is free to use and you can download it as a PDF from this page for offline revision. There is no payment or account required for the PDF download.
What English as a Second Language topics and equations does this formula sheet cover?
This page groups key English as a Second Language formulas in one place for revision. Master Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English as a Second Language (4ES1) with this 2026 reference sheet. Covers reading skills, writing structures (email, article, blog, formal letter), listening strategies, gram… Always cross-check with your official syllabus and past papers for your exam session.
Can I use this instead of the official exam formula booklet in the exam?
No. In the exam you must follow only what your exam board allows in the hall—usually the official formula booklet or data sheet where provided. This page is a revision and teaching aid, not a replacement for board-issued materials.
Who is this formula sheet for (Secondary)?
It is written for students preparing for assessments at Secondary in English as a Second Language, including classroom revision, homework support, and independent study. Teachers and tutors can also share it as a quick reference.
How should I revise with this formula sheet?
Work through past paper questions, quote the correct formula before substituting values, and check units and notation every time. Pair this sheet with timed practice and mark schemes so you see how examiners expect working to be set out.
Where can I get more help with English as a Second Language revision?
Explore Tutopiya’s study tools, past paper finder, and revision checklists linked from our tools hub, or book a trial lesson with a subject specialist for personalised support alongside this formula reference.
Need Help with Edexcel IGCSE ESL Reading & Writing?
Practice Pearson Edexcel-style email, article, blog and formal letter tasks with an experienced ESL tutor. We focus on text-type structure, register, vocabulary range and exam technique.
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This reference sheet aligns with Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English as a Second Language (4ES1) specification content for 2026 examinations.
Always cover ALL bullet-point cues in the Paper 2 writing tasks. Missing a cue puts a ceiling on your communication mark.