Understanding the IGCSE Edexcel English Anthology

IGCSE Edexcel English Anthology: Structure & Content

Pearson Edexcel is one of a number of possible exam boards for IGCSE students. For those studying Edexcel IGCSE English, it is crucial to familiarise yourself with the English anthology. The Edexcel anthology is a collection of literary and non-literary works used for study and within the Edexcel IGCSE English examination. The English anthology is split between three components for three separate papers. The first component of the IGCSE Edexcel anthology consists of non-fiction texts; the second component focuses on poetry and prose texts; and the third component is for Paper 3, a non-examined assessment (coursework), and covers both poetry and prose texts. IGCSE Edexcel students will take either Paper 2 or Paper 3, not both. Consequently, they will only be required to study two components of the IGCSE Edexcel English anthology. 

Tips for Annotating the IGCSE Edexcel English Anthology

In each paper, students will be assessed on their ability to evaluate how writers use linguistic and structural devices to achieve desired effects. Therefore, Edexcel IGCSE English students are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of each anthology text. This can be achieved through detailed annotations. When annotating their anthology texts, students should pay close attention to language choices and literary devices. For instance, identifying examples of metaphors, imagery, symbolism, anaphora, and assonance. However, it is imperative that Edexcel English candidates not only pin-point examples of these devices, but also explain their effect in their anthology annotations. An analysis, or explanation, of literary devices can focus on the connotations of certain words, a discussion of the impact on the reader, and an evaluation of how this device contributes to the overall meaning of the text. In addition to literary devices, students should also identify the key themes of each text. 

Studying for the IGCSE Edexcel English Exams

A strong understanding of the English anthology is imperative when students are preparing for the Edexcel IGCSE exams. Not only that, students should also ensure that they fully understand the exam format. This means familiarising themselves with the Edexcel syllabus and the different types of questions for each paper, as well as the assessment objectives and weightings (how marks will be awarded). IGCSE candidates should routinely practice past paper questions to develop their writing skills and identify any gaps in their knowledge. Across their IGCSE English papers, students will be assessed on their analytical, transaction, and creative writing abilities. Past paper questions will, therefore, allow students to develop their writing in various formats, and to improve their grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure. 

Exam Strategies for Using the IGCSE Edexcel English Anthology

Although IGCSE English students are expected to annotate their anthologies in sufficient detail, the amount of content and the variety of texts they are required to learn also means that they may have to be selective with their revision strategies. A good strategy for students would be to memorize key quotes, ensuring they can identify both language and structural devices. Students must also ensure that they can analyse these quotes in sufficient detail, without relying on their notes. This can involve a discussion of the mood and tone of each text, linking back to overarching themes and commenting on the writer’s ways of expression. 

Example of a Weak IGCSE Edexcel English Anthology Response

In the compulsory Paper 1 exam, students will be asked a 12 mark question on how the writer uses language and structure within a non-fiction text. Below is an example of a weak response that analyses the writer’s use of a particular structural device.

In The Danger of a Single Story, how does the writer use language and structure to explore her thoughts and feelings about ‘single stories’ and narrow perspectives?

Adichie uses structural devices such as short sentences, syntactic parallelism, and juxtaposition within The Danger of a Single Story. For instance, she states that in British and American stories ‘they talked a lot about the weather’, whereas in Nigeria, ‘We never talked about the weather’. Adichie additionally juxtaposes the two cultures when she remarks, ‘they played in the snow, they ate apples’. This again contrasts to her life in Nigeria where she relates, ‘We didn't have snow, we ate mangoes’. Through parallelism, Adichie highlights the differences between her childhood in Nigeria and the contents of the foreign books she was reading. 

Though the student has identified and explained the writer’s use of syntactic parallelism, including sufficient quotes to support their analysis, they have failed to evaluate how the writer’s inclusion of this structural device reflects her thoughts and feelings on single stories and narrow perspectives. As a result, they are not addressing the question. 

Example of a Strong IGCSE Edexcel English Anthology Response

Below is an example of a stronger response to the same question. 

Adichie uses structural techniques such as short sentences, syntactic parallelism, and juxtaposition to contrast various ‘single stories’ with reality. In doing so, she highlights the importance of escaping narrow perspectives and stereotypical assumptions. Adichie begins her narrative by recounting her childhood in Nigeria; in particular, her partial view of Fide, the son of her family’s domestic helper, whose family, according to her mother, ‘have nothing’. Unable to see Fide’s family as anything other than impoverished, Adichie is shocked to discover the craftsmanship of his brother, who weaves intricate patterned baskets. She relates, ‘I was started’ and surmises, ‘Their poverty was my single story of them’. The use of short sentences highlights the punctuating impact of Adichie’s realisation and signals the beginning of her changing perspective. Adichie continues to employ short sentences to describe the ignorance of her American roommate. Adichie states, ‘She assumed that I didn’t know how to use a stove’. The use of a single-line paragraphs in the text reflects the limited world view of those who have solely internalised a ‘single story’. 

In this response, the student has sufficiently evaluated how the writer’s inclusion of structural devices helps to explore her thoughts and feelings about single stories and narrow perspectives. They draw attention to the fact that short sentences reflect ‘the limited world view of those who have solely internalised a “single story”’ and highlight ‘the punctuating impact of Adichie’s realisation and signals the beginning of her changing perspective’. As a result, they are directly addressing the given question.

How BartyED Tutors Support IGCSE Students

Many Edexcel students are initially intimidated by the IGCSE English anthology. While candidates may have detailed annotations that they have copied down in class, they often lack the depth and understanding required to produce sufficient analysis and score highly in their exams. At BartyED, our IGCSE tutors are primed to support English students in developing their textual understanding, analysis, and writing skills.

Our highly trained IGCSE English tutors devise carefully tailored lessons according to a student’s unique strengths and weaknesses and learning style. BartyED’s team of experienced tutors guide students through close readings of each text, helping them to unpack themes, language, structure, and tone. Students will also be coached in exam strategy and essay writing skills, and receive regular personalised feedback. 

If you think that your child could benefit from the guidance of a BartyED Common Entrance tutor, get in touch today by phone (2882 1017) or via email (enquiries@bartyed.com).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Edexcel IGCSE anthology is a collection of literary and non-literary works used in the Edexcel IGCSE English exam.

  • No, it is not necessary to memorise the Edexcel IGCSE English anthology texts. The required texts will be reproduced on the exam paper.

  • It’s essential that students create detailed annotations for each Edexcel IGCSE English anthology text. These annotations will be vital for later success in the examinations.

  • An experienced IGCSE English tutor can assist students not only in the annotation process, but also in developing proper exam techniques and strengthening their analytical writing skills.

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English, IGCSEMark Malone