IGCSE English Language B

Overview

This course will prepare you for the Edexcel IGCSE English Language B (4EB1) examination.

Course Structure

Unit 1: Non-fiction Reading Skills

  • Topics: Articles, letters, travel writing, biographies
  • Skills: Summarising, retrieving info, understanding tone & purpose
  • Activities:
    • Text annotation exercises
    • Create a fact vs opinion chart
    • Practice short-response questions (AO1)

Unit 2: Language & Structure Analysis

  • Topics: Figurative language, sentence types, paragraphs
  • Skills: AO2 – language & structure analysis
  • Activities:
    • PEEL paragraph drills
    • Spot-the-technique games
    • Compare writer techniques

Unit 3: Comparative Reading

  • Topics: Comparing two non-fiction texts
  • Skills: AO3 – comparison of viewpoint and language
  • Activities:
    • Use Venn diagrams to plan comparisons
    • Scaffolded comparison paragraphs

Unit 4: Directed Writing Practice

  • Types: Letters, articles, speeches, reports
  • Skills: Writing for audience, tone, purpose; integrating ideas from source
  • Activities:
    • Rewrite texts in different formats (e.g., article → speech)
    • Past paper practice
    • Self/peer assessment using AO4 rubric

Unit 5: Transactional Writing

  • Types: Discursive, argumentative, informative
  • Skills: Clear structure, persuasive language, paragraphing
  • Activities:
    • Use prompts to plan both sides of an argument
    • Debate → write an article
    • Emphasize tone and register

Unit 6: Imaginative Writing

  • Types: Descriptive writing, narrative writing
  • Skills: Imagery, setting, character, plot, structure
  • Activities:
    • Picture-based writing prompts
    • Sentence expansion & paragraph development
    • Focus on sensory language and narrative voice

Unit 7: Exam Strategy & Revision

Activities:
  • Timed practice papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2)
  • Feedback and redrafting
  • Revision stations: structure, language, punctuation, planning
  • Mock exam under timed conditions

Resources

Quick-access links to resources