How to Approach the Modern Prose Question (Edexcel IGCSE English Literature)

How to Approach the IGCSE Modern Prose Question

In Component 1, Section C of your Edexcel IGCSE English Literature (4ET1/01), you need to write an essay about a modern prose text.

You have a choice from five prose texts: 

You can approach the question in Section C with confidence by learning more about the exam question: 

• Section C: Modern Prose question overview

• Understanding the exam question

• Understanding the Assessment Objectives

• Top grade tips for a Grade 9

Section C: Modern Prose question overview

You will have a choice of two questions for each prose text in Section C. Choose the question you feel most confident with.

Here is a summary: 

This is a closed-book examination, meaning that you will not have access to a copy of the text in the exam.

Understanding the exam question

Below are some recent examples of exam questions from Edexcel IGCSE English Literature past papers (4ET1/01). Look at the wording of the questions and the question structure and themes. Can you identify any exam questions that would be challenging for you to answer?

You can significantly improve your exam performance by paying close attention to the question and understanding it thoroughly. 

Understanding the Assessment Objectives

In Section C, there are two assessment objectives which are both equally weighted:

AO1 requires you to develop an informed personal response while maintaining a critical style throughout. AO4 requires you to write about the relationship between the text and the context in which it was written.

Top grade tips for a grade 9

When responding to the Modern Prose question you should remember to: 

• Show the examiner your detailed knowledge of the text:

  • But never simply retell events from the narrative  

  • Refer to specific examples throughout the novel and not just one section or chapter

• Provide a range of examples from your chosen text:

Remember this is a closed book examination so examples can be specific references to episodes or events or paraphrased quotations

• Keep your textual references succinct:

  • Textual references should be accurate and should fully support the points you make

• Link all contextual points with an example from the novel 

  • Often AO3 is naturally illustrated through the actions, events, themes and characters of the novel

  • Integrate contextual comments throughout your response rather than writing separate sentences or bolt-on paragraphs

  • Context should not outweigh evidence from the novel

Find out more about how you can write a Grade 9 IGCSE exam answer.