4EA1/02 - English Language A - PAPER 2: Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing

Aug 20, 2026

Uploaded by Himbo

This examination paper for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language A (Paper 2) focuses on poetry and prose texts, plus imaginative writing. It provides examination instructions covering candidate information, how to write using black ink, and the requirement to answer one question from each section. The paper outlines total marks and timing for Section A (Reading), advises close reference to the poem Still I Rise by Maya Angelou, and emphasizes assessment of written communication quality, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and presentation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages20

Reading Time50 min

AccessFree to download

Instructions

General instructions and restrictions

Information

Marks and assessment criteria

Advice

Reading and checking

Section A: Reading

Still I Rise (Maya Angelou) question

Please check the examination details below before entering your candidate information | Candidate surname | Other names | | --- | --- | Centre Number Candidate Number Pearson Edexcel International GCSE(9-1)Thursday 6June 2024 Morning(Time:1 hour 30 minutes)Paperreference4EA1/02REnglish Language A PAPER 2:Poetry and Prose Texts andImaginative Writing You do not need any other materials.Total Marks # Instructions ● Use black ink or ball-point pen. ● Fill in the boxes at the top of this page with your name,centre number and candidate number. ● Answer ONE question from each section. ● Answer the questions in the spaces provided-there may be more space than you need. # Information ● The total mark for this paper is 60. ● The marks for each question are shown in brackets-use this as a guide as to how much time to spend on each question. ● Quality of written communication,including vocabulary,spelling,punctuation andgrammar,will be taken into account in your response to Section B. ● Copies of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology may not bebrought into the examination. ● Dictionaries may not be used in this examination. ## Advice ● Read each question carefully before you start to answer it. ● Check your answers if you have time at the end. ● You are reminded of the importance of clear English and careful presentation inyour answers.Turn over▶ BLANK PAGE P73445 A0220 Do NOT WRITE INTHIS AREA DONOT WRITEINTHIS AREA DO NOT WRITEINTHIS AREA SECTION A Reading Answer the question in this section.You should spend about 45 minutes on this section.Begin your answer on page 4. Remind yourself of Still I Rise,taken from the Pearson Edexcel International GCSEEnglish Anthology. Still I Rise You may write me down in historyWith your bitter,twisted lies,You may trod me in the very dirtBut still,like dust,I'llrise. Does my sassiness upset you?Why are you beset with gloom?'Cause I walk like I've got oil wellsPumping in my living room. Just like moons and like suns,With the certainty of tides,Just like hopes springing high,Still I'll rise. Did you want to see me broken?Bowed head and lowered eyes?Shoulders falling down like teardrops,Weakened by my soulful cries. Does my haughtiness offend you?Don't you take it awful hard 'Cause llaugh like I've got gold minesDiggin'in my own backyard. You may shoot me with your words,You may cut me with your eyes,You may kill me with your hatefulness,But still,like air,I'll rise. Does my sexiness upset you?Does it come as a surpriseThat I dance like I've got diamondsAt the meeting of my thighs? P73445 A0320 Out of the huts of history's shameI rise Up from a past that's rooted in painI rise I'm a black ocean,leaping and wide,Welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fearI rise Into a daybreak that's wondrously clearI rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,l am the dream and the hope of the slave.I riseI riseI rise. Maya Angelou 1 How does the writer try to present overcoming difficulties in Still I Rise?In your answer,you should write about: · how difficulties are presented · how the writer shows the ways that difficulties can be overcome · the use of language and structure. You should support your answer with close reference to the poem,includingbrief quotations. (30) …… …………………… ……… ……………… ……… ……………… ………… ………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………… ……… - … … … … …………………

FAQs

How many questions must candidates answer on this paper?

Candidates must answer ONE question from each section.

What is the expected time for Section A (Reading)?

Candidates should spend about 45 minutes on Section A.

Which poem is referenced in the Section A question?

The question refers to the poem Still I Rise by Maya Angelou and asks for close reference with brief quotations.

Aug 20, 2026

Uploaded by Himbo