International GCSE in English Literature - Guidance on prescribed editions of set texts for paper-based and onscreen exams

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by jay

Guidance for International GCSE English Literature (linear 4ET1 and modular 4XET1) explains which prescribed set texts must be accessed throughout the two-year course and the specific rules for examinations. It details requirements for Paper 1 (closed book) using the Poetry Booklet insert for Section B anthology poems, and Paper 2/3 coursework conditions. It defines “clean copies” as unmarked, unhighlighted, and not photocopied, covers purchase timing, centre responsibilities, private candidate arrangements, and confirms digital versions cannot be used for paper or onscreen (including remote proctoring).

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Overview

Paper 1 (Closed book) requirements

Paper 2 / Paper 3 (coursework) requirements

“Clean copies” definition

Centre purchase timing and responsibilities

Student annotation rules

Private candidates and entry arrangements

Digital set texts for exams (prohibited)

Onscreen exam arrangements (including remote proctoring)

International GCSE in English Literature linear (4ET1) and modular (4XET1) Guidance on prescribed editions of set texts for paper-based and onscreen exams International GCSE in English Literature is a two-year course. The prescribed editions of the set texts which are required to prepare for and then sit the exams are listed in the issue 3 specification. For easy reference, they are repeated at the end of this document. *Any student embarking on their studies of 4ET1/4XET1 must ensure that they have access to the required texts from the beginning of their course. At the start of the two-year course, centres are responsible for informing students about whether they need to purchase the texts themselves or whether they will be provided by the entering centre* 4ET1/4XET1 is made up of a compulsory Paper 1 which is a closed book exam. Students take no texts into this exam. They are provided with the ‘Poetry Booklet’ for Section B: Anthology poetry as an insert in the exam paper. This contains the poems from Part 3 of the anthology: Students sit either Paper 2 or Paper 3 (coursework) if they are sitting the linear version of this qualification. For Paper 2 (linear and modular), students should have a clean copy of the prescribed edition of their two texts in the exam. The front cover of the exam paper states ‘Clean copies of your set texts may be taken into the examination’. It is the responsibility of the school/college or entering centre, including the British Council, to ensure that clean, unannotated copies of the prescribed editions of the set texts are purchased in good time for the Paper 2 exam either by the students or by the entering centre. Pearson is not able to provide any exceptions to the prescribed editions requirements as a result of the prescribed editions being difficulty to obtain in particular geographies. All centres have a two-year period to arrange purchase of the prescribed editions. It would not be in a student's interest to use a different edition of the set text as the prescribed editions are the ones that are used by our examiners to write questions and mark schemes. Those students completing coursework rather than Paper 2 should also use the prescribed editions of set texts because these are the ones that are used by our moderators when reviewing the samples of coursework that are submitted to us. In summary 4ET1 01 or 4WET1/01: All students. Closed book. Copies of modern prose not permitted. The exam paper contains an insert with the poems from Part 3 of the anthology (the ‘Poetry Booklet’) which students use to answer question 2 or 3 in Section B: Anthology Poetry. Students take NO books into the exam. Students do not take the Edexcel Int GCSE anthology into the exam. 4ET1 02 or 4WET2/01: Students not doing Paper 3 coursework. Open book. Clean, unmarked copies of the prescribed editions of set texts only are permitted. These are not provided by Pearson Edexcel. What does 'clean copies' mean? The prescribed editions of texts must be completely unmarked. This includes highlighting, pagefolding, stickies, annotation, underlining etc. None of these are permitted. The text must be 'as new' . Photocopies of texts may not be used. 'Copy' means a book as purchased from a bookseller, not a photocopy of a book. When should a centre purchase their exam copies of the prescribed editions of set texts? These should be purchased and stored as soon as a centre starts delivering Int GCSE English Literature 4ET1/4XET1 . Can students annotate new, unannotated editions of set texts in the exam itself? This is permitted but is at the discretion of the centre. Many centres keep sets of clean exam texts securely and get them out for exams each series. A text which is annotated in an exam can no longer be used in a subsequent exam. It may be that some centres allow students to pay for a copy of the prescribed edition so that they can annotate it in the exam. What about private candidates s

FAQs

Which set texts are required at the start and throughout the International GCSE English Literature course (4ET1/4XET1)?

Students must ensure they have access to the required prescribed editions from the beginning of the two-year course. Centres are responsible for informing students whether texts must be purchased or provided by the entering centre.

What does “clean copies” mean for Paper 2/onscreen exams, and are photocopies allowed?

Prescribed editions must be completely unmarked, without highlighting, pagefolding, stickies, or annotation, and kept “as new.” Photocopies may not be used, and the “copy” refers to a book purchased from a bookseller.

Can students use digital versions or annotate set texts during the exam?

Digital versions of set texts may not be used. Annotation in the exam is permitted at the centre’s discretion, but an annotated text cannot be reused in a subsequent exam.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by jay