Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English as a Second Language (4ES2) - Issue 3 - Specification Changes Summary

Oct 20, 2026

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International GCSE English as a Second Language (9–1) specification for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in English as a Second Language (4ES2), detailing Issue 3 changes and the qualification overview. Specifies first teaching and examination timing, publication and copyright information, and a structured summary of updates versus the previous issue. Covers updated vocabulary and grammar lists including C1 items and updated mapping to CEFR. Describes unitized structure, assessment focus for reading, listening, writing and speaking, delivery approach, and key administrative expectations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages123

Reading Time5 h 10 min

AccessFree to download

About this specification

Summary of Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in English as a Second Language specification Issue 3 changes

Qualification at a glance

English as a Second Language (4XES2) content and assessment information

Administration and general information

Appendices

International GCSE English as a Second Language (9–1) Specification Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in English as a Second Language (4ES2) First teaching September 2024 First examination June 2019 Issue 3 About Pearson We are the world’s leading learning company operating in countries all around the world. We provide content, assessment and digital services to learners, educational institutions, employers, governments and other partners globally. We are committed to helping equip learners with the skills they need to enhance their employability prospects and to succeed in the changing world of work. We believe that wherever learning flourishes so do people. References to third party materials made in this specification are made in good faith. Pearson does not endorse, approve or accept responsibility for the content of materials, which may be subject to change, or any opinions expressed therein. (Materials may include textbooks, journals, magazines and other publications and websites.) All information in this specification is correct at time of publication. Publication code: GQ000043 All the material in this publication is copyright © Pearson Education Limited 2025 Summary of Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in English as a Second Language specification Issue 3 changes | Summary of changes made between previous issue and this current issue | Page numbers | | --- | --- | | Vocabulary and Grammar Lists updated to include some C1 items | 33–113 | | Updated mapping of qualification against the CEFR | 114–115 | Earlier issue(s) show(s) previous changes. If you need further information on these changes or what they mean, contact us via our website at: [qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/contact-us.html](qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/contact-us.html). 1 About this specification 1 Why choose Pearson Edexcel qualifications? 3 Why choose Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in English asa Second Language (4XES2)? 4 Supporting you in planning and teaching this qualification 6 2 Qualification at a glance 7 3 English as a Second Language (4XES2) content and assessment information 12 List of topics and subtopics 13 Unit 1: Reading 14 Unit 2: Listening 16 Unit 3: Writing 19 Unit 4: Speaking 22 4 Administration and general information 27 5 Appendices 31 Appendix 1: Codes 32 Appendix 2: Grammar list 33 Appendix 3: Core vocabulary list 51 Appendix 4: Optional subtopics vocabulary list 103 Appendix 5: CEFR mapping 114 Appendix 6: Transferable skills 116 Appendix 7: Glossary 118 The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in English as a Second Language (9-1) (4XES2) is part of a suite of International GCSE qualifications offered by Pearson. This qualification is not accredited or regulated by any UK regulatory body. Key features Structure The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in English as a Second Language (4XES2) is a unitised qualification. All units are available in the June and November exam series. A cash-in code must be used to obtain an overall grade for the qualification. Individual unit assessments may be taken over a course of one or more examination series, or all four unit assessments may be taken together at the end of the course of study in a single examination series. Learners can sit or resit individual unit assessments before receiving an overall qualification grade. The recommended duration of the course is two years. Content The content features a relevant, engaging and updated range of topics to ensure that it is accessible to all learners. Assessments The assessment is 100 per cent external and designed in a single tier covering the whole range of grades 9 to 1 where 9 is the highest grade. Reading skills are assessed in Unit 1. Listening skills are assessed in Unit 2. Writing skills are assessed in Unit 3. Speaking skills are assessed in Unit 4. Assessment in the June and November examination series. All unit a

FAQs

What are the main Issue 3 changes in this specification?

The vocabulary and grammar lists were updated to include some C1 items, and the mapping of the qualification against the CEFR was updated.

How is the qualification structured and assessed?

It is a unitised qualification with all units available in the June and November exam series, and assessments are 100% external in a single tier covering grades 9 to 1.

Which language skills are assessed in each unit?

Reading is assessed in Unit 1, listening in Unit 2, writing in Unit 3, and speaking in Unit 4.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by McGucket