International GCSE

English Literature (9 –1)

Component 1: Poetry and Modern Prose

Exemplar Scripts and Commentaries

November 2023 Series

 Page

Introduction 3

Section A: Unseen Poetry

Question 1 4

Section B: Anthology Poetry

Question 2 12

Question 3 19

Section C: Modern Prose

Question 4 25

Question 5 30

Question 6 36

Question 7 42

Question 8 45

Question 9 51

Question 12 55

Question 13 60

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Introduction

• The purpose of this pack is to provide teachers and students with some examples of
responses to International GCSE English Literature Paper 1: Poetry and Modern
Prose (4ET1/01).

• The responses in this pack were taken from the November 2023 examination series.
The question papers and mark schemes can be found of the Pearson website here.

• In this pack you will find a sample of responses, examiner commentaries and marks.

• If you have any enquiries regarding these materials or have any other questions
about the course, please contact our English subject advisor on
teachingenglish@pearson.com

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Section A: Unseen Poetry
Question 1
Script 1

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
The candidate demonstrates an assured understanding of the poem. Although more points
could have been made, a range of examples are given, and techniques are identified. The
candidate considers how the speaker’s memories are untrustworthy and how the truth of
the memory is doubted. Comments are made in relation to the use of nouns, similes,
violent images, metaphor, repetition and sentence structure.
Level 5, 18 marks

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 2

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
This is a sustained, thoughtful and personal response. A range of points have been made
and supported with relevant evidence. Techniques, such as similes and adjectives, are
identified and interesting points are made about the ‘heartless’ moon and the lack of
sounds that were expected. There is recognition that the memory could have been a
dream.
Level 4, 14 marks

8
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 3

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
A sound understanding of the poem is demonstrated in this response. A range of points
are included and supported with evidence. Comment is made about the speaker trying to
recall events with the ‘pauses in sentence’; however, when considering the effect on the
reader, the stock sentence, ‘make the reader more interested’, is rather vague. The
response would benefit from more coverage and language analysis.
Level 3, 10 marks

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 4

Examiner comment and mark:

The brevity of this response hinders progress. Some understanding is demonstrated and
some valid points are made, such as the mystery of the owl, who is not meant to be there,
and the memory being feint, and whether it was a dream or not. There is ‘some’ here.
Level 2, 6 marks

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Section B: Anthology Poetry
Question 2
Script 1

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
This is a sustained, thoughtful and personal response to the question that is beginning to
demonstrate an assured understanding. A range of points have been made and supported
with evidence. The candidate compares the two poems throughout and maintains focus on
the question. At times, ideas are a little repetitive, but there is sufficient here to slip this just
into Level 5.
Level 5, 25 marks

15
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 2

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
A clear, sound understanding of both poems is presented in this response. The candidate
considers how, in Shakespeare’s sonnet, love is unbreakable and how this contrasts with
the controlling and manipulative duke. Coverage and close analysis are not sustained and
some explanations tend to paraphrase the evidence; however, there are sufficient
examples and points to place this at the top of Level 3.
Level 3, 17 marks

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Question 3
Script 1

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
In this brief response, the candidate compares Do not go… with Remember. Comment is
made about the use of repetition and the impact of rhyme to convey that one should never
give up. The response to Remember is very brief, but there are some references to
specific words to convey emotions. There is ‘some’ here but there are underdeveloped
ideas and comparisons; it is a general overview with some examples.
Level 2, 8 marks

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 2

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
This is a structured and confident response. The response is precise and concise,
especially in the time given. Following the plan, there is a clear introduction that considers
the anger and sadness in the two poems and how Remember has a ‘hopeful tone’. The
candidate then considers and compares the use of structure, feelings of regret, the
intensity of emotions, contrasts of light and dark and the ‘permission for happiness’. More
examples could have been included, but what is here is assured and perceptive.
Level 5, 30 marks

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Section C: Modern Prose
Question 4: To Kill A Mockingbird
Script 1

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
The candidate considers a range of examples, such as the trial, the Ewell family, Mayella
being a ‘surrogate mother’ and not keeping the children clean, getting Tom Robinson to
help her, being an outcast, taking advantage of Tom, racism, feelings of loneliness and
how Atticus is respectful towards her. The response is sustained and the candidate
demonstrates a thorough understanding of the character. More finer details could have
been included, such as how Tom helps Mayella or how her father mistreats her. The
response meets all of the Level 4 criteria.
Level 4, 32 marks

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Question 5: To Kill A Mockingbird
Script 1

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
After a page of planning, the candidate considers: authorial intent, socio economic
prejudice and the different areas of Maycomb, prejudice towards Arthur (Boo) Radley,
gender prejudice and Scout being a tomboy, racial prejudice and Macomb’s ‘disease’. A
perceptive point is made about Tom, despite the abolition of slavery, still picked cotton.
Context is included throughout the response. This is assured and confident with some
perceptive and discriminating points.
Level 5, 40 marks

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Question 6: Of Mice and Men
Script 1

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
This is a sustained response that demonstrates a thorough understanding of the character
and novel. The candidate explores Lennie’s relationship with George, Lennie’s innocence
and how he treats others equally, how he forgets things, his power and how George must
take responsibility for him. A range of examples are given and supported with contextual
comment. Focus on the question is maintained. More examples could have been given,
such as the dream, the death of the puppy and Curley’s wife and the ending of the novel.
Level 4, 30 marks

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 2

40
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
In this brief response, the candidate considers how Lennie travels with George, Lennie
causing problems often through petting soft things, and consideration of the dream. The
point about Lennie sharing the dream with Candy requires further clarification. Some valid
points have been made and the context of the dream is implied.
Level 2, 14 marks

41
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Question 7: Of Mice and Men
Script 1

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
The candidate explores settings through place and themes, such as the Great Depression
and George and Lennie travelling for a job, racism and segregation and how Crooks
illustrates this, the misogynistic setting and how this affects Curley’s wife who consistently
seeks attention. The candidate concludes with the suggestion that the settings result in
each of the characters’ personal situations. This is an interesting response as the
candidate clearly understands the novel but struggles with the question. There is much
context, but more specific examples from the novel would benefit the response further.
Level 3, 22 marks (best fit)

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Question 8: The Whale Rider
Script 1

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
This is an assured and confident response that explores a range of examples. The
candidate considers how the narrative of both the whales and humans run parallel
throughout the novel. Examples of travelling include: Kahutia Te Rangi travelling to
Whangara, Kahu’s birth and when Nanny (Nani) Flowers and Rawiri collect her birth cord,
Kahu’s visits to Whangara, Rawiri’s trip to Australia and Papua New Guinea and the
effects of these travels on Rawiri, the whales’ travels to Whangara and how Kahu rides the
bull whale. The final paragraph considers how far Koro has travelled in his thinking when
coming to accept Kahu. This is an assured response.
Level 5, 40 marks

50
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Question 9: The Whale Rider
Script 1

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
This is a sustained response and a thorough understanding of the character is
demonstrated. A range of points have been made. Nanny is identified as being: strong, not
submissive, clever, brave, an equal (or better) to Koro, having authority, loving, amusing,
supportive, wise and ‘always right’. Few explicit contextual points are made, but there is a
reference to Maori traditions. There is a breadth of points, rather than depth. Ideas could
have been developed further and more finer details given.
Level 4, 30 marks

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Question 12: Things Fall Apart
Script 1

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
The candidate provides a sustained, thoughtful response that demonstrates a thorough
understanding of the novel and theme. The candidate begins with reference to Yeats’
poem and goes on to explore the tragic events of Ikemefuna’s death, Okonkwo
accidentally killing Ezeudu’s son and consequent exile, the tragedy of colonisation,
Okonkwo’s demise and the tragedy of Okonkwo’s shameful death. At times, more
reference to the question would have been beneficial as focus tends to drift. Nevertheless,
this is thorough and sustained.
Level 4, 29 marks

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Question 13: Things Fall Apart
Script 1

Examiner comment and mark:

In this brief response, the candidate considers how Okonkwo is determined to be Unoka’s
opposite and how it leads Okonkwo ‘ruling his house with a heavy hand’. There is a
reference to Igbo society, but the brevity of the response hinders progress. There is some
here.
Level 2, 14 marks

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Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 1 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
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