International GCSE

English Literature (9 –1)

Component 2: Modern Drama and Literary
Heritage texts
Exemplar Scripts and Commentaries

November 2023 Series

 Page

Introduction 3

Section A: Modern Drama

Question 3 4

Question 4 18

Section B: Literary Heritage Texts

Question 13 35

Question 14 52

2
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 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 2: Modern Drama and
Literary Heritage Texts (4ET1/02).

• 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
[email protected]

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

Examiner comment and mark:

This is a very brief response, with limited understanding of the play evident. A quotation
has been selected from the text and there is an attempt to unpick the meaning. The brevity
of the response prevents it from being awarded a mark beyond the middle of Level 1.
Level 1, 4 marks

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

5
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
There is some knowledge of how Eric changes in the play in this brief response, such as
how ‘he learns and starts to take responsibility for what he has done’. There is an attempt
to address context (AO4) but this is not assessed in this section of the paper. There is
some knowledge in relation to AO1 but the response lacks evidence of understanding in
relation to AO2. On balance, a mark in the middle of Level 2 is appropriate.
Level 2, 9 marks

6
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 3

7
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 8
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
Several sound points are made in this response in relation to how Eric changes in the play
for AO1, including his increasing maturity as the play progresses. The response generally
follows the Point Evidence Explanation approach. Points are supported with quotation,
although there is some lack of precision in the quotations used. There are attempts to
interpret the evidence but further sound evidence of understanding in relation to AO2 could
have benefited the response.
Level 3, 16 marks

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

10
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 11
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 12
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
There is a sustained approach in this response and there is thoughtful engagement with
the question. The candidate takes a step back and considers Priestley’s intention, such as
how the ‘younger generation are the ones to make the change’ in society. For AO2,
analysis tends to focus on the meaning and effect of particular words. Some of the points
could have been developed further but a mark in the middle of Level 4 is appropriate.
Level 4, 22 marks

13
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 5

14
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 15
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 16
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
This is a mature, well-crafted and assured response. The points presented are detailed
and quotation is selected and embedded with assurance for AO1. There is also cohesive
evaluation of language, form and structure throughout the response for AO2. There are
some missed opportunities to develop points further, which keeps the mark from the top of
Level 5.
Level 5, 27 marks
17
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Question 4: An Inspector Calls
Script 1

Examiner comment and mark:

There is some knowledge and understanding of the play evident in this response. There is
brief consideration of the initial presentation of the Birling family and also of how Gerald
hides the truth from Sheila. There is some brief understanding evident in relation to AO2,
with consideration of the stage directions. There is just enough evidence of knowledge and
understanding in relation to both AO1 and AO2 for a mark towards the bottom of Level 2.
Level 2, 8 marks

18
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 2

19
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
There is some understanding of the play evident in this response, although though there is
some confusion too, such as what happened to Eva Smith when working at Mr Birling’s
factory. Further specific examples from the text could have benefitted the response, which
could have facilitated opportunities to comment in relation to AO2. On balance, a mark in
the middle of Level 2 is appropriate.
Level 2, 10 marks

20
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 3

21
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 22
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 23
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
A mark towards the bottom of Level 3 is appropriate for this response. The response
begins to move beyond narrative detail (which is a descriptor for Level 2). There is an
attempt to be critical in approach with elements of sound understanding evident. There are
also attempts to unpick the meaning of particular quotations. Points are not always clearly
relevant to the question and further evidence of understanding in relation to AO1 and AO2
could have benefited the response further.
Level 3, 14 marks

24
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 4

25
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 26
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 27
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 28
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
There is thorough knowledge and understanding of the theme of appearance and reality in
this response, evident through the breadth of points considered. There is evidence of
analysis for AO2 but points in relation to this assessment objective could have been
developed further. For example, the meaning of the Inspector’s name, Goole, is
considered but there is little development of this point. A mark in the middle of Level 4 is
therefore appropriate.
Level 4, 21 marks
29
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 5

30
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 31
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 32
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 33
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
This response fulfils the Level 4 criteria. There is thorough knowledge and understanding
of the play and there is thorough personal engagement with the question for AO1. For
AO2, there is sustained analysis of language, form and structure, including word level
analysis. Fully relevant examples support the points made throughout the response.
Level 4, 24 marks

34
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Section B: Literary Heritage Texts
Question 13: Macbeth
Script 1

35
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
This is a brief response, which demonstrates some understanding of the theme of good
versus evil in the play. There is some misunderstanding of what happens in the play, such
as Macbeth receiving a prophecy to murder Duncan, and there is no evidence in relation to
context (AO4). On balance, a mark in the middle of Level 2 is appropriate.
Level 2, 9 marks

36
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 2

37
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 38
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
This response starts with the question in view and attempts to focus, with some sound
engagement, on the theme of good versus evil throughout. It just moves beyond narrative
detail, the descriptor for Level 2, through the selection of points made. Points are a little
repetitive and further evidence of understanding in relation to context for AO4 and
language, form and structure for AO2 could have benefited the response. There is also
some misunderstanding evident towards the end of the response in relation to the ghost of
Banquo.
Level 3, 13 marks

39
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 3

40
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 41
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
This response embeds understanding in relation to the three assessments objectives
throughout. For AO2, there is consideration of juxtaposition, a metaphor and a rhetorical
question. Detailed understanding of context is evident, including the significance of the
Divine Right of Kings. Examples have been selected to fully support the points made.
More ground could have been covered but a mark in the middle of Level 4 is appropriate.
Level 4, 22 marks

42
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 4

43
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 44
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 45
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
This response achieves a similar mark to the previous script but does so by taking a
different approach. More points are considered in relation to AO1 but the response lacks
the depth of analysis for AO2 and detailed consideration of context for AO4 evident in the
previous response. This response considers the initial encounter between the Witches and
Macbeth, Lady Macbeth’s manipulation of her husband and the battle between Macduff
and Macbeth at the end of the play.
Level 4, 21 marks

46
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 5

47
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 48
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 49
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 50
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
This is a mature, well-crafted and assured response. There is a holistic reading of the play,
with detailed points made, and there is discriminating use of relevant examples in support.
There is clear focus on context (AO4), with points embedded throughout the response.
The response fulfils the criteria for the top level.
Level 5, 30 marks

51
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Question 14: Macbeth
Script 1

Examiner comment and mark:

This is a very brief response with limited knowledge and understanding of how Macbeth is
presented in the play. There is some misunderstanding, or lack of clarity, in the points
made, and there is no reference to context for AO4. A mark in the middle of Level 1 is
appropriate.
Level 1, 4 marks

52
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 2

Examiner comment and mark:

There is some knowledge and understanding for AO1 of how Macbeth is presented in the
play. The response briefly considers Macbeth’s response to Lady Macbeth’s suicide and
his ‘obsession’ with gaining power. AO2 and AO4 have not been addressed and, therefore,
a mark towards the bottom of Level 2 is appropriate.
Level 2, 8 marks
53
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 3

54
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 55
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
This response fulfils the criteria for Level 3. There is sound knowledge and understanding
of the play and relevant personal engagement for AO1. The response considers the impact
of the Witches on Macbeth, how Macbeth starts to lose control following Duncan’s murder
and Macbeth’s demise. There is sound knowledge in relation to AO2 and there is relevant
comment on the relationship between text and context for AO4, including the common
belief in the supernatural at the time the play was written. Clearly relevant examples
support the points made.
Level 3, 18 marks

56
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 4

57
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 58
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
The candidate works methodically through a number of valid and supported points. There
is analysis of language for AO2, although there are some missed opportunities, and points
are made in relation to context for AO4. There are a couple of grey areas in the response,
such as how Macbeth starts to lose the support of the audience when Macbeth ‘stops
communicating with his wife’, but a mark in the middle of Level 4 is appropriate.
Level 4, 22 marks

59
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Script 5

60
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 61
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
 62
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
Examiner comment and mark:
This is a well-crafted and assured response, which is evident from the outset. It is clear
that the candidate is writing about drama as drama, with terminology used including
‘exposition’, ‘denouement’ and ‘hamartia’. There is cohesive evaluation of language, form
and structure and there is discriminating use of quotation, which is embedded with
assurance. The response confidently fulfils the criteria for the top level.
Level 5, 30 marks

63
Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 International GCSE (9–1) in English Literature (4ET1) – Paper 2 2023 Exemplar – Issue 1 – March
2024 – Author and Approver: GQ Product – DCL1 © Pearson Education Limited 2024
For information about Pearson Qualifications, including Pearson Edexcel,
BTEC and LCCI qualifications visit qualifications.pearson.com

Edexcel and BTEC are registered trademarks of Pearson Education Limited

Pearson Education Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 872828

Registered Office: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL

VAT Reg No GB 278 537121

Getty Images: Alex Belmonlinsky