Edexcel IAL Arabic (YAA01) Past Papers, Mark Schemes & Examiner Tips
Prepare confidently for Pearson Edexcel International A Level Arabic (YAA01) with past papers, official mark schemes, examiner reports and practical examiner tips. Find examination materials for Unit 1: Understanding and Written Response (WAA01/01) and Unit 2: Writing and Research (WAA02/01), clearly organised by exam series. Jump to the examiner tips or read the frequently asked questions for further revision and exam guidance.
June 2025 Edexcel International A Level Arabic Past Papers & Mark Schemes
June 2025 Edexcel IAL Arabic | Downloads | |
Edexcel IAL Arabic June 2025 Unit 1 (WAA01/01) – Understanding and Written Response | ||
Edexcel IAL Arabic June 2025 Unit 2 (WAA02/01) – Writing and Research |
January 2025 Edexcel International A Level Arabic Past Papers & Mark Schemes
January 2025 Edexcel IAL Arabic | Downloads | |
Edexcel IAL Arabic January 2025 Unit 1 (WAA01/01) – Understanding and Written Response | ||
Edexcel IAL Arabic January 2025 Unit 2 (WAA02/01) – Writing and Research |
June 2024 Edexcel International A Level Arabic Past Papers & Mark Schemes
June 2024 Edexcel IAL Arabic | Downloads | |
Edexcel IAL Arabic June 2024 Unit 1 (WAA01/01) – Understanding and Written Response | Mark scheme not listed | |
Edexcel IAL Arabic June 2024 Unit 2 (WAA02/01) – Writing and Research | Mark scheme not listed |
January 2024 Edexcel International A Level Arabic Past Papers & Mark Schemes
January 2024 Edexcel IAL Arabic | Downloads | |
Edexcel IAL Arabic January 2024 Unit 1 (WAA01/01) – Understanding and Written Response | ||
Edexcel IAL Arabic January 2024 Unit 2 (WAA02/01) – Writing and Research |
June 2023 Edexcel International A Level Arabic Past Papers & Mark Schemes
June 2023 Edexcel IAL Arabic | Downloads | |
Edexcel IAL Arabic June 2023 Unit 1 (WAA01/01) – Understanding and Written Response | ||
Edexcel IAL Arabic June 2023 Unit 2 (WAA02/01) – Writing and Research |
January 2023 Edexcel International A Level Arabic Past Papers & Mark Schemes
January 2023 Edexcel IAL Arabic | Downloads | |
Edexcel IAL Arabic January 2023 Unit 1 (WAA01/01) – Understanding and Written Response | ||
Edexcel IAL Arabic January 2023 Unit 2 (WAA02/01) – Writing and Research |
January 2022 Edexcel International A Level Arabic Past Papers & Mark Schemes
January 2022 Edexcel IAL Arabic | Downloads | |
Edexcel IAL Arabic January 2022 Unit 1 (WAA01/01) – Understanding and Written Response | ||
Edexcel IAL Arabic January 2022 Unit 2 (WAA02/01) – Writing and Research |
October 2021 Edexcel International A Level Arabic Past Papers & Mark Schemes
October 2021 Edexcel IAL Arabic | Downloads | |
Edexcel IAL Arabic October 2021 Unit 1 (WAA01/01) – Understanding and Written Response | ||
Edexcel IAL Arabic October 2021 Unit 2 (WAA02/01) – Writing and Research |
June 2021 Edexcel International A Level Arabic Past Papers & Mark Schemes
June 2021 Edexcel IAL Arabic | Downloads | |
Edexcel IAL Arabic June 2021 Unit 1 (WAA01/01) – Understanding and Written Response | ||
Edexcel IAL Arabic June 2021 Unit 2 (WAA02/01) – Writing and Research |
January 2021 Edexcel International A Level Arabic Past Papers & Mark Schemes
January 2021 Edexcel IAL Arabic | Downloads | |
Edexcel IAL Arabic January 2021 Unit 1 (WAA01/01) – Understanding and Written Response | ||
Edexcel IAL Arabic January 2021 Unit 2 (WAA02/01) – Writing and Research |
Six Examiner Tips for Edexcel IAL Arabic Students
1. Analyse the Text Instead of Retelling the Story
In the Unit 2 research-based essay, do not spend valuable time summarising the plot of a novel or film. Examiners reward analysis, not narration. Begin with a clear argument that answers the exact question, then examine relevant characters, events, themes and techniques. For film questions, you could analyse dialogue, music, lighting, costume, symbolism and the director’s methods. For literature, focus on language, characterisation, structure and the writer’s ideas.
2. Study the Original Novel, Not Just Its Film Adaptation
If you choose a literature question, read the complete prescribed Arabic text. Do not rely on a film adaptation because films may change characters, events, motivations and endings. Examiners can usually recognise answers based only on the film. Support your arguments with accurate details and evidence from the original novel, including relevant quotations, relationships and literary techniques.
3. Do Not Alter the Given Word in Grammar Questions
In Unit 1 sentence-manipulation questions, use the word in brackets exactly as it is printed. Do not add or remove prefixes, suffixes or letters. First, identify the precise meaning of the original sentence. Then reconstruct it around the given word while preserving that meaning. Check verb conjugation, gender agreement, particles and prepositions carefully before moving on.
4. Produce Original Writing in the Correct Format
Treat the stimulus as a source of ideas, not as text to copy. Whole sentences lifted from the prompt do not demonstrate independent writing and may not receive credit. You must also follow the required format. A formal letter should include appropriate greetings and sign-offs, while an article, speech or story should use conventions suited to its audience and purpose. Spend a few minutes planning the structure before writing.
5. Develop Every Required Bullet Point
Before beginning an extended response, underline the four bullet points and use them as a checklist. Give each point sufficient attention, preferably in its own paragraph, and tick it off once it has been fully addressed. Do not limit a bullet point to one vague sentence. Develop it with explanations, examples, opinions, consequences or practical solutions so that your response demonstrates depth as well as coverage.
6. Make Every Diacritic Clear and Grammatically Accurate
In vocalisation questions, every mark must be placed clearly above or below the correct letter. Do not omit the shaddah, confuse hamzat al-waṣl with other hamza forms or place two conflicting vowels on one letter. Use the word’s position in the sentence, its grammatical role and the surrounding structure to determine the correct vocalisation. Regularly reading formal Arabic aloud can also help you recognise vowel patterns and doubled consonants.
Edexcel IAL Arabic 2027: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Edexcel IAL Arabic exam structure for 2027?
The full Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Arabic qualification consists of two written units:
Unit 1 (WAA01): Understanding and Written Response
Unit 2 (WAA02): Writing and Research
Each unit contributes 50% of the full International A Level qualification. The course assesses reading, translation, grammar, written communication and research skills in Arabic.
2. When are the Edexcel IAL Arabic exams in 2027?
According to Pearson’s final Summer 2027 timetable:
Unit 1: Understanding and Written Response (WAA01/01) is scheduled for the morning of Wednesday 5 May 2027 and lasts 2 hours 30 minutes.
Unit 2: Writing and Research (WAA02/01) is scheduled for the morning of Tuesday 25 May 2027 and lasts 3 hours.
Students should confirm their personal examination dates and starting times with their school or examination centre.
3. What is assessed in Edexcel IAL Arabic Unit 1?
Edexcel IAL Arabic Unit 1 is a 2-hour-30-minute examination worth 80 raw marks. It contains three sections:
Section A: Reading – 30 marks
Section B: Grammar – 20 marks
Section C: Essay – 30 marks
Students answer eight questions in total. The paper tests reading comprehension, grammatical accuracy and the ability to produce a structured Arabic essay of 240–280 words.
4. What is assessed in Edexcel IAL Arabic Unit 2?
Edexcel IAL Arabic Unit 2 is a 3-hour examination worth 80 raw marks. It contains three sections:
Section A: Translation from English into Arabic – 20 marks
Section B: Creative or discursive essay – 30 marks
Section C: Research-based essay – 30 marks
The Section B essay should be 240–280 words, while the research-based essay in Section C should be 300–400 words.
5. What is the difference between Edexcel IAS Arabic and the full IAL Arabic qualification?
Students completing only Unit 1 receive an International Advanced Subsidiary qualification in Arabic. To receive the full Edexcel International Advanced Level Arabic qualification, students must complete both Unit 1 and Unit 2.
Unit 1 represents 50% of the full IAL, while Unit 2 provides the remaining 50%. Unit 2 introduces more advanced translation, extended writing and independent research.
6. Is there a speaking or listening exam in Edexcel IAL Arabic?
No. Edexcel IAL Arabic does not have a separate speaking or listening examination. The qualification assesses understanding and communication through written tasks, including reading comprehension, grammar, translation, essays and research-based writing.
However, students still need a wide Arabic vocabulary and a strong understanding of formal Modern Standard Arabic to interpret texts and communicate ideas accurately.
7. Which topics should I revise for Edexcel IAL Arabic in 2027?
Unit 1 covers four broad topic areas:
Youth culture and concerns
Lifestyle, health and fitness
Environment and travel
Education and employment
Unit 2 may also include:
Technology in the Arabic-speaking world
Society in the Arabic-speaking world
Ethics in the Arabic-speaking world
Students should revise vocabulary, arguments, examples and formal expressions for every topic rather than trying to predict which themes will appear.