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2025 Pearson Edexcel GCSE English Language Paper 2 and Mark Scheme Combined (1EN0/02: Non-fiction and Transactional Writing)
Paper 2 is the Non-fiction and Transactional Writing component of the Pearson Edexcel GCSE English Language qualification (1EN0/02). This paper assesses students’ ability to read, understand, and analyse non-fiction and transactional texts, as well as their skills in crafting structured and purposeful written responses.
Paper 2 forms 50% of the total GCSE English Language grade and includes reading comprehension and writing tasks.
Paper 2 focuses on the following areas:
Understanding, summarising, and analysing non-fiction texts (articles, reports, speeches, letters, etc.)
Evaluating language, structure, and form to understand meaning and effect
Comparing ideas, viewpoints, and perspectives across multiple texts
Writing for purpose and audience in a variety of formats (letters, articles, reports, speeches)
Planning, structuring, and organising ideas effectively
Using appropriate tone, style, vocabulary, and grammar
Making inferences and deductions from texts
Identifying biases, viewpoints, and rhetorical techniques
Analysing how writers achieve their effects on the reader
Section A – Reading:
Comprehension and analysis of one or more unseen non-fiction texts
Questions assessing retrieval, inference, language analysis, structure, and comparison
Section B – Writing:
Transactional writing tasks requiring students to produce coherent, purposeful, and audience-appropriate responses
The paper assesses the following skills:
AO1 – Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information
AO2 – Explain, comment on, and analyse how writers use language and structure
AO3 – Compare writers’ ideas and perspectives, evaluating effectiveness
AO5 – Communicate clearly, effectively, and imaginatively in writing
AO6 – Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures with accuracy
The combined question paper + mark scheme includes:
Model answers and guidance for comprehension and analysis questions
Marking criteria for transactional writing tasks, including content, structure, grammar, punctuation, and spelling
Allocation of marks for AO1–AO6 skills
Examiner notes to ensure consistent and fair marking
The mark scheme emphasizes evidence-based analysis, clear expression, and effective organisation of ideas.
| Author | Proficient Academic Tutor |
| Published | 09 Dec 2025 |
| Included files | |