2025 Pearson Edexcel GCSE English Language Paper 1 and Mark Scheme Combined (1EN0/01: Fiction and Transactional Writing)
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2025 Pearson Edexcel GCSE English Language Paper 1 and Mark Scheme Combined (1EN0/01: Fiction and Transactional Writing)
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2025 Pearson Edexcel GCSE English Language Paper 1 and Mark Scheme Combined (1EN0/01: Fiction and Transactional Writing)

Paper 1 is the Fiction and Imaginative Writing component of the Pearson Edexcel GCSE English Language qualification (1EN0/01). This paper assesses students’ ability to read, understand, and analyse fiction texts, as well as their skills in crafting imaginative and transactional writing.

Paper 1 forms 50% of the total GCSE English Language grade and includes reading comprehension and creative writing tasks.


What the Paper Covers

Paper 1 focuses on the following areas:

📚 Reading Fiction

  • Understanding and interpreting unseen fiction texts (novels, short stories, extracts)

  • Analysing language, structure, and narrative techniques to explore meaning and effect

  • Making inferences, deductions, and comparisons within texts

✍️ Imaginative Writing

  • Writing creatively for purpose and audience (narratives, descriptions, stories)

  • Planning, structuring, and organising ideas effectively

  • Using descriptive techniques, dialogue, and stylistic features to engage the reader

🧠 Critical Thinking

  • Evaluating how writers create impact through language and structure

  • Identifying themes, characterisation, and mood

  • Making evidence-based interpretations


Structure of the Paper

  • Section A – Reading:

    • Comprehension and analysis of one or more unseen fiction texts

    • Questions assessing retrieval, inference, language analysis, and narrative techniques

  • Section B – Writing:

    • Imaginative or transactional writing tasks requiring coherent, structured, 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

  • AO4 – Evaluate texts critically and support with textual references

  • AO5 – Communicate clearly, effectively, and imaginatively in writing

  • AO6 – Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures with accuracy


Mark Scheme (Included in the Combined Document)

The combined question paper + mark scheme includes:

  • Model answers and guidance for comprehension and analysis questions

  • Marking criteria for imaginative 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, creativity, and effective organisation of ideas.