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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.
Paper 1 focuses on the following areas:
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
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
Evaluating how writers create impact through language and structure
Identifying themes, characterisation, and mood
Making evidence-based interpretations
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
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.
| Author | Proficient Academic Tutor |
| Published | 09 Dec 2025 |
| Included files | |