2025 Pearson Edexcel GCSE English Language Paper 2 and Mark Scheme Combined (1EN0/02: Non-fiction and Transactional Writing)
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2025 Pearson Edexcel GCSE English Language Paper 2 and Mark Scheme Combined (1EN0/02: Non-fiction and Transactional Writing)
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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.




What the Paper Covers


Paper 2 focuses on the following areas:


📖 Reading Non-fiction




  • 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




✍️ Transactional and Creative Writing




  • 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




🧠 Critical Thinking




  • Making inferences and deductions from texts




  • Identifying biases, viewpoints, and rhetorical techniques




  • Analysing how writers achieve their effects on the reader






Structure of the Paper




  • 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






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 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.