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.