How many papers are in Edexcel GCSE English Language?

Two papers plus a Spoken Language endorsement. Paper 1 (Fiction and Imaginative Writing, 1h 45m, 64 marks) is 40%. Paper 2 (Non-fiction and Transactional Writing, 2h 5m, 96 marks) is 60%. Spoken Language is separately endorsed on the certificate.

What text types are used?

Paper 1 uses an unseen 19th century fiction extract of about 650 words. Paper 2 uses two thematically linked non-fiction texts from the 20th and 21st centuries, one of which is literary non-fiction. You analyse and compare the two Paper 2 texts.

Paper 2 combines reading comparison of two non-fiction texts (56 marks) plus a transactional writing task (40 marks), so 96 marks total. Its longer duration (2h 5m) and higher mark total reflect the comparison work. Allocate time carefully in the exam.

What's Spoken Language?

A separately-endorsed component. You give a formal presentation, respond to questions and are graded Pass/Merit/Distinction. It's not marked, doesn't affect your 9-1 grade, but appears on your certificate. Assessed by your teacher, moderated by Pearson. Typically completed in Year 11.

How does Edexcel differ from AQA?

Both are 2 papers plus Spoken Language endorsement. AQA (8700) is 50/50 with equal paper weights. Edexcel (1EN0) is 40/60, with Paper 2 longer and worth more. The main content difference is where the 19th century text sits: Edexcel puts it on Paper 1 as an unseen fiction extract, while AQA uses 20th/21st century fiction on Paper 1 and pairs a 19th century non-fiction text with a 20th/21st century one on Paper 2. Edexcel's Paper 2 non-fiction texts are both 20th/21st century.

Does Cognito cover Edexcel GCSE English Language?

Cognito has past papers and mark schemes for Edexcel GCSE English Language (1EN0). Use them for timed practice and check your answers against the official mark schemes as you go.

Edexcel GCSE English Language (1EN0) Specification

Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Language (1EN0) is a single-tier linear qualification with two written papers plus a Spoken Language endorsement. Paper 1 (Fiction and Imaginative Writing, 1h 45m) is 40%; Paper 2 (Non-fiction and Transactional Writing, 2h 5m) is 60%. Spoken Language is separately endorsed.

Download the official spec (PDF)

specification overview

1. Fiction and Imaginative Writing
Paper 1
- Section A: Reading an unseen 19th century fiction extract (approximately 650 words)
- Section B: Imaginative writing (descriptive or narrative)
2. Non-fiction and Transactional Writing
Paper 2
- Section A: Reading two thematically linked non-fiction texts (both 20th/21st century, one of which is literary non-fiction)
- Section B: Transactional writing (article, letter, report, review, speech)
3. Spoken Language (endorsement)
NEA
- A formal presentation on a topic of your choice
- Respond to questions from your audience
- Use of standard English (Pass/Merit/Distinction)

subject content

Paper	What's assessed	Length	Marks	Weight	Question types
Paper 1 (Fiction and Imaginative Writing)	19th century fiction extract (reading) + imaginative writing	1h 45m	64	40%	Section A: 4 reading questions (24 marks). Section B: choice of 2 imaginative writing tasks (40 marks including 16 SPaG)
Paper 2 (Non-fiction and Transactional Writing)	20th and 21st century non-fiction extracts, one of which is literary non-fiction (reading) + transactional writing	2h 5m	96	60%	Section A: 7 reading questions comparing 2 texts (Q7 has parts 7a and 7b; 56 marks). Section B: choice of 2 transactional writing tasks (40 marks including 16 SPaG)
Spoken Language (endorsement)	One formal presentation, response to questions, use of standard English	One presentation (typically 5-10 mins)	0	0% (separately endorsed)	Presentation to a live audience, teacher-assessed, moderated by Pearson

PaperPaper 1 (Fiction and Imaginative Writing)

What's assessed19th century fiction extract (reading) + imaginative writing

Length1h 45m

Marks64

Weight40%

Question typesSection A: 4 reading questions (24 marks). Section B: choice of 2 imaginative writing tasks (40 marks including 16 SPaG)

PaperPaper 2 (Non-fiction and Transactional Writing)

What's assessed20th and 21st century non-fiction extracts, one of which is literary non-fiction (reading) + transactional writing

Length2h 5m

Marks96

Weight60%

Question typesSection A: 7 reading questions comparing 2 texts (Q7 has parts 7a and 7b; 56 marks). Section B: choice of 2 transactional writing tasks (40 marks including 16 SPaG)

PaperSpoken Language (endorsement)

What's assessedOne formal presentation, response to questions, use of standard English

LengthOne presentation (typically 5-10 mins)

Marks0

Weight0% (separately endorsed)

Question typesPresentation to a live audience, teacher-assessed, moderated by Pearson

Spoken Language is separately endorsed on the certificate (Pass/Merit/Distinction) and doesn't affect the 9-1 grade. SPaG (spelling, punctuation and grammar) is worth 16 marks per paper in Section B.

assessment structure

AO	What it means	Overall
AO1	Identify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas. Select and synthesise evidence from different texts.	9.4%
AO2	Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers.	13.1%
AO3	Compare writers' ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across two or more texts.	8.8%
AO4	Evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references.	18.8%
AO5	Communicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively, selecting and adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences.	30%
AO6	Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation.	20%

AOAO1

What it meansIdentify and interpret explicit and implicit information and ideas. Select and synthesise evidence from different texts.

Overall9.4%

AOAO2

What it meansExplain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to achieve effects and influence readers.

Overall13.1%

AOAO3

What it meansCompare writers' ideas and perspectives, as well as how these are conveyed, across two or more texts.

Overall8.8%

AOAO4

What it meansEvaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references.

Overall18.8%

AOAO5

What it meansCommunicate clearly, effectively and imaginatively, selecting and adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences.

Overall30%

AOAO6

What it meansUse a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation.

Overall20%

assessment objectives

Practise fiction extract analysis
Paper 1 Section A tests analysis of a fiction extract. Focus on language techniques (imagery, sentence types, verb choices) and structural devices (openings, focus shifts, endings).
Master the Paper 2 comparison question
Paper 2 has heavy comparison content (56 marks). Learn to compare two 20th/21st century non-fiction texts (one literary non-fiction): viewpoint, methods, effect on reader.
Practise writing to different transactional formats
Paper 2 Section B expects articles, letters, reports, reviews or speeches. Learn conventions for each: headline, byline, greeting, sign-off, sub-headings.
Time-box Paper 2 carefully
2h 5m for Section A (~55 mins reading + writing) and Section B (~45 mins). Practise pace on past papers, Section A is 56 marks so needs more time.
Read 19th century fiction weekly
Paper 1 always uses a 19th century fiction extract. Read Dickens, the Brontes, Hardy and other Victorian novelists to build vocabulary recognition and speed.
Watch SPaG marks in Section B
16 marks per paper come from SPaG. Simple: correct spellings, varied sentences, appropriate punctuation. Losing SPaG easily drops a grade.

key tips for success

Start your learning journey today...

Practise with Cognito's free past papers for this spec – or browse grade boundaries and related specifications.

GCSE English Language (Edexcel)

Free past papers

GCSE English Language (Edexcel) grade boundaries

Where to next

GCSE English Language (1EN0) Specification

Frequently asked questions

Past papers for this spec, free