Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Language, specification 1EN0, is assessed by two written papers. Paper 1 lasts 1 hour 45 minutes, carries 64 marks and is worth 40%. Paper 2 lasts 2 hours 5 minutes, carries 96 marks and is worth 60%. Spoken Language is assessed separately and does not count towards the 9-1 grade.
Where these figures come from
The component titles, paper codes, durations, mark totals, weightings and text centuries were read from Pearson's own 1EN0 specification, Issue 6, August 2024.
The marks for each individual question and the section timings were read from real Edexcel question papers. They add up to the totals printed on those papers, which is the check that matters.
RCF English is not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by Pearson Edexcel. No Edexcel question, source text or mark scheme wording is reproduced anywhere on this site.
A note on the code 1EN0
1EN0 is the GCSE English Language taken in schools in England. It is sometimes confused with English Language A, which is a different qualification: Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language A, code 4EA1, taken in international schools.
If your statement of entry says 1EN0 you are in the right place. If it says 4EA1, see the International GCSE page instead.
The two papers at a glance
| Paper 1 | Paper 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full title | Fiction and Imaginative Writing | Non-fiction and Transactional Writing |
| Paper code | 1EN0/01 | 1EN0/02 |
| Time | 1 hour 45 minutes | 2 hours 5 minutes |
| Marks | 64 | 96 |
| Weighting | 40% of the GCSE | 60% of the GCSE |
| Reading text(s) | One 19th-century fiction extract, about 650 words | Two unseen non-fiction extracts from the 20th and 21st centuries, about 1,000 words in total, one of them literary non-fiction |
| Section A: Reading | 24 marks, four questions | 56 marks, seven questions |
| Section B: Writing | 40 marks, choose one of two | 40 marks, choose one of two |
| Section timings on the paper | About 1 hour on Section A, about 45 minutes on Section B | About 1 hour 20 minutes on Section A, about 45 minutes on Section B |
| Are the sections linked? | Yes - the writing tasks are linked by a theme to the reading extract | Yes - the writing tasks are linked by a theme to the reading extracts |
The single most important difference from AQA
On AQA the two papers are worth 50% each. On Edexcel they are not. Paper 2 carries 96 of the 160 marks - 60% of the qualification - and runs twenty minutes longer.
If you are revising Edexcel and dividing your time equally between the papers, you are giving Paper 1 half your effort for 40% of the marks. See how AQA and Edexcel differ for the other contrasts.
Every question and what it is worth
| Q | Paper 1 (1EN0/01) | Marks | Paper 2 (1EN0/02) | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identify a phrase from named lines | 1 | From named lines, identify two things | 2 |
| 2 | From named lines, give two things | 2 | From named lines, give two things | 2 |
| 3 | How the writer uses language and structure | 6 | Analyse how the writer of Text 1 uses language and structure | 15 |
| 4 | Evaluate how successfully something is achieved | 15 | From named lines in Text 2, identify one thing | 1 |
| 5 | Imaginative writing, using images (choose one) | 40 | From named lines in Text 2, identify one thing | 1 |
| 6 | Imaginative writing, alternative task | 40 | Evaluate how successfully the writer of Text 2 achieves something | 15 |
| 7(a) | - | - | Synthesis: what similarities do the two texts share? | 6 |
| 7(b) | - | - | Compare how the writers present ideas and perspectives | 14 |
| 8 or 9 | - | - | Transactional writing (choose one) | 40 |
The assessment objectives and their weightings
Pearson publishes the percentage each objective carries across the whole qualification. Two things stand out: writing is 50% of the marks between AO5 and AO6, and AO4 - evaluation - is the largest single reading objective.
- AO1 - identify and interpret information and ideas, and synthesise evidence from different texts. 9.4%
- AO2 - explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure. 13.1%
- AO3 - compare writers' ideas and perspectives across two or more texts. 8.8%
- AO4 - evaluate texts critically, supported by references. 18.8%
- AO5 - communicate clearly and imaginatively; organise ideas. 30%
- AO6 - range of vocabulary and sentence structures, with accurate spelling and punctuation. 20%
- AO7 to AO9 cover the Spoken Language endorsement and carry no weighting towards the grade.
Questions marked with an asterisk
Edexcel papers mark some questions with an asterisk. On those questions the quality of your written communication is assessed as well as the content, so spelling, punctuation, grammar and clarity carry weight. The paper tells you which questions these are - check before you write.
Spoken Language endorsement
Paper code 1EN0/03. One prepared presentation of up to ten minutes, in a formal setting, followed by questions and feedback. There are no marks: students are awarded Pass, Merit or Distinction, reported separately on the certificate. It is 0% of the GCSE grade.
Work through the qualification
Paper 1
Fiction and Imaginative Writing: a 19th-century extract, four reading questions and a choice of writing task.
Paper 2
Non-fiction and Transactional Writing: two texts, seven reading questions and 60% of the qualification.
Past papers and model papers
Official Edexcel papers and mark schemes, plus the original RCF model paper.
Questions about Edexcel GCSE English Language
How long is Edexcel English Language Paper 2?
2 hours 5 minutes, for 96 marks. The paper advises spending about 1 hour 20 minutes on Section A and about 45 minutes on Section B. Paper 1 is shorter at 1 hour 45 minutes for 64 marks.
Which Edexcel English Language paper is worth more?
Paper 2, by a considerable margin. It carries 96 of the 160 marks - 60% of the GCSE - while Paper 1 carries 64 marks and 40%. Paper 2 also has more questions and runs twenty minutes longer.
What is Question 7 on Edexcel Paper 2?
It is the only question that uses both texts, and it comes in two parts worth 20 marks together. Question 7(a) is worth 6 marks and asks what similarities the two texts share, using evidence from both. Question 7(b) is worth 14 marks and asks you to compare how the writers present their ideas and perspectives.
Is there a 19th-century text on Edexcel Paper 2?
No. Edexcel puts its 19th-century text on Paper 1, where the reading extract is 19th-century fiction of about 650 words. Paper 2 uses two unseen non-fiction extracts from the 20th and 21st centuries, one of which is literary non-fiction. This is a real difference from AQA, whose Paper 2 pairs a 19th-century source with a modern one.
Do I answer every question on Edexcel English Language?
Every question in Section A, and only one of the two options in Section B, on both papers. Answering both Section B tasks wastes about forty-five minutes and earns no extra marks.
Is Edexcel English Language tiered?
No. GCSE English Language is untiered on every board, so all students sit the same papers and the full 9 to 1 range is available.
Related pages
GCSE English overview
All four boards and their specification codes.
AQA English Language
The other board developed in full, for comparison.
Language analysis techniques
Method that transfers between boards.