Practice questions for the Pearson Edexcel GCSE English Language (1EN0) specification, for teaching in England. Every answer is explained, so you can see why the right option is right. It covers the knowledge and reading skills that suit multiple choice; extended writing is not assessed here.
About this practice. Revision Robin is built and maintained by Bloor Engineering Ltd, a UK-registered company. Our GCSE English Language (Edexcel) questions are written and reviewed in-house to match the current syllabus, each with a plain-English worked explanation. They are original practice material, not the official exam questions and not affiliated with or endorsed by Pearson Edexcel. Always confirm current test rules, fees and content with the official provider. See our Terms and Privacy.
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Q1. The old lighthouse keeper, Silas, squinted at the horizon. A ferocious storm was brewing, its dark clouds gathering like a bruise on the skin of the sky. He had seen a hundred storms like this one from his lonely perch, but this one felt different. He checked the lamp, polished the great lens until it gleamed, and made sure the foghorn was ready. His duty was to the ships, and he would not fail them.
A. He squinted at the horizon.
B. He polished the great lens.
C. He made sure the foghorn was ready.
D. He thought about previous storms.
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: C. He made sure the foghorn was ready.
The text lists his actions in order, with 'made sure the foghorn was ready' being the last preparatory action mentioned before the final sentence.
Q2. The new cafe, with its self-consciously 'rustic' decor and chalkboards proclaiming the profound virtues of its coffee, was certainly a sight. A menu of tiny, artfully arranged cakes sat on the counter, each with a price tag that seemed to belong to a piece of jewellery. The staff, all impossibly young and cheerful, floated between tables. It was, I suppose, a very modern experience.
A. Genuinely impressed and enthusiastic.
B. Mildly critical and sarcastic.
C. Confused and overwhelmed by the decor.
D. Angry about the high prices.
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B. Mildly critical and sarcastic.
Phrases like "self-consciously 'rustic'" and comparing prices to "jewellery" imply a sarcastic and critical tone, rather than genuine enthusiasm or anger.
Q3. Read the following passage:
The old house stood on the hill, a lonely silhouette against the bruised, purple sky. Its windows were vacant eyes, staring out over the overgrown garden where shadows gathered like secrets. A chill wind whispered through the skeletal branches of a dead tree, carrying the scent of damp earth and decay.
What is the main effect of the writer using the word 'skeletal' to describe the tree's branches?
A. To show that the tree is very old and large.
B. To suggest the house is located near a cemetery.
C. To create a sense of death, decay, and foreboding.
D. To imply that the tree is scientifically interesting.
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: C. To create a sense of death, decay, and foreboding.
The word 'skeletal' has strong connotations of death and bones, which contributes to the threatening and unsettling atmosphere the writer is building.
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The real GCSE English Language (Edexcel): format
How many questions are in the GCSE English Language (Edexcel)?
The real GCSE English Language (Edexcel) has 2 questions and lasts 230 minutes. Our mock uses 40 questions in 60 minutes.
What it costs, and what a resit costs
How much does the GCSE English Language (Edexcel) cost?
Real exam fee: Pearson Edexcel awarding body fee is £58.10 (2026/27). Private exam centres typically charge £200-£400 for entry, including administration. Resit fee: Pearson Edexcel awarding body fee is £58.10 (2026/27)
How hard is it
What is the GCSE English Language (Edexcel) pass rate?
Real exam first-time pass rate: The overall pass rate (Grade 4 or above) for English Language across all boards in 2026 was 59.5%. For students aged 17 or older (typically resitting), this rate was 19.8% in 2026.
Why people fail it
Why do people fail the GCSE English Language (Edexcel)?
Using slang terminology and informal language in exams.
Poor time management during the examination.
Figures for the real exam from google.com, vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com, checked October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the test provider before you book.
GCSE English Language (Edexcel): common questions
Frequently asked
What is the pass mark for the GCSE English Language (Edexcel)?
You need 24 out of 40 correct to pass, which is about 60%. Our mocks mark you against this exact threshold.
How long do you get?
The test is timed at 60 minutes. Our full mock runs on the same clock so you can practise your pacing.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. Our questions are original and written to match the current syllabus, so they give realistic practice without copying the official paper. Every answer comes with a plain-English explanation. Always confirm current rules and content with Pearson Edexcel.