Edexcel GCSE English Language specification (1EN0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel GCSE English Language exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel GCSE English Language specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel GCSE English Language (1EN0) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The GCSE English Language (1EN0) qualification is designed to build confidence in reading, writing, and spoken communication. It equips students with essential literacy skills through the study of a wide range of texts. The qualification prepares students for further academic and vocational study by fostering critical thinking, analytical reading, and coherent writing using Standard English. It encourages independent and imaginative responses and the ability to evaluate how writers use language and structure. The Spoken Language Endorsement separately assesses students' abilities to present, respond, and use formal spoken English effectively.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Fiction and Imaginative Writing
- Read and understand a range of 19th-century prose fiction.
- Identify and interpret themes and ideas, supporting views with evidence.
- Evaluate vocabulary, form, grammar, and structure.
- Develop imaginative writing that reflects audience, purpose, and context.
- Use rhetorical devices and structural features to enhance impact.
Component 2: Non-fiction and Transactional Writing
- Read and understand 20th- and 21st-century non-fiction and literary non-fiction.
- Interpret and evaluate ideas, themes, and structure across texts.
- Compare writers’ perspectives and synthesise information.
- Produce transactional writing: articles, letters, reviews, speeches, guide sections.
- Write for purpose using persuasive and coherent techniques.
Spoken Language Endorsement
- Present prepared topic to a live audience, using spoken Standard English.
- Respond appropriately to questions and feedback.
- Assessment focuses on audibility, vocabulary, organisation, and engagement.
- Graded as Pass, Merit, Distinction or Not Classified.
Assessment structure
Component 1: Fiction and Imaginative Writing
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 64 marks, 40% of GCSE.
- Section A: Questions on one unseen 19th-century fiction extract.
- Section B: One imaginative writing task from a choice of two (themed to Section A).
- Assesses AO1, AO2, AO4 (Reading) and AO5, AO6 (Writing).
Component 2: Non-fiction and Transactional Writing
- 2 hours 5 minutes, 96 marks, 60% of GCSE.
- Section A: Questions on two unseen 20th- and 21st-century non-fiction texts.
- Section B: One transactional writing task from a choice of two (linked to reading theme).
- Assesses AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4 (Reading) and AO5, AO6 (Writing).
Spoken Language Endorsement
- Up to 10 minutes, internally assessed, externally monitored.
- One prepared presentation with audience and Q&A.
- No marks, reported separately as Pass, Merit, Distinction, or Not Classified.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel GCSE English Language isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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