edexcel creative writing questions

Insider GCSE creative writing tips + 106 prompts from past papers

by Hayley | Mar 9, 2023 | Exams , Writing | 0 comments

Are you feeling a little bit twitchy about your child’s English GCSE writing task?

Sciences and humanities – although sometimes daunting in their content – seem a fair bet as ‘revisable’ topics. But the creative writing element of the English Language GCSE is less knowable and ultimately more of a frightening prospect for a student keen to do well.

Preparing for the GCSE writing task? You don’t need to do it alone.

We run a weekly online writing club which prepares students to write high-scoring content. Our “Higher” level club is designed to transform your writing so that you can ace the GCSE language paper.

What is the GCSE writing element of the GCSE Language Paper?

There are 5 key GCSE exam boards: AQA , OCR , Pearson Edexcel , WJEC Eduqas and CCEA . Each board sets their own papers which may appear much the same at first glance (bizarrely they all have a similar front cover layout and fonts). Certainly there is plenty of overlap between their mark schemes and the comments and tips they share in their Examiner Reports.

However, as with all your child’s other subjects, it is essential to know which exam board they are preparing for. You may be surprised to discover that schools pick and choose boards by subject, perhaps choosing AQA for chemistry and OCR for mathematics. Individual school departments have their own preferences. My brother teaches at a school where their English Literature and English Language exams have been split between two different boards. This is unusual though, not the norm!

What forms (question formats) can the test take?

It varies by board.

The AQA board has a writing task in their Question Paper 1 called Explorations in creative reading and writing . Students are given two prompts to choose between. The AQA board also has a second persuasive writing task in Paper 2 called Writers’ viewpoints and perspectives.

Jump ahead to AQA creative writing and persuasive writing prompts from past GCSE papers

The Pearson/Edexcel international iGCSE favoured by many UK private schools has two prompts to choose between for each section. The student is asked to complete a piece of transactional writing (perhaps a persuasive speech or an advertisement leaflet) and additionally a piece of imaginative writing.

Jump ahead to Pearson/Edexcel transactional writing and imaginative writing prompts from past GCSE papers

Interestingly, the WJEC Eduqas board favours non-fiction writing. Unit 2 Reading and Writing: Description, Narration and Exposition gives two prompts to choose between, for an account and an essay perhaps, and Unit 3: Reading and Writing: Argumentation, Persuasion and Instructional sets up a letter, or similar.

Jump ahead to WJEC Eduqas non-fiction writing prompts from past GCSE papers

The OCR board offers two prompts to choose between. One might be a talk for other students and the other might be a letter on a difficult subject .

Jump ahead to OCR creative writing prompts from past GCSE papers

The CCEA board has a writing task in called “ Writing for Purpose and Audience and Reading to Access Non-fiction and Media Texts” and a second writing task which offers a choice between personal writing and creative writing.

Jump ahead to CCEA persuasive writing, personal writing, and creative prompts from past GCSE papers

How long do students have to craft their piece of writing?

Creative writing tests are timed at either 45 minutes or 1 hour. The last thing your child will need is to prepare to write for an hour, only to find they have just three-quarters of an hour on the day. If in doubt, insist that they check with their teacher.

AQA students are given 45 minutes to produce their writing response. The introduction advises: ‘ You are reminded of the need to plan your answer. You should leave enough time to check your work at the end.’ What this means is that 30–35 minutes max is what’s really allowed there for the writing itself.

Pearson/Edexcel allows 45 minutes for each of the two writing tasks.

OCR students are given an hour to complete this section of their exam. The introduction states: ‘You are advised to plan and check your work carefully,’ so they will expect the writing itself to take 45–50 minutes.

How long should the completed GCSE writing task be?

Interestingly, although the mark schemes all refer to paragraphingthey don’t state how many paragraphs they expect to see.

‘A skilfully controlled overall structure, with paragraphs and grammatical features used to support cohesion and achieve a range of effects’ (OCR)

‘Fluently linked paragraphs with seamlessly integrated discourse markers’ (AQA)

Why? Because management of paragraph and sentence length is a structural technique available to the student as part of their writers’ toolkit. If the number of optimal paragraphs were to be spelled out by the board, it would have a negative impact on the freedom of the writer to use their paragraphs for impact or to manage the pace of the reader.

For a general guide I would expect to see 3 to 5 paragraphs in a creative piece and 5 paragraphs in a persuasive piece. Leaflets have a different structure entirely and need to be set out in a particular form to achieve the top notes of the mark scheme.

What are the examiners looking for when they are marking a student’s creative writing paper?

There are two assessment objectives for the writing itself:

• It has to be adapted to the form, tone and register of writing for specific purposes and audiences.
• It has to use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, with appropriate paragraphing, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

As a GCSE English nerd, I really enjoy delving deeper into the Examiner Reports that each board brings out once the previous cohort’s papers have been marked. They are a fascinating read and never disappoint…

Within their pages, examiners spell out the differences they have spotted between the stronger and the weaker responses.

For example, a creative task set by the AQA board was to describe a photograph of a town at sunset. The examiners explained that some of the strongest responses imagined changes in the scene as darkness descended. They enjoyed reading responses that included personification of the city, and those that imagined the setting in the past, or the weariness of the city. Weaker candidates simply listed what was in the picture or referred directly to the fact it was an image. This chronological-list approach weakened the structure of their work.

No surprises that some weaker students relied heavily on conversation. (As an exam marker myself, I dreaded reading acres of uninspiring direct speech.)

Pearson/Edexcel explain that weaker persuasive pieces (in this case on the value of television) simply listed pros and cons rather than developed ideas fully to clarify their own opinions. The higher-level responses here were quirky and engaging, entertaining the reader with a range of appropriate techniques and making the argument their own.

What accommodations are possible for students who have specific learning difficulties?

The UK Government’s Guide for Schools and Colleges 2022: GCSE, AS and A Levels includes information about changes to assessments to support ‘disabled students.’ Their definition of disabled includes specific learning difficulties (dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, ADD, ASD etc).

Exam boards can make a wide range of adjustments to their assessments. Some of the most common adjustments are:

• modified papers (for example, large print or braille exam papers)
• access to assistive software (for example, voice recognition systems or computer readers)
• help with specific tasks (for example, another person might read questions to the student or write their dictated answers)
• changes to how the assessment is done (for example, an oral rather than a written assessment, word-processing rather than hand-writing answers)
• extra time to complete assessments
• exemptions from an assessment

The exam board will expect paperwork to be in place where your child’s specific needs are formally reported by an appropriate professional (Educational Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Consultant). The report needs to be recent, but how recent is difficult to confirm.

If your child is likely to need adjustments to their access arrangements you will need to discuss this with their school in plenty of time before the exam itself.

A close friend of mine realised in the final few weeks before her son’s GCSE exams that his tinnitus would have a negative impact on his performance. She approached the school to ask if he might take his exams in a separate room to minimise noise disturbance. Unfortunately, it was far too late by then to apply, and her son was denied the request.

Your child’s school will explain the process for applying for special arrangements and will be able to advise you on what your expectations should be. Never presume your child will be given what they need – but plenty of requests are successful, so stay positive and make sure your paperwork is in order beforehand.

Tips and strategies for writing a high scoring GCSE creative writing paper:

1.         learn the formats.

Know the different formats and conventions of the different GCSE writing tasks. There is a standard layout for a leaflet, for example, where including contact details and a series of bullet points is part of the mark scheme. Not knowing these conventions will knock back a student’s score.

2.         Plan ahead

Prepare a planning structure for each of the written forms you might encounter during the exam. It may need to be flexed on the day, but it will banish fear of the blank page and allow you to get started.

3.         Prepare sentence-openings

Familiarise yourself with appropriate sentence-openings for each type of GCSE writing task. Fronted adverbials of time and place will improve the quality of a creative piece, whereas access to varied and specific conjunctions might push up the mark of a transactional piece.

4.         Check your speaking

Ask your family to check your speech at home. Every now and then try to flip a sentence into formal language, using more interesting synonyms for your usual spoken vocabulary. This will help you to write formally on paper, avoiding colloquialisms.

5.         Forget finishing

Finishing is less important than you might imagine. Sloppy, hurried work is your enemy. GCSE examiners will follow your clear planning and mark you accordingly, even if you’ve not managed to complete that final paragraph.

6.         Note the details

The question often gives additional information the examiner would like to see included. Note it in your plan to make sure it doesn’t get forgotten.

7.         Start strong

Use your best sentence-opener at the start of each paragraph. It will set you up as someone to be taken seriously.

8.         Cut back dialogue

Keep dialogue contained in a single paragraph. Focus on description of the speaker and their actions before noting the second character’s reply.

9.         Revise

Do this by prepping work as above. Nothing beats it.

Would you like me to transform your child’s writing in my higher writing club?

Each week in my higher writing club , we spend 20 minutes on Zoom together. After the task has been introduced, the students write for 15 minutes. Next, they upload their work for 1:1 video marking.

There is no point prepping essays/creative pieces for the GCSE English Language exam if your child’s writing is poor. First, their scruffy presentation, attention to detail, punctuation, grammar and vocabulary need to be addressed.

After 2 months in the higher writing club your child’s written technique and fluency will be transformed by our 1–2-1 video marking system (consistent messaging is achieved by matching your child with their own teacher).

Each weekly activity is drawn directly from the GCSE English Language Subject Content and Assessment Objectives , published by the English Department of Education.

Here’s an example of a student’s writing, BEFORE they joined our club:

It is chaotic, poorly-presented and nonsensical. Letter-sizing is confused and the student is clearly anxious and repeatedly scribbling through small errors.

Below is the same student 2 months later:

Observe the rich vocabulary, authorial techniques (the jagged rocks are ‘like shards of broken glass’) and general fluency and sophistication.

Real and recent GCSE example questions/prompts from each of the 5 key exam boards

Aqa english language gcse questions, paper 2 writers’ viewpoints and perspectives:.

• ‘Our addiction to cheap clothes and fast fashion means young people in poorer countries have to work in terrible conditions to make them. We must change our attitude to buying clothes now.’ Write an article for a magazine or website in which you argue your point of view on this statement. ( Source )
• ‘People have become obsessed with travelling ever further and faster. However, travel is expensive, dangerous, damaging and a foolish waste of time!’ Write an article for a news website in which you argue your point of view on this statement. ( Source )
• ‘Cars are noisy, dirty, smelly and downright dangerous. They should be banned from all town and city centres, allowing people to walk and cycle in peace.’ Write a letter to the Minister for Transport arguing your point of view on this statement. ( Source )
• ‘All sport should be fun, fair and open to everyone. These days, sport seems to be more about money, corruption and winning at any cost.’ Write an article for a newspaper in which you explain your point of view on this statement. ( Source )

Paper 1 Explorations in creative reading and writing:

• A magazine has asked for contributions for their creative writing section. Either write a description of an old person as suggested by the picture below or write a story about a time when things turned out unexpectedly. ( Source )

• Your school or college is asking students to contribute some creative writing for its website. Either, describe a market place as suggested by the picture below or write a story with the title, ‘Abandoned’. ( Source )

• Your local library is running a creative writing competition. The best entries will be published in a booklet of creative writing. Either, write a description of a mysterious place, as suggested by the picture below or write a story about an event that cannot be explained. ( Source )

• A magazine has asked for contributions for their creative writing section. Either, describe a place at sunset as suggested by the picture below or write a story about a new beginning. ( Source )

OCR English Language GCSE questions

Paper: communicating information and ideas.

• Either, Write a post for an online forum for young people about ‘A moment that changed my life’.
• Or, You are giving a talk at a parents’ information evening about why all children should study science at school. Explain your views. ( Source )
• Either, Write a letter to a friend to describe a challenging and unpleasant task you once had to do.
• Or, Write a short guide for new workers about how to deal successfully with difficult customers. ( Source )
• Either, “Was it worth it?” Write an article for a magazine to describe a time when you had to do something difficult.
• Or, Write a speech for an event to congratulate young people who have achieved something remarkable. ( Source )
• Either, Write the words of a talk to advise pet owners how to make life more enjoyable for their pet and themselves.
• Or, Write an article for a travel magazine to describe your dramatic encounter with an animal. ( Source )
• Either, ‘How I prefer to spend my time.’ Write the words of a talk to young people about your favourite activity
• Or, Write a magazine article to persuade parents to allow their teenage children more freedom. You are not required to include any visual or presentational features. ( Source )
• Either, Write a talk for other students about a person you either admire strongly or dislike intensely
• Or, Write a letter to a friend to explain a difficult decision you had to make. ( Source )

Paper: Exploring effects and impact

• Either, Hunger satisfied. Use this as the title for a story.
• Or, Write about a time when you were waiting for something. ( Source )
• Either, The Taste of Fear Use this as the title for a story.
• Or, Write about a time when you were exploring a particular place. ( Source )
• Either, Alone. Use this as the title for a story.
• Or, Describe a time when you found yourself in a crowd or surrounded by people. ( Source )
• Either, Land at Last. Use this as the title for a story.
• Or, Imagine you have visited somewhere for the first time and are now reporting back on your experience. ( Source )
• Either, The Playground Use this as the title for a story
• Or, Write about a memory you have of playing a childhood game. ( Source )
• Either, It seemed to me like I had been magically transported. Use this as the title for a story.
• Or, Describe a place where you have felt comfortable. ( Source )

Pearson Edexcel English Language iGCSE questions

Paper 1: transactional writing.

• Either, ‘In our busy twenty-first century lives, hobbies and interests are more important than ever.’ Write an article for a newspaper expressing your views on this statement.
• Or, ‘We are harming the planet we live on and need to do more to improve the situation.’ You have been asked to deliver a speech to your peers in which you explain your views on this statement. ( Source )
• ‘ Zoos protect endangered species from around the world.’ ‘No wild animal should lose its freedom and be kept in captivity. Write an article for a magazine in which you express your views on zoos.
• Write a review of an exciting or interesting event that you have seen. ( Source )
• Your local newspaper has published an article with the headline ‘Young people today lack any desire for adventure’. Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper expressing your views on this topic.
• ‘The key to success in anything is being prepared.’ Write a section for a guide giving advice on the importance of preparation. ( Source )
• You and your family have just returned from a holiday that did not turn out as you expected. Write a letter to the travel agent with whom you booked your holiday, explaining what happened.
• A magazine is publishing articles with the title ‘Friendship is one of the greatest gifts in life’. Write your article on this topic. ( Source )
• ‘Important lessons I have learned in my life.’ You have been asked to deliver a speech to your peers on this topic.
• Your local/school library wants to encourage young people to read more. Write the text of a leaflet explaining the benefits of reading. ( Source )
• ‘Most memorable journeys.’ A website is running a competition to reward the best articles on this subject. Write an article for the competition about a memorable journey.
• ‘Cycling is one form of exercise that can lead to a healthier lifestyle.’ Write a guide for young people on the benefits of exercise. ( Source )
• ‘Television educates, entertains and helps global understanding.’ ‘Television is to blame for society’s violence and greed and delivers one-sided news.’ You have been asked to deliver a speech in which you express your views and opinions on television.
• ‘Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions we ever make.’ Write the text of a leaflet that gives advice to young people on how to choose a career. ( Source )
• Write the text for a leaflet aimed at school students which offers advice on how to deal with bullying.
• A museum is planning to open a new exhibition called ‘Life in the Twenty-First Century’. ( Source )

Paper 2: Imaginative writing

• Write about a time when you, or someone you know, enjoyed success
• Write a story with the title ‘A Surprise Visitor’.
• Look at the two images below. Choose one and write a story that begins ‘I did not have time for this’ ( Source )

• Write about a time when you, or someone you know, challenged an unfair situation.
• Write a story with the title ‘Bitter, Twisted Lies’.
• Look at the two images below. Choose one and write a story that begins ‘It was a new day …’ You may wish to base your response on one of these images. ( Source )

• Write about a time when you, or someone you know, visited a new place.
• Write a story with the title ‘The Storm’
• Look at the two images below. Choose one and write a story that ends ‘I decided to get on with it.’ ( Source )

• Write about a time when you, or someone you know, saw something surprising.
• Write a story with the title ‘The Meeting’.
• Look at the two images below. Choose one and write a story that starts ‘Suddenly, without warning, there was a power cut.’ ( Source )

• Write about a time when you, or someone you know, went on a long journey.
• Write a story with the title ‘A New Start’
• Look at the two images below. Choose one and write a story that begins ‘I tried to see what he was reading. ( Source )

• Write about a time when you, or someone you know, felt proud.
• Write a story with the title ‘The Hidden Book’.
• Look at the two images below. Choose one and write a story that begins ‘It was like a dream’ ( Source )

• Write about a time when you, or someone you know, had to be brave
• Write a story with the title ‘Everything Had Changed’
• Look at the two images below. Choose one and write a story that begins ‘It was an unusual gift’. ( Source )

WJEC Eduqas English Language GCSE questions

Unit 2 reading and writing: description, narration and exposition.

• Write an account of a time when you enjoyed or hated taking part in an outdoor activity.
• “It’s essential that more people are more active, more often.” (Professor Laura McAllister, Chair of Sport Wales) Write an essay to explain how far you agree with this view, giving clear reasons and examples. ( Source )
• Describe an occasion when you did something you found rewarding.
• Famous chefs such as Jamie Oliver and Mary Berry have spoken of the need for better food and better education about food in schools. Write an essay to explain your views on this subject, giving clear reasons and examples. ( Source )
• Write an account of a visit to a dentist or a doctor’s surgery.
• NHS staff, such as doctors and nurses, provide excellent service in difficult circumstances. Write an essay to explain your views on this subject, giving clear reasons and examples. ( Source )
• Write an article for a travel magazine describing somewhere interesting that you have visited.
• You see the following in your local newspaper: ‘Young people are selfish. They should all be made to volunteer to help others.’ Write an essay to explain your views on this subject, giving clear reasons and examples. ( Source )
• Describe an occasion when technology made a difference to your life.
• Write an account of a time you were unwilling to do something. ( Source )
• Describe a time when you faced a challenge
• Write an essay explaining why charity is important, giving clear reasons and examples. ( Source )
• Write an account of a time when you did something for the first time.
• “It’s time for us to start making some changes. Let’s change the way we eat, let’s change the way we live, and let’s change the way we treat each other.” Tupac Shakur Write an essay on the subject of change, giving clear reasons and examples. ( Source )
• “School uniform is vitally important in all schools.” Write an essay explaining your views on this, giving clear reasons and examples.
• Describe a time when you had to create a good impression. ( Source )

Unit 3: Reading and writing: Argumentation, persuasion and instructional

• Your school/college is considering using more Fairtrade items in its canteen. Although this will help to support Fairtrade farmers, it will mean an increase in the price of meals. You feel strongly about this proposal and decide to write a letter to your Headteacher/Principal giving your views. ( Source )
• Increasing litter levels suggest we have lost all pride in our beautiful country. Prepare a talk for your classmates in which you give your opinions on this view. ( Source )
• Write a guide for other students persuading them to stay safe when using social media and the internet. ( Source )
• According to your PE teacher, ‘Swimming is the very best form of exercise.’ You have been asked to prepare a talk for your classmates in which you give your views about swimming. ( Source )
• You read the following in a newspaper: ‘Plastic is one of the biggest problems faced by our planet. Why would we use something for a few minutes that has been made from a material that’s going to last forever?’ Write a letter to the newspaper giving your views on the use of plastic. ( Source )
• “People today never show enough kindness to one another. We must make more effort to be kind.” Write a talk to give on BBC Wales’ new programme Youth Views persuading young people to be kind to others. ( Source )
• ‘We have enough problems in the world without worrying about animals.’ Write an article for the school or college magazine giving your views on this statement.
• You would like to raise some money for an animal charity. Write a talk for your classmates persuading them to donate to your chosen charity. ( Source )

CCEA English Language GCSE questions

Unit 1: writing for purpose and audience and reading to access non-fiction and media texts.

• Write a speech for your classmates persuading them to agree with your views on the following issue: “Young people today are too worried about their body image.” ( Source )
• Write an article for your school magazine persuading the readers to agree with your views on the following question: “Should school uniform have a place in 21st century schools?” ( Source )
• Write a speech for your classmates persuading them to agree with your views on the following question: “Are celebrities the best role models for teenagers?” ( Source )
• Write an article for your school magazine persuading the readers to agree with your views on the following statement: “Advertising is just another source of pressure that teenagers don’t need!” ( Source )

Unit 4: Personal or creative writing and reading literacy and non-fiction texts

• Either, Personal writing: Write a personal essay for the examiner about what you consider to be one of the proudest moments in your life.
• Or, Creative writing: Write your entry for a creative essay writing competition. The audience is teenagers. You may provide your own title. ( Source )
• Write a personal essay for the examiner about an experience that resulted in a positive change in your life.
• Write a creative essay for the examiner. The picture below is to be the basis for your writing. You may provide your own title. ( Source )

• Personal writing: Write a speech for your classmates about the most interesting person you have ever met.
• Creative writing: Write a creative essay for your school magazine. The picture below is to be the basis for your writing. You may provide your own title. ( Source )

• Personal writing: Write a personal essay for the examiner describing your dream destination.
• Creative writing: Write a creative essay for publication in your school magazine. The picture below is to be the basis for your creative writing. You may provide your own title. (Source)

Get 1:1 support and personalized feedback on your GCSE creative writing practice

For 1–2-1 writing support for your pre-GCSE child, join the Griffin Teaching Higher Writing Club—online weekly writing classes specifically tailored to English GCSE creative writing preparation.

In just 20 minutes per week and their writing will be transformed.

Edexcel GCSE English Language Past Papers

This section includes recent GCSE English Language (9-1) past papers from Pearson Edexcel. You can download each of the Pearson Edexcel GCSE English Language past papers and marking schemes by clicking the links below.

November 2022  Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Language Past Papers (1EN0)

Paper 1: 1EN0/01  English Language - Fiction and Imaginative Writing  Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

Paper 2: 1EN0/02  English Language - Non-Fiction and Transactional Writing Download Paper    –    Download Mark Scheme

June 2022  Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Language Past Papers (1EN0)

November 2021  Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Language Past Papers (1EN0)

November 2020  Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Language Past Papers (1EN0)

The above papers are labelled June 2020

June 2019  Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Language Past Papers (1EN0)

November 2018  Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Language Past Papers (1EN0)

June 2018  Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Language Past Papers (1EN0)

November 2017  Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Language Past Papers (1EN0)

June 2017  Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Language Past Papers (1EN0)

English: June 2016 Edexcel GCSE Past Papers

Unit 2: 5EH2F/01 The Writer’s Craft – Foundation –   Download Paper  –  Download Mark Scheme

Unit 2: 5EH2H/01 The Writer’s Craft – Higher –   Download Paper  –  Download Mark Scheme

English Language: June 2016 Edexcel GCSE Past Papers

Unit 2: 5EN2F/01 The Writer’s Voice – Foundation –   Download Paper  –  Download Mark Scheme

Unit 2: 5EN2H/01 The Writer’s Voice – Higher –   Download Paper  –  Download Mark Scheme

English: June 2015

Unit 2: 5EH2H/01 The Writer’s Craft – Higher –   Download Paper  –  Download Mark Scheme

English Language: June 2015

English: June 2014

2: 5EH2H/01 The Writer’s Craft – Higher –   Download Paper  –  Download Mark Scheme

English Language: June 2014

English: June 2013

2: 5EH2H/01 The Writer’s Craft – Higher –   Download Paper  –  Download Mark Scheme  

English Language: June 2013

For more GCSE English Language past papers from other exam boards  click here .

Edexcel GCSE English Language : Past Papers

Concise resources for the GCSE Edexcel English Language course.

English Language (1EN0)

Pearson Edexcel GCSE Fiction and Imaginative Writing: Writing practice papers

English language revision activities, exam-style questions and practice papers biology physics chemistry english literature english language maths pearson edexcel gcse fiction and imaginative writing: writing practice papers.

• AQA (English Language)
• Pearson Edexcel (English Language)
• OCR (English Language)
• Eduqas (English Language)
• GCSE Sample Practice Papers

Would you like to revise a topic or skill with our activities, or practice with exam-style questions and practice papers ? All resources are exam board aligned to help your child revise smart!

Coming soon!

Our English Language Writing GCSE revision resources and practice papers are designed to help your child become their best future self by giving them the tools they need to succeed in their GCSEs. All exam-style questions and practice papers are tailored to exam boards and cover all topics in AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqasspecifications; 

• Producing clear and coherent text: writing to describe
• Producing clear and coherent text: writing to narrate
• Producing clear and coherent text: writing to explain
• Producing clear and coherent text: writing to instruct
• Producing clear and coherent text: writing to give and respond to information
• Producing clear and coherent text: writing to argue
• Producing clear and coherent text: selecting vocabulary, grammar, form, and structural and organisational features to reflect audience, purpose and context
• Producing clear and coherent text: using language imaginatively and creatively
• Producing clear and coherent text: using information provided by others to write in different forms
• Producing clear and coherent text: maintaining a consistent point of view
• Producing clear and coherent text: maintaining coherence and consistency across a text
• Writing for impact: selecting, organising and emphasising facts, ideas and key points
• Writing for impact: citing evidence and quotation effectively and pertinently to support views
• Writing for impact: creating emotional impact
• Writing for impact: using language creatively, imaginatively and persuasively, including rhetorical devices (such as rhetorical questions, antithesis, parenthesis)

How to ace GCSEs with EdPlace

We know first hand how overwhelming 9-1 GCSEs can be, so we’re here to help clear the waters! The introductory years - often starting as early as year 9 - are all about building comprehension and confidence in each topic, progressing up to exam technique, revision and practice in year 11.

To help you support your child best, all our resources are aligned to exam boards AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas. We also focus on progressive leveling, starting at an introductory level and working up to exam-style questions and practice papers - all available at your fingertips in the EdPlace app.

Learn the skills using our resources, practise what you’ve learnt with our exam-style questions and test for exam readiness with our practice papers - success!

GCSE Help and Advice

• From an examiner: techniques.. View
• How to achieve grade 6 in ma.. View
• How to minimise exam stress .. View
• How to pass Maths Edexcel GC.. View
• 9-1 GCSE Science Explained.. View
• 9-1 English GCSE Explained.. View
• 9-1 GCSE Maths Explained View
• Parents’ Guide: Year 11 Ov.. View
• Get your child exam-ready wi.. View

Get started for free

Help your child get ahead in their GCSEs

"Since using EdPlace I have noticed my son’s confidence in maths and English. I am so happy that I found this website and would recommend all parents to use EdPlace for their children." Fay

"Great platform, I saw a dramatic improvement in my son’s progress within as little as a month." Ellie Storey

"I am so pleased I came across EdPlace, invaluable, and easy to navigate. Great value for money. A great asset." Jenny H

There’s a parent and student app for that. Get the app.

Thousands of GCSE English, maths and science activities

Thousands of English, maths, science GCSE revision activities created by teachers accelerate your child’s learning with our learn, practise and test approach. Our core activities are designed to develop the skills they’re learning in school to build your child’s confidence. With our exam-style questions and practice papers, we’ll then help them revise for exam success and beyond.

Colour My Learning is supported by our readers. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases and display ads. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Edexcel English Language A iGCSE (4EA1/02) – Imaginative Writing Past Exam Questions

Li-ling Ooi Education , English Language , Learning , Resources 0

We have collated the imaginative writing questions from past year papers and listed them here. If you are taking the Edexcel English Language specification A (4EA1/02) for your iGCSE, and need more practice for this part of the paper, you have come to the right place.

Imaginative Writing is in Paper 2 Section B. Answer one question out of three given prompts. You are advised to spend 45 minutes on this task. The total marks for this section is 30.

The assessment objectives tested in this section are:

AO4 communicate effectively and imaginatively, adapting form, tone and register of writing for specific purposes and audiences

AO5 write clearly, using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, with appropriate paragraphing and accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Table of Contents

• Exam Paper Format
• Anthologies Exam Questions Analysis
• Poetry and Prose Text Past Exam Questions
• Transactional Writing Past Exam Questions
• Imaginative Writing Past Exam Questions

Imaginative Writing Questions Extracted from Past Year Papers (2014 – current)

Current syllabus (4ea1/01) answer one question..

Write about a time when you, or someone you know, made something. Your response could be real or imagined.

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Write a story with the title ‘My Greatest Memory’.

Look at the images provided. Write a story that begins ‘The festival was crowded that night’.

Your response could be real or imagined. You may wish to base your response on one of the images.

June 2022 Resit

Write about a time when you, or someone you know, had time away from school. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story with the title ‘A Lucky Escape’.

OR Look at the images provided. Write a story that ends ‘It looked so different at night’.

January 2022

Write about a time when you, or someone you know, had to be brave. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story with the title ‘Everything Had Changed’. Your response could be real or imagined.

Look at the images provided.

Write a story that begins ‘It was an unusual gift’.

January 2022 Resit

Write about a time when you, or someone you know, had an exciting experience. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story with the title ‘The Dark City’. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story that starts ‘Was it really him?’

November 2021

Write about a time when you, or someone you know, felt proud. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story with the title ‘The Hidden Book’. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story that begins ‘It was like a dream’.

Write about a time when you, or someone you know, needed help. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story with the title ‘The Accident’. Your response could be real or imagined.

OR Look at the images provided.

Write a story that begins ‘I was too excited to sleep’.

Write about a time when you, or someone you know, went on a long journey. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story with the title ‘A New Start’. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story that begins ‘I tried to see what he was reading.’

June 2020 R

Write about a time when you, or someone you know, made an important decision. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story with the title ‘A Future World’. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story that starts ‘I laughed out loud’.

January 2020

Write about a time when you, or someone you know, saw something surprising. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story with the title ‘The Meeting’. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story that starts ‘Suddenly, without warning, there was a power cut.’

January 2020 R

Write about a time when you, or someone you know, did something by mistake.

Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story with the title ‘The Promise’. Your response could be real or imagined.

Look at the images provided. Write a story that ends ‘I’m glad I decided to help.’

Write about a time when you, or someone you know, visited a new place.

Write a story with the title ‘The Storm’. Your response could be real or imagined.

Look at the images provided. Write a story that ends ‘I decided to get on with it.’

Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation.

June 2019 R

Write about a time when you, or someone you know, met an important person. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story with the title ‘The Painting’. Your response could be real or imagined.

Look at the images provided. Write a story that starts ‘Everywhere was silent.’

JANUARY 2019

Write about a time when you, or someone you know, challenged an unfair situation. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story with the title ‘Bitter, Twisted Lies’. Your response could be real or imagined.

Look at the images provided. Write a story that begins ‘It was a new day …’.

January 2019 R

Write about a time when you, or someone you know, felt lonely. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story with the title ‘The Deception’. Your response could be real or imagined.

Look at the images provided. Write a story that begins ‘They found a diary… ’.

Write about a time when you, or someone you know, enjoyed success. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story with the title ‘A Surprise Visitor’. Your response could be real or imagined.

Look at the images provided (below). Write a story that begins ‘I did not have time for this’.

June 2018 R

Write about a time when you, or someone you know, felt disappointed. Your response could be real or imagined.

Write a story with the title ‘Lost’. Your response could be real or imagined.

Look at the images provided. Write a story that ends ‘He heard the door slam.’

Old Syllabus. Answer ONE question.

January 2018.

Write on one of the following: EITHER

(a) You have been asked to give to give a talk to a group of teenagers about a person who has made life better for others. This could be someone you know personally or someone who is well-known. Write the text of your talk.

(b) The magazine is publishing A series of articles called ‘where I live’. Write your contribution, exploring what you like or dislike about your local area.

(c) Write a story with the title ‘Memories’.

(a) ‘Cities are dangerous, dirty and crowded places. Why would anyone want to live there?’

Give your views, arguing either for or against this statement.

(b) Your Community Improvement Group has decided to put up a new building to benefit your local area.

Write a letter persuading the Group to accept your ideas about uses for the new building.

(c) Write a story beginning ‘I never thought such an amazing thing could happen to me’.

June 2017 R

(a) ‘Let’s make our world a better place!’

You have been asked to give a talk to a group of young people on this topic. Write the text of your talk.

(b) ‘A Hard Choice I Had To Make.’

A website is collecting contributions from people who have had to make difficult choices.

Write your contribution.

(c) Write a story beginning ‘I was only trying to help’

Featured Products

Interested in the product(s) featured here, use the links below to check the price , availability and offers . As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Links to visit major online retailers

Related Posts

Education , Learning , Technology

The Internet of Things (IoT) in Education: Shaping the connected learning environments

English Literature , Learning , Resources

Edexcel English Literature IGCSE (4ET1/01) Paper 1 – Past Exam Questions – Unseen Poetry

Edexcel english literature igcse (4et1/01) paper 1 – past exam questions – anthology poetry – comparison, edexcel english literature igcse (4et1/01) paper 1 – modern prose past exam questions – to kill a mockingbird, harper lee, edexcel english literature igcse (4et1/01) paper 1 – modern prose past exam questions – of mice and men, john steinbeck, edexcel english literature igcse (4et1/01) paper 1 – modern prose past exam questions – the whale rider, witi ihimaera, edexcel english literature igcse (4et1/01) paper 1 – modern prose past exam questions – the joy luck club, amy tan, edexcel english literature igcse (4et1/01) paper 1 – modern prose past exam questions – things fall apart, china achebe, edexcel english literature igcse (4et1/01) paper 2 – heritage texts past exam questions – romeo and juliet, william shakespeare, share your thoughts cancel reply.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Discover more from Colour My Learning

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Resources you can trust

Practice exam questions and imaginative writing tasks

All reviews

Have you used this resource?

Mustafa Vanancio

Resources you might like

• International
• Education Jobs
• Schools directory
• Resources Education Jobs Schools directory News Search

Edexcel English Imaginative Writing

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

18 July 2023

• Share through email
• Share through twitter
• Share through linkedin
• Share through facebook
• Share through pinterest

Revise Edexcel English Language Paper 1 Question 5 and 6 or Section B with this mammoth 34 slide revision and exam practice pack!

• Revision guide for students
• Resources that could be used for revision lessons for teachers
• Modelled examples of both descriptive writing and narrative writing
• Step-by-step guides to writing both descriptive writing and narrative writing
• Self-reflection sheets for students to reflect on their own writing

The perfect exam practice questions and revision pack for Edexcel English Language Question 5, but easily adaptable for other exam boards such as AQA, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas and so on.

Check out our English Shop for loads more free and inexpensive KS3, KS4, KS5, Literacy and whole school resources.

AQA English Language Paper 1 and Paper 2 Knowledge Organisers AQA English Language Paper 1 Section A package AQA English Language Paper 1 Sections A and B package AQA English Language Paper 1 package AQA English Language Paper 2 Question 5 package AQA English Language Paper 1 Question 5 package AQA English Language Paper 2 Section A package AQA English Language and English Literature revision package

An Inspector Calls whole scheme package An Inspector Calls revision package

Macbeth whole scheme package Macbeth revision package

A Christmas Carol whole scheme package A Christmas Carol revision package

Jekyll and Hyde whole scheme package Jekyll and Hyde revision package

Romeo and Juliet whole scheme package

Power and Conflict poetry comparing poems package Power and Conflict poetry whole scheme package

Love and Relationships poetry whole scheme package

Unseen Poetry whole scheme package

Tes paid licence How can I reuse this?

Get this resource as part of a bundle and save up to 81%

A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

Edexcel English Language Paper 1 Section B

Edexcel English Language Paper 1 Question 5 and 6 complete lesson pack that covers all aspects of descriptive writing, narrative writing and creative writing to prepare students for Paper 1 Q5 and Q6 questions and tasks. Includes: 1) Introduction to descriptive writing 2) Zooming in on pictures to aid description 3) Using sentences and sentence structures 4) Building tone 5) Using colour in description 6) Punctuation recap: dashes, semicolons, colons 7) Past and present tenses lesson 8) Language techniques for descriptive writing 9) Sentence openers 10) Personification and similes - lower ability 11) Structure and narratives 12) Descriptive writing practice 13) Analysing creative writing examples 14) Improving descriptive writing 15) Genre lesson 16) Characters through description lesson 17) Narrative writing example 18) Endings analysis 19) Huge Imaginative Writing revision and exam practice pack 20) Q5 and Q6 KNOWLEDGE ORGANISER

Your rating is required to reflect your happiness.

It's good to leave some feedback.

Something went wrong, please try again later.

So useful. As someone who has previously only taught AQA this was helpful for my own understanding as well as my students'. Presented in a clear and engaging manner with tons of content!

Empty reply does not make any sense for the end user

Report this resource to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.

Not quite what you were looking for? Search by keyword to find the right resource:

GCSE english creative writing help!

Quick reply, related discussions.

• GCSE Exam Discussions 2024
• A Level Combined English vs Lit
• Help with English language
• books to read to improve on creative writing
• how do you get a grade 9 in english language? + creative writing help
• English lit or creative writing?
• Is it okay for me to do no extra studying?
• Studying An MA in Education Studies Abroad: Poland or Thailand?
• Any Year 9 English creative writing marker available?
• Should I do A-Level English Literature?
• Is gcse drama a good gcse (and is it possible to get a 9)?
• English Helpful Threads Index
• English language
• 7 in Eng lang/lit and 9 in everything else
• any key tips to get a grade 6 or + in lit and lang ?
• NOTES FOR GCSE URGENT + gimme some tips for grade 9 pls
• Asking for help
• Recommended timings for Eduqas Wjec English Language GCSE exam
• English lit and lang GCSE help

Last reply 45 minutes ago

Last reply 1 hour ago

Last reply 2 days ago

Last reply 3 days ago

Last reply 4 days ago

Last reply 5 days ago

Last reply 1 week ago

Last reply 2 weeks ago

Articles for you

How to revise for GCSE English Language exams: AQA explains what to do

Best video resources for revising GCSE or A-level English

Artificial intelligence and robotics degree personal statement example (1a) with review and advice

Will artificial intelligence put legal graduates out of work?