Cambridge & Pearson Edexcel Past Paper Questions

Re-read paragraphs 3 and 5, which contain phrases telling us about (a) the writer's attitude to the kittens and (b) the writer's phone call with he...

Recently, you were involved in a difficult situation on your way to school. Your best friend was with you and set a good example by helping you. La...

Describe two very different places you know where people buy food. The places may be shops, restaurants, markets or any other. (Remember you are de...

'Sport is not just good for exercise – it teaches us lessons about values and behaviour.' Do you think this is true? Give reasons and examples to s...

'Every generation should move on and forget the beliefs and practices of previous generations.' How far do you agree with this? Give reasons and de...

Write a story which contains the sentence: 'It was important to meet her face to face because what I wanted to say was too important to put in a te...

Write a story about someone who had to look after a younger brother or sister on two occasions – one occasion which went well and one occasion whic...

On your way home from school recently, you and your friend saw a poster about an event. This led to an exciting experience for both you and your fr...

Describe two of your neighbours who are very different and what your relationship with them is like. (Remember you are describing the characters of...

'We should always obey rules, both inside and outside school: there is never an excuse for breaking them.' What is your opinion? Give reasons and e...

Which two aspects of your culture do you think people in your country should be most proud of? Give reasons and examples to support your view.

Write a story which includes the sentence: 'I could see my friend shouting to me but there was too much noise to hear what my friend was saying.'

Write a story in which someone is accused of doing something wrong which they did not actually do.

Read Passage 1, Nutmeg, in the insert and answer all the questions below.

From paragraph 1 How can we tell that the summer was likely to be a particularly hot one?

From paragraph 2 Why did the writer phone Rene for help?

From paragraph 3 Infected trees could 'jeopardise our status as olive farmers'. Explain in your own words what the writer fears could happen.

From paragraph 4 Apart from the fact that Quashia wasn't there to help, why did the writer offer to be Rene's assistant?

From paragraph 5 Why did they have to take the hosepipe on foot?

From paragraph 6 Why do you think Rene 'stood no taller than a matchstick'?

From paragraphs 2–5 For each of the words below, circle the letter (A, B, C or D) which has the same meaning that the word has in the passage.

Re-read paragraphs 1 and 2, which contain expressions telling us about (a) the arrival of summer and (b) the olive trees. Give: • the meaning of e...

Read Passage 1, Rice, in the insert and answer all the questions below.

Re-read paragraphs 1 and 4 and give one opinion from paragraph 1 and two opinions from paragraph 4.

From paragraph 1 Pedro's note said: 'all jobs done'. How does Pedro emphasise this in his note?

From paragraph 2 Give the two reasons why the writer did not want to employ Pedro.

From paragraph 3 The four men arrived with 'chainsaws and an arsenal of useless, ageing gardening tools, plus a stack of ominously heavy lunchboxes...

From paragraph 4 How did the men show their anger?

From paragraph 5 The writer was surprised at 'the silence from outside'. What had she been expecting to hear?

From paragraph 6 The men were arguing because 'they were being paid a pittance for doing such hazardous work'. Explain in your own words the reason...

From paragraphs 1–7 For each of the words below, circle the letter (A, B, C or D) which has the same meaning that the word has in the passage.

Re-read paragraphs 2 and 7, which contain expressions about the trees in the garden. Give: • the meaning of each expression as it is used in the pa...

Your local council plans to make changes to a public facility in your area, for example a sports centre, a park, a health centre or any other facil...

Describe two very different locations you know which have lots of trees, plants and flowers. (Remember you can describe any people there and the at...

'I don't believe giving can ever be as good as receiving.' Do you think this is true? Give reasons and examples to support your view.

'Parents should insist that their children do extra-curricular activities such as attending school clubs or sports training, even when the children...

Write a story which contains the sentence: 'I was surprised when my mother said she had seen my friend several kilometres away.'

Write a story in which a helicopter plays an important part.

Your cousin got married recently. You helped your cousin to arrange the wedding celebration at a top hotel. The celebration was enjoyable but the h...

Describe two very different and interesting animals which live in your area. (Remember you can describe the behaviour of the animals and the places...

'The world now depends far too much on technology. We are losing the ability to think for ourselves.' What is your opinion? Give reasons and exampl...

'I no longer believe that individuals can make any difference in saving the environment.' Do you agree? Give reasons and examples to support your v...

Write a story which includes the sentence: 'I spent the day wandering through unfamiliar streets looking for the place he told me about.'

Write a story in which a sailing boat plays an important part.

Read Passage 1, Climate change: one person's view on causes and consequences, in the insert and answer all the questions below.

Re-read paragraphs 2, 3, and 4, and write down one piece of advice given by the writer from each of these paragraphs.

From paragraph 1 Why was the writer's mother reluctant to take a job outside the home?

From paragraph 2 Give two ways in which the writer would benefit from Hugo's help with his homework.

From paragraph 3 What was unusual about the way Hugo laughed?

From paragraph 4 The writer's mother was 'wiping her eyes on the edge of her apron'. What was she 'wiping' away?