Cambridge & Pearson Edexcel Past Paper Questions

Describe two places which you have been to with your friends, one which you all liked and one which you all disliked. (Remember that you are descri...

If you could give your school new sports equipment or new IT equipment, which would you choose? Give reasons and examples to support your view.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having longer school days but more days off school? Give reasons and examples to support your view.

Write a story which includes the sentence: 'It was my fault so I decided to do something about it.'

Write a story in which a pair of sunglasses plays an important part.

Read Passage 1, Coconuts, in the Insert and answer all the questions below.

Re-read paragraphs 4, 5, and 6, and give one opinion from each of these paragraphs.

From paragraph 1 What did the writer often do when she was a little girl?

From paragraph 2 The writer says: 'I would have to look after myself'. Give the expression used later in the paragraph which conveys the same idea.

From paragraph 3 Why did the writer run away from home later in childhood?

From paragraph 4 What was the 'small, misty, white bundle'?

From paragraph 5 Explain why it was ironic that the writer 'stopped at the crossroads'.

From paragraph 6 The writer says: 'her grip on my shoulder transmitted her awareness that I was always going to leave'. Explain in your own words w...

From paragraphs 1–5 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 3 and 4, which contain phrases about (a) the writer's coat and (b) the writer's shoes. Explain: • the meaning of each phrase as ...

Section 1: Reading for ideas Read Passage 1, Olives, in the insert and answer all the questions below.

Re-read paragraphs 3, 5 and 6 and give one opinion from each of these paragraphs.

From paragraph 1 Why do you think the writer did not remember the event described by her mother?

From paragraph 2 The writer thought that the garage was 'a fascinating but slightly frightening place'. Explain in your own words how she felt abou...

From paragraph 3 The family visited the cat and her kittens 'to worship at the side of the cardboard box'. Write down the single word used later in...

From paragraph 4 'The cat looked at me with eyes that were alert but which also seemed to me to be full of forgiveness.' Explain in your own words ...

From paragraph 5 'That cat lived an astonishing twenty-one years.' What evidence is there in the paragraph to show that the cat was part of the wri...

From paragraphs 2 to 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 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...