Cambridge & Pearson Edexcel Past Paper Questions

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?

From paragraph 5 Hugo 'mimed applause'. Why do you think he had to mime?

From paragraphs 1-5 For each of the words or phrases below, circle the letter (A, B, C or D) which has the same meaning that the word or phrase has...

Re-read paragraph 5, which contains phrases about the writer. Explain: • the meaning of each phrase as it is used in the passage • the effect of ea...

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

Re-read paragraphs 3, 5, and 6 and write down one piece of advice given by the writer from each of these paragraphs.

From paragraph 1 What did the baby do that showed she was 'teething'?

From paragraph 2 Explain the difference between (i) what the writer thought would happen when her baby was teething and (ii) what actually happened...

From paragraph 3 The writer says that she could not bear that 'any negligence of mine should ever cause her harm'. Explain in your own words what t...

From paragraph 4 The writer went to the pharmacy 'the proximity of which comforted me'. Explain in your own words how the writer feels about the ph...

From paragraph 5

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

Re-read paragraphs 1 and 3, which contain phrases about (a) the babysitter and (b) the writer. Explain: • the meaning of each phrase as it is used ...

Argument 3 'There are far more advantages to competing against others at a young age than disadvantages.' Do you agree? Give reasons and examples t...

Argument 4 'Cities are a great place for young people to grow up in.' What do you think? Give reasons and examples to support your view.

Narrative 5 Write a story which includes the sentence: 'It was obvious that his aunt had not visited him just to say hello.'

Narrative 6 Write a story in which a motorcycle plays an important part.

A local company has bought some land next to your school. The company wants to build on this land to expand its business. You can see a few advanta...

Describe the New Year celebrations in your country. (Remember you are describing the events, the places, the atmosphere and the people.)

'Most people spend far too much money these days on things they do not really need.' Do you think this is true? Give reasons and examples to suppor...

Is it better to be the oldest child in the family or the youngest? Give reasons and examples to support your view.

Write a story which includes the sentence: ‘She threw her bag on the back seat of the car and quickly got into the passenger seat.'

Write a story about a person who completely changed their mind about someone.

Section 1: Reading for Ideas Read Passage 1, Working from home, in the insert and answer all the questions below.

Re-read paragraphs 1, 3 and 6, and write down one piece of advice given by the writer from each of these paragraphs.

Section 2: Reading for Meaning Read Passage 2, The new fountain pen, in the insert and answer all the questions below. From paragraph 1

From paragraph 2 Why do you think Mr Arsalan and his colleagues stared at Farris 'in amazement' when he spoke?

From paragraph 3 Farris got through the meeting without 'any of the anxiety that had plagued him' since early childhood. Explain in your own words ...