Creative writing
Edexcel GCSE English Language revision on Creative writing. Aligned to the Pearson Edexcel GCSE English Language 1EN0 specification. This bank has 8 practice questions on this topic.
Sample questions (3 of 8)
-
Question 1
In Paper 1 creative writing (Q5), you have approximately how long?
- A) 15 minutes
- B) 30 minutes
- C) 45 minutes
- D) 60 minutes
Show answer
Answer: 45 minutes
Aim for ~5 min planning, ~35 min writing, ~5 min checking. The mark scheme rewards range of vocabulary, varied sentence structures, secure SPaG, and a clear shape (opening hook → development → satisfying ending). Don't try to fit a full story arc — a single moment described richly scores higher than a rushed plot.
-
Question 2
A piece of creative writing usually scores higher when the writer focuses on...
- A) Lots of plot twists
- B) Describing one moment in vivid detail
- C) Including as many characters as possible
- D) Using long words throughout
Show answer
Answer: Describing one moment in vivid detail
AQA's mark scheme rewards range and craft, not plot complexity. A scene of someone waiting at a bus stop, described with sensory detail (smell of diesel, blue-grey sky, hum of distant traffic), beats a frantic plot dump every time. Use the senses, vary sentence types, and resist the urge to 'finish the story'.
-
Question 3
'Show, don't tell' means...
- A) Use lots of dialogue
- B) Describe what's happening rather than stating emotions directly
- C) Don't reveal the ending
- D) Use only short sentences
Show answer
Answer: Describe what's happening rather than stating emotions directly
Tell: 'She was scared.' Show: 'Her hands trembled; she gripped the door handle, listening for the sound again.' Showing makes the reader feel the emotion themselves. Strong creative writing trusts the reader to interpret. Telling has its place (pacing, summary) — but big emotional moments should be shown.
Want to test yourself on the remaining cards for this topic?
5 more questions on Creative writing — plus mistakes tracking and spaced repetition across the whole English Language spec.