Please check the examination details below before entering your candidate information
Candidate surname Other names
Centre Number Candidate Number
Edexcel Level 3 GCE
Monday 18 May 2026
Morning (Time: 1 hour 30 minutes) Paper
reference 8EL0/02 Mark Scheme (Results)
English Language and Literature
Advanced Subsidiary
PAPER 2: Varieties in Language and Literature
Summer 2026
You must have: Total Marks
Prescribed texts (clean copies)
Source Booklet (enclosed)
Instructions
•• Use black ink or ball-point pen.
Fill in the boxes at the top of this page with your name,
Edexcel Level 3 GCE
centre number and candidate number.
• choose
Answer one question in Section A and one question in Section B. You must
the same theme for both of your answers.
English Language and Literature
• Answer the questions in the spaces provided
– there may be more space than you need. Advanced Subsidiary (8EL0)
Information
PAPER 2: Varieties in Language and Literature
•• The total mark for this paper is 50.
The marks for each question are shown in brackets
– use this as a guide as to how much time to spend on each question.
Advice
•• Read each question carefully before you start to answer it.
Check your answers if you have time at the end.
Turn over
P79491A Education Ltd.
P:1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/
*P79491A0124*
, SECTION A
Edexcel and BTEC Qualifications
Prose Fiction Extract
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
Answer ONE question on your chosen text. (You must choose a different text in Section B.) Edexcel and BTEC qualifications are awarded by the UK’s
Begin your answer on page 6. largest awarding body. We provide a wide range of qualifications
Society and the Individual including academic, vocational, occupational and specific
programmes for employers. For further information visit our
EITHER
qualifications websites at or .
1 The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald Alternatively, you can get in touch with us using the details on our
Read the extract on page 4 of the source booklet. contact us page at
In this extract, Myrtle’s death is described.
With reference to the extract above, discuss:
• Fitzgerald’s use of linguistic and literary features
• how the power divide between the genders is explored in the novel helping people progress, everywhere
• relevant contextual factors.
(25)
aspires to be the world’s leading learning company. Our aim is to help
OR everyone progress in their lives through education. We believe in every kind of
learning, for all kinds of people, wherever they are in the world. We’ve been
2 Great Expectations, Charles Dickens
involved in education for over 150 years, and by working across 70 countries, in
Read the extract on page 5 of the source booklet. 100 languages, we have built an international reputation for our commitment to
In this extract, Pip feels humiliated by Estella. high standards and raising achievement through innovation in education. Find
out more about how we can help you and your students at:
With reference to the extract above, discuss:
• Dickens’ use of linguistic and literary features
• Estella’s influence on Pip in the novel as a whole
• relevant contextual factors.
(25)
Summer 2026
Question Paper Log Number P79491A
Publication Code 8EL0_02_2606_MS
All the material in this publication is
2
*P79491A0224*
, General Marking Guidance
Answer ONE question on your chosen text. (You must choose a different text in Section B.)
Begin your answer on page 6. • All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
Love and Loss first candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
EITHER • Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded
for what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
3 A Single Man, Christopher Isherwood
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their
Read the extract on page 6 of the source booklet. perception of where the grade boundaries may lie.
In this extract, George and Kenny take a drunken swim. • There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should be
With reference to the extract above, discuss: used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners
• Isherwood’s use of linguistic and literary features
• how George’s need for human connection is explored throughout the novel should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the
• relevant contextual factors. mark scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award zero marks if the
(25)
candidate’s response is not worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
OR • Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles
4 Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy by which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
Read the extract on page 7 of the source booklet. • When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme
to a candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
In this extract, Tess has returned home following her seduction by Alec.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it
With reference to the extract above, discuss:
with an alternative response.
• Hardy’s use of linguistic and literary features
• how Tess’s isolation is explored throughout the novel
• relevant contextual factors.
(25) Marking Guidance – specific
The marking grids have been designed to assess student work holistically.
The grids identify which Assessment Objective is being targeted by each
bullet point within the level descriptors. One bullet point is linked to one
Assessment Objective, however please note that the number of bullet
points in the level descriptor does not directly correlate to the number of
marks in the level descriptor.
When deciding how to reward an answer, examiners should consult both
the indicative content and the associated marking grid(s). When using a
levels-based mark scheme, the ‘best fit’ approach should be used:
• examiners should first decide which descriptor most closely
matches the answer and place it in that level
3
*P79491A0324* Turn over
, • the mark awarded within the level will be decided based on the
Answer ONE question on your chosen text. (You must choose a different text in Section B.) quality of the answer and will be modified according to how
Begin your answer on page 6. securely all bullet points are displayed at that level
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
Encounters • in cases of uneven performance, the points above will still apply.
Candidates will be placed in the level that best describes their
EITHER answer according to each of the Assessment Objectives
5 A Room with a View, E M Forster described in the level. Marks will be awarded towards the top or
bottom of that level depending on how they have evidenced each
Read the extract on pages 8–9 of the source booklet. of the descriptor bullet points
In this extract, Lucy and George react to a violent encounter between two • examiners of Advanced GCE English should remember that all
Italian men. Assessment Objectives within a level are equally weighted. They
must consider this when making their judgements
With reference to the extract above discuss:
• the mark grid identifies which Assessment Objective is being
• Forster’s use of linguistic and literary features targeted by each bullet point within the level descriptors
• how the violent encounter changes the relationship between Lucy and George • Indicative content is exactly that – they are factual points that
• relevant contextual factors. candidates are likely to use to construct their answer. It is possible
(25)
for an answer to be constructed without mentioning some or all of
OR these points, as long as they provide alternative responses to the
indicative content that fulfils the requirements of the question. It is
6 Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë
the examiner’s responsibility to apply their professional judgement
Read the extract on page 10 of the source booklet. to the candidate’s response in determining if the answer fulfils the
requirements of the question.
In this extract, Heathcliff and Cathy are reunited shortly before her death.
With reference to the extract above, discuss:
• Brontë’s use of linguistic and literary features
• how cruelty is a significant part of relationships in the novel
• relevant contextual factors.
(25)
4
*P79491A0424*
Candidate surname Other names
Centre Number Candidate Number
Edexcel Level 3 GCE
Monday 18 May 2026
Morning (Time: 1 hour 30 minutes) Paper
reference 8EL0/02 Mark Scheme (Results)
English Language and Literature
Advanced Subsidiary
PAPER 2: Varieties in Language and Literature
Summer 2026
You must have: Total Marks
Prescribed texts (clean copies)
Source Booklet (enclosed)
Instructions
•• Use black ink or ball-point pen.
Fill in the boxes at the top of this page with your name,
Edexcel Level 3 GCE
centre number and candidate number.
• choose
Answer one question in Section A and one question in Section B. You must
the same theme for both of your answers.
English Language and Literature
• Answer the questions in the spaces provided
– there may be more space than you need. Advanced Subsidiary (8EL0)
Information
PAPER 2: Varieties in Language and Literature
•• The total mark for this paper is 50.
The marks for each question are shown in brackets
– use this as a guide as to how much time to spend on each question.
Advice
•• Read each question carefully before you start to answer it.
Check your answers if you have time at the end.
Turn over
P79491A Education Ltd.
P:1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/
*P79491A0124*
, SECTION A
Edexcel and BTEC Qualifications
Prose Fiction Extract
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
Answer ONE question on your chosen text. (You must choose a different text in Section B.) Edexcel and BTEC qualifications are awarded by the UK’s
Begin your answer on page 6. largest awarding body. We provide a wide range of qualifications
Society and the Individual including academic, vocational, occupational and specific
programmes for employers. For further information visit our
EITHER
qualifications websites at or .
1 The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald Alternatively, you can get in touch with us using the details on our
Read the extract on page 4 of the source booklet. contact us page at
In this extract, Myrtle’s death is described.
With reference to the extract above, discuss:
• Fitzgerald’s use of linguistic and literary features
• how the power divide between the genders is explored in the novel helping people progress, everywhere
• relevant contextual factors.
(25)
aspires to be the world’s leading learning company. Our aim is to help
OR everyone progress in their lives through education. We believe in every kind of
learning, for all kinds of people, wherever they are in the world. We’ve been
2 Great Expectations, Charles Dickens
involved in education for over 150 years, and by working across 70 countries, in
Read the extract on page 5 of the source booklet. 100 languages, we have built an international reputation for our commitment to
In this extract, Pip feels humiliated by Estella. high standards and raising achievement through innovation in education. Find
out more about how we can help you and your students at:
With reference to the extract above, discuss:
• Dickens’ use of linguistic and literary features
• Estella’s influence on Pip in the novel as a whole
• relevant contextual factors.
(25)
Summer 2026
Question Paper Log Number P79491A
Publication Code 8EL0_02_2606_MS
All the material in this publication is
2
*P79491A0224*
, General Marking Guidance
Answer ONE question on your chosen text. (You must choose a different text in Section B.)
Begin your answer on page 6. • All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
Love and Loss first candidate in exactly the same way as they mark the last.
EITHER • Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded
for what they have shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
3 A Single Man, Christopher Isherwood
• Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their
Read the extract on page 6 of the source booklet. perception of where the grade boundaries may lie.
In this extract, George and Kenny take a drunken swim. • There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should be
With reference to the extract above, discuss: used appropriately.
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners
• Isherwood’s use of linguistic and literary features
• how George’s need for human connection is explored throughout the novel should always award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the
• relevant contextual factors. mark scheme. Examiners should also be prepared to award zero marks if the
(25)
candidate’s response is not worthy of credit according to the mark scheme.
OR • Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles
4 Tess of the D’Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy by which marks will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
Read the extract on page 7 of the source booklet. • When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme
to a candidate’s response, the team leader must be consulted.
In this extract, Tess has returned home following her seduction by Alec.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it
With reference to the extract above, discuss:
with an alternative response.
• Hardy’s use of linguistic and literary features
• how Tess’s isolation is explored throughout the novel
• relevant contextual factors.
(25) Marking Guidance – specific
The marking grids have been designed to assess student work holistically.
The grids identify which Assessment Objective is being targeted by each
bullet point within the level descriptors. One bullet point is linked to one
Assessment Objective, however please note that the number of bullet
points in the level descriptor does not directly correlate to the number of
marks in the level descriptor.
When deciding how to reward an answer, examiners should consult both
the indicative content and the associated marking grid(s). When using a
levels-based mark scheme, the ‘best fit’ approach should be used:
• examiners should first decide which descriptor most closely
matches the answer and place it in that level
3
*P79491A0324* Turn over
, • the mark awarded within the level will be decided based on the
Answer ONE question on your chosen text. (You must choose a different text in Section B.) quality of the answer and will be modified according to how
Begin your answer on page 6. securely all bullet points are displayed at that level
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
Encounters • in cases of uneven performance, the points above will still apply.
Candidates will be placed in the level that best describes their
EITHER answer according to each of the Assessment Objectives
5 A Room with a View, E M Forster described in the level. Marks will be awarded towards the top or
bottom of that level depending on how they have evidenced each
Read the extract on pages 8–9 of the source booklet. of the descriptor bullet points
In this extract, Lucy and George react to a violent encounter between two • examiners of Advanced GCE English should remember that all
Italian men. Assessment Objectives within a level are equally weighted. They
must consider this when making their judgements
With reference to the extract above discuss:
• the mark grid identifies which Assessment Objective is being
• Forster’s use of linguistic and literary features targeted by each bullet point within the level descriptors
• how the violent encounter changes the relationship between Lucy and George • Indicative content is exactly that – they are factual points that
• relevant contextual factors. candidates are likely to use to construct their answer. It is possible
(25)
for an answer to be constructed without mentioning some or all of
OR these points, as long as they provide alternative responses to the
indicative content that fulfils the requirements of the question. It is
6 Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë
the examiner’s responsibility to apply their professional judgement
Read the extract on page 10 of the source booklet. to the candidate’s response in determining if the answer fulfils the
requirements of the question.
In this extract, Heathcliff and Cathy are reunited shortly before her death.
With reference to the extract above, discuss:
• Brontë’s use of linguistic and literary features
• how cruelty is a significant part of relationships in the novel
• relevant contextual factors.
(25)
4
*P79491A0424*
