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Exam (elaborations)

Edexcel A Level English Language and Literature Paper 2 2026 Question Paper (PDF)

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Looking for the 2026 Edexcel A Level English Language and Literature Paper 2 question paper? This PDF is the complete paper, ready to print or sit on screen. AT A GLANCE - Document: question paper (PDF) - Paper: Edexcel A Level English Language and Literature Paper 2 - Exam board: Edexcel (Pearson) - Exam series: 2026 - Contains: the question paper only, not the mark scheme INSIDE THIS FILE - The full 2026 question paper for A Level English Language and Literature Paper 2, as published by Edexcel (Pearson) - Every question in the original order, so you can sit it exactly like exam day - A clean PDF that works on a phone, tablet, laptop or printed on A4 WHY SITTING A FULL PAST PAPER WORKS Reading notes feels productive, but a full paper tests what you can actually recall and apply under time pressure. It shows how questions are worded, how marks are spread, and which topics catch you out. Doing it once under exam conditions teaches more than several hours of passive revision. A 3-STEP ROUTINE Step 1 - Set a timer for the real exam length, put your notes away, and answer every question. Step 2 - Mark the paper afterwards using the published mark scheme for this paper and series. Step 3 - Choose your three biggest mark losses, revise them, and retry the same questions later in the week. THIS FILE SUITS - A Level English Language and Literature students preparing for mocks and final exams - Teachers and tutors who want a ready-made paper for lessons, homework or cover work - Private and resit candidates who need realistic exam practice COMMON QUESTIONS Is this the question paper or the mark scheme? It is the question paper. The mark scheme is a separate document. Which paper and year is it? 2026 Edexcel A Level English Language and Literature Paper 2. Can I print it? Yes. It prints cleanly on A4, or you can annotate it on a tablet. Is it the complete paper? Yes. It is the full question paper for this series. Where do I get the answers? Mark your attempt with the published mark scheme for the same paper and series. BOTTOM LINE The 2026 Edexcel A Level English Language and Literature Paper 2 question paper, ready to download as a PDF. Sit it under timed conditions, mark it honestly, and let the results guide your revision.

Content preview

Please check the examination details below before entering your candidate information
Candidate surname Other names


Centre Number Candidate Number




Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE
Friday 22 May 2026
Morning (Time: 2 hours 30 minutes) Paper
reference 9EL0/02
English Language and Literature  


Advanced
PAPER 2: Varieties in Language and Literature

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,
centre number and candidate number.
• inAnswer one question in Section A on your chosen theme and one question
Section B on your chosen texts. You must choose the same theme in
both sections.
• Answer the questions in the spaces provided
– there may be more space than you need.
• Inforyour answers to Section B, you must not use texts that you have studied
coursework.

Information
•• 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


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2

, SECTION A
Unseen Prose Non-fiction Texts
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Answer ONE question on your chosen theme. Begin your answer on page 4
EITHER
Theme: Society and the Individual
Read Text A on pages 4–5 of the source booklet.
1 Critically evaluate the ways in which Caitlin Moran expresses her feelings on the
importance of libraries, both in her own life and in wider society.
In your answer, you must comment on linguistic and literary features and relevant
contextual factors.
(Total for Question 1 = 20 marks)
OR
Theme: Love and Loss
Read Text B on pages 6–7 of the source booklet.
2 Critically evaluate the ways in which Adrian Edmondson reflects upon his
friend’s death.
In your answer, you must comment on linguistic and literary features and relevant
contextual factors.
(Total for Question 2 = 20 marks)
OR
Theme: Encounters
Read Text C on pages 8–9 of the source booklet.
3 Critically evaluate the ways in which Safiya Sinclair explains the significance of her
encounter with the poetry of Sylvia Plath.
In your answer, you must comment on linguistic and literary features and relevant
contextual factors.
(Total for Question 3 = 20 marks)
OR
Theme: Crossing Boundaries
Read Text D on pages 10–11 of the source booklet.
4 Critically evaluate the ways in which Alastair Humphreys explains the reasoning
behind his latest exploration project.
In your answer, you must comment on linguistic and literary features and relevant
contextual factors.
(Total for Question 4 = 20 marks)


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, Indicate which question you are answering by marking a cross in the box . If you change your
mind, put a line through the box and then indicate your new question with a cross .




DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
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Chosen question number: Question 1 Question 2

Question 3 Question 4

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Study Level
Uploaded on
October 14, 2026
Number of pages
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Type
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Contains
Only questions
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