This is the official Cambridge O Level English Language (1123) Question Paper 2 (Variant 1) from the 2026 May-June examination session. This question paper was sat by Cambridge students worldwide in 2026 and is published by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Use it for timed practice under exam conditions to build familiarity with the question format, mark allocation, and time pressure.
Also referenced as: 1123_s26_qp_21 · 1123/21/m/j/26 qp · 1123/21 May/June 2026 qp
Paper 2: Writing — This is Paper 2: Writing, worth 50 marks with a duration of 2h. Revised syllabus from June 2024 onwards. Answer two questions in total. Section A: Directed Writing (compulsory Question 1) — reading-into-writing task using Texts A and B from an insert (e.g. responding to opposing views, often in formal letter, article, speech or report form). Section B: Composition (choice of one) — narrative, descriptive, or argumentative essay. Both questions carry equal marks. Pre-2024, this content was assessed as Paper 1 (1h 30m).
To self-assess your performance, use this question paper alongside the corresponding mark scheme (1123_s26_ms_21). Attempt the entire paper under timed conditions before opening the mark scheme — this trains both your subject knowledge and exam technique. Mark each question and record whether marks were lost due to knowledge gaps, method errors, or careless mistakes.
The most effective way to use this English Language question paper is to simulate real exam conditions: set a timer for the full duration, work without notes, and write your answers on separate paper. After finishing, mark yourself using the official mark scheme — do not check answers during the paper. This builds exam stamina and reveals your genuine readiness. Repeat this process across 3–5 sessions to identify recurring weak topics in English Language (1123).
