1. Have a look at mrbruffs playlist here in which he goes through how to answer all of the questions on paper 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch-XgnluOf4&list=PLqGFsWf-P-cAlttmXkEvJXCxqT-ZzFqAN2. Q5 it is always easier to write a descriptive piece than a narrative, but you could include some kind of action in it if you wanted to for excitement. Find a nmemonic e.g. DAFOREST including all of the language techniques. If you're finding it difficult to start, pick one of the techniques, come up with a sentence to go with it, and build your story around taht description.
To avoid using 'the', imagine your sentence in full, and then attempt to switch around the word order or the clauses.
E.g. The house stood on the hill
could be
On the house stood the hill.
3. Ican't really help you with this otehr than suggesting that you practise. You're right in that you probably can't make much difference in between now and the exam, but start practising now in preparation for your actual exam.
When answering the other questions in the paper, try to integrate your quotes into your sentences rather than starting a whole new sentence for your quote, this will save you some time.
If you're running out of time on one question, move on to the text, I recommend you go in order the paper gives you, but you are much more likely to score more marks on the higher marks questions than on the 8,10,12,16 mark questions. You can come back to them at the end if you have tine.
4. Good vocabulary will come from you reading more challenging texts. Make a note of the words you do not understand and research them, and attempt to use the vocabulary in your writing, provided it is suitable .
This is not something you can do overnight, but again, starting now will give you the best chance for the actual exam