English Literature
GCSE Assessment Information
Students study AQA GCSE English Literature, which is assessed through two written examination papers. The course encourages students to explore a range of classic and modern texts, developing skills in analysis, interpretation, and critical evaluation.
•Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th-Century Novel – In this paper, students will write analytical essays on each text, demonstrating their understanding of themes, characters, language, structure, and context. They are expected to use quotations to support their interpretations and show insight into the writers’ methods and intentions.
•Texts studied: Macbeth by William Shakespeare and A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
•Exam length: 1 hour 45 minutes
•Marks: 64 marks
•Weighting: 40% of the final grade
•Paper 2: Modern Texts and Poetry – This paper assesses students’ ability to compare and analyse how writers present ideas and emotions across different forms. Students will answer essay questions on An Inspector Calls, explore themes and language in set poems, and interpret unseen poetry, comparing meanings and methods between two unseen texts.
•Texts studied: An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley, the Power and Conflict poetry cluster, and Unseen Poetry
•Exam length: 2 hours 15 minutes
•Marks: 96 marks
•Weighting: 60% of the final grade
Your Course
|
|
Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
|
Year 10 |
A Christmas Carol and Power and Conflict Poetry |
Power and Conflict Poetry and An Inspector Calls |
Unseen Poetry |
|
Year 11 |
Macbeth |
Revision of all texts |
Exams |
Revision
Revising for English Literature is all about understanding the texts and practising how to write about them clearly and confidently. The more familiar you are with the stories, characters, and key ideas, the easier it will be to analyse and write under exam conditions.
1. Know Your Texts Thoroughly – You need to be confident with:
Plot – make sure you can summarise what happens in each act, chapter, or scene.
Characters – know how they develop and what they represent.
Themes – e.g. power, guilt, responsibility, social class, conflict, morality.
Context – understand how the writer’s time, beliefs, and society influence the text.
Key quotations – learn short, flexible quotes you can use in any essay.
Use mind maps, flashcards, or timelines to help you organise information.
2. Prepare for Each Paper
Paper 1 (Macbeth and A Christmas Carol):
Revise key scenes and quotations, and practise planning essay responses. Learn how to analyse how Shakespeare and Dickens present characters and themes such as ambition, guilt, greed, and redemption.
Paper 2 (An Inspector Calls, Poetry, and Unseen Poetry):
For An Inspector Calls, revise Priestley’s message about responsibility and social change.
For the Power and Conflict poems, group poems by theme (e.g. war, power, identity) and practise comparing two poems.
For Unseen Poetry, practise reading unfamiliar poems and writing about feelings, themes, and methods quickly.
4. Use Practice Essays and Past Papers
Practise writing under timed conditions.
Use mark schemes and examiner reports to see what top-level answers include.
Redraft essays using teacher feedback — focus on improving clarity and analysis.
Link to more detailed course overview: GCSE English 8702 | Specification | AQA
Link to Past Papers: AQA GCSE English Literature Past Papers - Revision World
Links to Booklets/ Revision Guides: GCSE English Books | CGP Books
Links to online texts:
AQA GCSE English Section B: Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology - PMT
Links to websites: Mr Bruff - YouTube