GCSE English Literature Tutor
Overview of the AQA English Language Course
Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th-Century Novel
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total marks: 64Section A: Shakespeare
- One extract-based question which also refers to the whole play
- Common texts include:
- Macbeth
- Romeo and Juliet
Section B: 19th-Century Novel
- One extract-based question which also refers to the whole novel
- Common texts include:
- A Christmas Carol
- Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
- Great Expectations
Paper 2: Modern Texts and Poetry – this needs to be clearer
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total marks: 96
Total marks: 96
Section A: Modern Drama or Novel
One essay question on the whole text. Common texts include:
- An Inspector Calls
- Blood Brothers
- Lord of the Flies
Section B: Poetry Anthology
One comparative question. Poetry ‘clusters’ are chosen from one of the following options:
- Power and Conflict
- Love and Relationships
- Worlds and Lives
Section C: Unseen Poetry
One unseen poem analysis
- One comparison question between two unseen poems
Key Literature Considerations
- Learn key quotations (not long passages)
- Understand themes and character development
- Analyse language, form and structure
- Use context appropriately (not as storytelling)
- Compare ideas effectively in poetry
- Write clear, structured essays
Tips for the GCSE Literature Exam
Plan answers before writing
Use evidence to support every point
Focus on language analysis for higher marks
Keep writing relevant to the question
Manage time carefully (don’t overrun Section A)
Revise key themes and quotations regularly
English Literature – Common Mistakes
Retelling the story
Students often summarise the plot instead of analysing. Improve by:
Focusing on how and why, not what happens
Always linking back to the question
Not using quotations effectively
Some students use no quotes or too many long ones. Improve by:
Using short, embedded quotations
Learning key quotes for each character/theme
Focusing on precise evidence
Context overload
Students sometimes write everything they know about historical context. Improve by:
- Only including context when relevant
- Linking it directly to the point being made
Missing analysis of language, form and structure
Make sure you:
- Comment on word choices
- Explore structure (beginning/middle/end effects)
- Mention form when relevant (e.g. poem, play)
Weak comparisons in poetry
Students often describe poems separately without linking them. Improve by:
- Using comparative phrases:
“Similarly…” “In contrast…” “Both poems suggest…”