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GCSE Revision
أدلّة النصوص المقرّرة في AQA GCSE English Literature: Macbeth و Romeo and Juliet وشعر Power and Conflict، إلى جانب تقنيات الامتحان وخطط مقالات Grade 9.
AQA GCSE English Literature (8702) is assessed through two written exams with no coursework. Both papers are closed-book — you cannot take your texts into the exam. The qualification is worth 160 marks in total.
1 hour 45 minutes · 64 marks (40% of GCSE)
Section A: Shakespeare
You will be given an extract from your studied Shakespeare play, plus a question. Write about the extract and then the play as a whole. (30 marks + 4 marks for comparing texts)
Section B: 19th-Century Novel
You will be given an extract from your studied novel, plus a question. Write about the extract and then the novel as a whole. (30 marks)
2 hours 15 minutes · 96 marks (60% of GCSE)
Section A: Modern Text
Answer one essay question (from a choice of two) on your studied modern prose or drama text. No extract provided. (34 marks)
Section B: Poetry Anthology
Compare one named poem from the anthology with another poem of your choice from the same cluster. (30 marks)
Section C: Unseen Poetry
Q1: Analyse one unseen poem (24 marks). Q2: Compare it with a second unseen poem (8 marks).
Detailed revision resources for AQA set texts. Each guide covers plot, characters, themes, key quotations, context, and exam technique.
Full study guide: plot, characters, themes, key quotations, context, and essay planning.
View study guide →Full study guide: plot, characters, themes, key quotations, Elizabethan context, and essay planning.
View study guide →Full study guide: stave summaries, character analysis, themes, quotations, and Victorian context.
View study guide →Full study guide: chapter summaries, character analysis, themes, quotations, and Victorian context.
View study guide →Full study guide: plot, characters, themes, quotations, and Edwardian/post-war context.
View study guide →All 15 poems analysed: stanza-by-stanza breakdown, techniques, themes, context, and comparison pairs.
View study guide →Quick reference for what each paper looks like on exam day.
| Paper 1 | Paper 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 h 45 min | 2 h 15 min |
| Marks | 64 (40%) | 96 (60%) |
| Section A | Shakespeare (extract + essay) | Modern text (essay, no extract) |
| Section B | 19th-century novel (extract + essay) | Poetry anthology comparison |
| Section C | — | Unseen poetry (analysis + comparison) |
| Closed-book? | Yes | Yes |
Understanding how your work is marked is essential for maximising your grade. Every question targets specific skills.
Read, respond, and use quotations
Read, understand and respond to texts. Use textual references, including quotations, to support and illustrate interpretations.
Approx. 12 marks per question
Analyse language, form and structure
Analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects, using relevant subject terminology where appropriate.
Approx. 12 marks per question
Show understanding of context
Show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written.
Approx. 6 marks per question
Accurate written expression
Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation. Assessed in Paper 1 Section A (Shakespeare) and Paper 2 Section C (unseen poetry comparison) only.
4 marks (Paper 1 Sec A) + 4 marks (Paper 2 Sec C)
The exam is closed-book. Aim to memorise 15–20 short quotations per text. Focus on quotes that link to multiple themes.
Relating to context (what markers look for) is worth significant marks. Know the historical, social, and literary context for every set text you study.
Spend 5 minutes planning each essay. A clear structure with a thesis will always score higher than a longer, rambling answer.
Analysing language and structure (what markers look for) requires close attention to techniques. Name techniques (metaphor, dramatic irony, foreshadowing) and explain their effect.
In the poetry comparison, pick two poems with clear connections but also interesting differences. Alternate between them in your paragraphs.
Paper 1: ~50 min Shakespeare, ~50 min novel. Paper 2: ~45 min modern text, ~45 min anthology poetry, ~30 min unseen poetry.
Pick a study guide above and begin working through the key quotations, themes, and practice questions.