What to expect in English literature GCSE?

You will sit two exam papers. Paper 1 focuses on Macbeth and A Christmas Carol. You will receive an extract and will need to make links to the wider text. Paper 2 involves you writing an essay response to An Inspector Calls, as well as writing a response to two of the conflict poems and two unseen poetry questions.

How difficult is English literature GCSE?

GCSE English Literature is a challenging qualification. Students often focus on English Language and so many other subjects that literature can end up taking a back seat with revision. You also have to learn a lot of detail about several different texts, including a Shakespeare play and poetry.

What skills do you need for GCSE English literature?

read in depth, critically and evaluatively, so that they are able to discuss and explain their understanding and ideas. develop the habit of reading widely and often. appreciate the depth and power of the English literary heritage. write accurately, effectively and analytically about their reading, using Standard ...

How do I pass English literature GCSE?

What to expect in GCSE English exam?

They will focus on texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st century and will require students to read and respond to unknown texts confidently and quickly, displaying their skills of deduction and inference. Students will need to be able to explain their thoughts and ideas accurately under timed conditions.

The 100 Day GCSE Revision Plan: From Grade 5 to 9 in 3 Months!

What is the hardest GCSE exam to pass?

Whilst GCSE subjects vary in difficulty based on individual strengths and interests, some subjects have a reputation for being particularly hard. GCSE Maths, GCSE Sciences, Modern Foreign Languages, GCSE English Literature, and History often rank among the hardest GCSE subjects.

What happens if you fail English literature GCSE but pass language?

According to the government, you don't need to resit your English language GCSE if you've passed English literature. So, if you've got one of your English GCSEs, you don't need to worry about the other one. As long as you get a grade 4 in one of those subjects, you're fine. You only need to resit if you've failed both.

What grade is 70% in English lit GCSE?

According to this illustration, grade 4 requires 56 - 66 per cent, grade 5 requires 67 - 77 per cent and grade 6 requires 78 - 88 per cent. ranges may seem extraordinarily narrow and demanding, but they are supported by other evidence discussed below.

Is English literature hard to pass?

English Literature is a tough exam and there's a lot of it, so it's important to consistently refresh your memory on the texts and revisit them with new ideas over and over again. If you're not great at timings, first get the skills right.

What is the average grade for GCSE English literature?

A total of 74.3% of pupils achieved grade 4/C or higher in English literature compared to 68.2% for all subjects. Grades were awarded following different processes in 2020 and 2021 after public exams were cancelled in all constituent countries of the UK.

How many books do you study for GCSE English Literature?

All students studying GCSE English will be expected to read at least five books from this list, or their equivalent, over the two years of the course as well as the texts set for the examinations.

How many paragraphs should you write for English Literature GCSE?

Depending on time, you should be writing 4-5 paragraphs, each addressing different points. For structuring each paragraph, there is no correct formula, just ensure that your argument flows throughout. However, keep in mind that you are meeting all of your assessment criteria:AO1: Read, understand and respond to texts.

What subjects go well with English Literature?

Is English literature harder than General English?

Literature. This is commonly viewed as a more intense or difficult English subject. In Units 3 and 4 students must study at least six texts. Five of the required six texts must be selected from the Text List published by the VCAA.

How long should a GCSE English literature essay be?

Researcher Tom Benton, author of the report, concluded that candidates answering a 45-minute question should aim to provide at least two pages of writing if they want to achieve high grades. But he added: “Beyond a certain essay length, the relationship between writing more words and achieving more marks flattened off.

Is English literature harder than English?

Definitely English Literature. I've studied both and although Language (Linguistics) is certainly hard, it's often textbook learning. Literature not only requires you to understand linguistics first (discourse theory, grammar, syntax etc.), but it requires you to go further and apply literary criticism on top of that.

How do you get an A in English Literature?

Know your texts inside and out: Read your texts multiple times and take notes on important themes, characters, and symbols. Be able to provide specific examples from the texts to support your arguments. Analyze the language: Pay attention to the language choices the author makes and the effects they have on the reader.

What grade do you need to pass English Literature?

Equivalent GCSE grades

The Government has said that grade 4 is a 'standard pass'. Grade 5 is a 'strong pass' and equivalent to a high C and low B on the old grading system.

Is it more important to pass English Lit or Lang?

Most higher education and employment institutions require a pass in English Language (classed as a “four” and above). For this reason, it's often seen as more important than English Literature.

What is 90% as a GCSE grade?

As a rough example, in a higher-tier maths exam, you can expect to gain a grade 6 with a 50-70 per cent overall mark, and an 8 if you achieve 86 per cent or more. Grade 9 is reserved for the upper half of the old-style A* (over 90 per cent in the paper overall).

What does P mean on GCSE results?

D – Distinction. M – Merit. P - Pass. The grades in the first column are the overall grades you have been awarded in each subject. GSCE - 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, U.

Can you swear in a GCSE English exam?

Students who write obscenities in their GCSE English exams can still be awarded marks, a chief examiner has admitted. One pupil, who wrote “f*** off” on an examination paper, was given two points for spelling it correctly, and conveying a meaning.

Do you have to pass both English Language and English Literature?

All five boards offer both English Language and English Literature for learners. Among these two subjects, the government enforces the English Language, a compulsory subject for all students. On the other hand, although most schools offer English Literature, it is not mandatory.

Do you need English Literature for university?

So let's focus more on the English Literature-specific entry requirements. Some universities only require a specific A-Level/IB grade. While others may require A-Level (or equivalent) grades plus written work. It's worth noting that both the University of Cambridge and Oxford require all.