Why is English Literature GCSE so hard?

GCSE English Literature is a difficult subject. Students are sometimes so focused on English Language and other disciplines that literature can fall to the wayside during revision. You must also be well-versed in various works, such as Shakespeare's plays and poetry.

How hard 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.

Why do I find English GCSE so hard?

GCSE English exams require you to analyze and interpret texts in detail. This means that you need to be able to identify key themes, analyze language and literary devices, and understand the author's intention.

Is it hard to get an A * in English literature?

Yes, getting an A in A-Level English Literature can be hard. Ofqual Analytics states that only about 16.5% of English Literature students in England achieved an A*, and about 20.2% got an A.

Why is English literature so hard?

English literature can be hard to comprehend for a variety of reasons. One reason is that it often contains complex language, old-fashioned expressions, and cultural references that may be unfamiliar to modern readers.

GCSE 2023 Slander week 2

Is English Literature the hardest?

While ThinkStudent ranks A-Level English Literature as the 5th hardest A-Level, the reality is its difficulty will scale directly with the skills you have. In this article, we'll be looking at the various skills that are needed within English A-level, helping you to see if this is the right subject for you.

How to not fail English Literature?

Revisit the texts you're studying and know them inside out

Reread them, make your own summaries of key plot points, get your parents to read them too so you can talk about them, and become an expert in what happens in those books.

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 English lit harder than Lang?

It depends. In the UK, Literature is generally more prestigious than Language, because it is seen to be more academic and is viewed as providing you with more transferable skills. It is also seen as harder. At A-level in the UK, Lit is more respected than Lang.

How many people get an A * in English lit A level?

Across the UK, a smaller proportion of students achieved the top grades in English language and literature in 2023 compared to all A-Level subjects. A total of 15.0% of pupils achieved A*-A grades in English language and literature compared to 27.2% for all subjects.

What is the hardest subject in GCSE?

Summary. 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.

Is English GCSE hard to pass?

The GCSE English language exam is certainly tricky and there is no shame in not passing it the first time around.

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.

Is English literature GCSE easy?

All in all, GCSE English can be one of the most challenging GCSEs out there. This is largely because there are two different elements of the study that need to be covered. It's conceivable to pass the Language section and fail the Literature - or vice versa.

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.

How do you cram English lit?

Is it more important to pass English Lit or Lang?

In general though, it depends on what you'd like to study, or what career you'd like to pursue. Fancy studying linguistics, languages and speech therapy? Then English Language will be more important to you. If you're considering something like Law, History or Philosophy, English Literature might help more.

Which English GCSE do you need to pass?

Much like GCSE Maths, GCSE English Language is a mandatory subject that's taken by every single student in the United Kingdom. With the new scoring system, the minimum grade that's required to pass GCSE English Language is a 4, with anything above this being a pass mark.

Should I do English lit or Lang?

It depends. In the UK, Literature is generally more prestigious than Language, because it is seen to be more academic and is viewed as providing you with more transferable skills. It is also seen as harder. At A-level in the UK, Lit is more respected than Lang.

What grade is 80 percent in 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.

Is 7 a good GCSE grade?

The highest grade you can get is a 9, with 1 being the lowest. This system was introduced in 2017, replacing the old GCSE grading system that awarded students letter grades from A* to G. In the current grading system, a score of 9, 8 and 7 are equivalent to an A* and A.

What do examiners look for in GCSE English Literature?

For the top grades, examiners are looking for students to be able to write their responses in a sophisticated manner , showing the examiner that they have understood the text thoroughly and that they are able to write about multiple, alternative interpretations in regard to expressing their thoughts about the writer's ...

How much should you write in English Literature GCSE?

So we know a little more about too much or too little when it comes to an English Literature examination essay. A 'Goldilocks principle' then offered by the research is that for a student who wants to achieve the higher grades needs to write at least two pages in 45 minutes.

Is it ok to fail English Literature GCSE?

Therefore, if you do fail GCSE English Literature, you could potentially ask to do the exam again during a different year. For more information on re-sitting your GCSEs check out this Think Student article. However, as already stated, it is not compulsory for you to pass GCSE English Literature.