Let’s face it. Getting a Grade 9 in any GCSE subject is no easy feat. But, with the right attitude and preparation – a top mark is 100% achievable.
Lots of students feel like studying for English Literature is a near impossible task. With multiple texts to study, it seems like a mountain of memorization lies in store. Combine this with the added uncertainties of what themes, characters and extracts might come up in exams… and it’s not hard to see why English Literature has a reputation as a tricky GCSE subject.
But don’t fear!
With the simplest of revision techniques and understanding the way your exams are structured – you’ll be able to ace your English Literature studies.
Here are our top ten tips for focused and effective revision so you have the best chance of achieving the very highest grades.
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How to get a Grade 9 in English Literature
GCSE English Literature can be a challenging exam. To prepare effectively (and ace that Grade 9), it’s vital to read and revisit your texts over time, as well as practising your essay-writing skills with past papers under timed conditions. Start by selecting specific quotations and analysing them in detail, gradually working up to overall themes and ideas.
Remember for top marks, it’s not just about how writers do things – but why they chose to write particular texts with specific messages.
Here’s how to get your revision off to the best possible start.
1. Focus on time management from the start
To get a grade 9 in any subject, time management is essential. So think about your own schedule from the start, and figure-out how you can plan in some time for revision and organising your notes.
This might be a case of creating a flashcard each time you write a homework essay or simply setting a reminder to organise your class notes at the end of each week. Whatever this looks like for you, it’s all about establishing a schedule that’s realistic and you can stick-to long-term.
2. Read and revisit your texts slowly and carefully
To get the highest grades in English Literature, it’s not enough to quickly skim-read your texts at the start of term, never to return. Success revolves around in-depth textual knowledge and understanding, so take time to re-read your novels, plays and poems slowly and carefully.
You should recognize and be able to discuss any passage from your texts – so it’s a great idea to check-over and add to your annotations the second time around.
3. Don’t underestimate the importance of classwork
Consistency is key when it comes to the highest grades, so don’t underestimate the importance of classwork throughout your GCSE studies. Teachers often set practice questions during class, focusing on key characters, themes, quotes and perspectives – so make the most of this each time.
By taking-on feedback, you’ll be able to improve your essays and analysis, making your arguments as clear and precise as possible. Remember, it’s all about quality rather than quantity in English Lit!
4. Research mark schemes and past papers
Speaking of practice questions, it’s really useful to spend time looking over other student’s top-level answers.
All exam boards publish mark schemes on their websites, and most include “examiner commentaries” which discuss student responses. This will help you get familiar with the sorts of points you can make and the style you’ll have to write in for that elusive grade 9.
Once you know what you’ve got to do… it’s time to practise some past papers and check your work against your exam board’s mark scheme.
Find out which exam board you’re studying with (if you’re unsure, ask your teacher), then check out their website:
5. Take your mock exams seriously
Writing a great essay is a skill. Just like any skill, such as sports or playing an instrument, it takes time and practice to build. So use any opportunity you have to develop these skills.
Your school will set mock exams, and these tests are a terrific opportunity to assess your skills and see where you’re at. They also offer insights into which areas you need to focus on for your final exams.
Mocks are a chance to get all your revision notes organised, so you can go into the “real deal” in summer feeling relaxed and prepared.
6. Write sample paragraphs and essay plans
Let’s be realistic here. You don’t have time to write a full essay on every single topic that could come up in your final English Literature exams. So, what’s the best way to prepare?
Focus your efforts on writing specific paragraphs on key themes and characters. If you’re feeling confident with this analysis, then create a follow-up essay plan.
By bullet-pointing your overall arguments, context and quotes, you’ll have confidence you can write a full essay with a clear logical structure when the need arises.
7. Organise and memorise your key quotes
Now, this one is unavoidable. If you want to do well in GCSE English Literature, you’ll have to spend time learning important questions from your set texts.
Group your quotations around key characters, themes and motifs. Make sure each quote offers you plenty of opportunity to show off your language and structure analysis too!
Once you’ve organised your notes, have fun testing yourself with friends, creating quizzes online, flashcards, mind-maps… there’s no limit to the revision techniques you can try.
8. Do some reading around your texts
As well as reading and re-reading your texts, it helps to research critical responses and ideas. This could mean reading the introduction in your edition, or using tools such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, articles from the British Library or even YouTube videos to see what the world has to say.
As you investigate different opinions and interpretations, think about which appeal to you – and which arguments you could back-up with key quotes and context.
After all, English Literature is all about ideas. Quite simply, the more you read, the more you think, the better your ideas become…
9. Practise your analytical skills
We’ve talked about mock exams, practice paragraphs, past papers and mark schemes… but as well as focusing on your writing style – do you have the key terminology to succeed?
For grade 9 analysis (usually described as “confident” and “assured” on mark schemes), it’s important to use common literary techniques such as similes, alliteration and personification. This isn’t enough on its own though. You’ll also have to use more complex terms and engage in close analysis (zooming in on words), describing things like fricative alliteration, chiasmus, ambiguity, synecdoche and anaphora…
You’ll find plenty of glossaries of literary terms online, but the Poetry Foundation has a particularly useful list to get your research started…
10. Discuss your ideas
There’s no better way of getting your ideas straight than talking them through with others. This could mean discussing your books and poems with parents or friends, starting a study group or putting your ideas out there on online forums.
The more you explain your ideas to others, the more you’ll be challenged (forced to back-up your thoughts with quotes and critical interpretations) and encounter different viewpoints. Discussion groups also encourage questions and listening to others, which improves and broadens everyone’s understanding.
Do you need help preparing for your GCSE English Literature exams? If so, academic coaching is a great way to discuss your ideas, get expert advice on study skills and exam techniques – and truly unlock your potential. Get in touch with our friendly team today and discover how we can help you.
