How to Revise for English Literature GCSE: Expert Tips and Techniques

You might think that English is a subject you can’t really revise for. But this couldn’t be farther from the truth!

Like any other subject, the key to success in your English Literature GCSE is thorough revision!

Here, we’ll walk you through how to revise for English Literature GCSE – from what to study to expert tips and revision techniques to improve your grade.

Psst! Our English GCSE tutors are experts at bringing their subjects to life and helping learners to boost their grades – start your search today.

What to revise for English Literature GCSE

First things first, you’ll want to know exactly what to revise for English Literature GCSE.

The specifics can vary from exam board to exam board.

However, you’ll generally need to revise:

• The Shakespeare play you’ve studied in class
• The 19th Century novel you’ve studied in class
• The modern prose or drama text you’ve studied in class
• Poetry (seen and unseen) – including your anthology cluster

Both English Literature GCSE exam papers will be closed book, which means that you can’t bring any reading materials into the exam room with you. 

Any reading materials you need will be given to you in the exam. But regardless, you’ll need to be really familiar with the pieces you’ve studied in school, so you can refer to specifics without relying on having the whole text with you.

How to revise for GCSE English Literature: 10 expert tips

So now you know what exactly you need to revise.

But… how do you actually begin your revision? Here are some key tips to start you off on the right foot.

1. Know what to expect

First things first, you’ll want to know exactly what to expect in each exam paper.

This way, you can make sure you’re completely prepared and avoid any nasty surprises on the day.

For most exam boards, you’ll sit two papers as part of your English Literature GCSE – both closed book.

However, exactly how these are structured will depend on your exam board. So, it’s vital that you check your exam board’s specification so you know exactly what could come up in which paper.

To give you an idea, here’s what you can expect for the exam board AQA – which is the most popular for English Literature GCSE.

Paper 1

Paper 1 is worth 40% of your English Literature GCSE grade. 

The exam will last for 1 hour and 45 minutes and is made up of two sections.

• Section A: Shakespeare. You’ll answer one question on the play you’ve studied at school, writing in detail about an extract from it and then the play as a whole.

• Section B: the 19th Century novel. You’ll answer one question on the novel you’ve studied at school, writing in detail about an extract and then the novel as a whole.

Paper 2

Paper 2 is worth 60% of your English Literature GCSE grade.

The exam will last for 2 hours and 15 minutes and is split into three sections.

• Section A: modern texts. You’ll answer one essay question from a choice of two, writing  about the modern prose or drama text you’ve studied at school.

• Section B: poetry. You’ll answer a comparative question on one named poem printed on your paper and one other poem from your chosen anthology cluster.

• Section C: You’ll answer one question on one unseen poem, and then a second question comparing it with a second unseen poem.

2. Start your revision now!

Next, don’t be fooled into thinking that you need to wait until study leave to start revising for your English Literature exams.

Rather, the earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to hone your skills, and the less stressful the process will be.

After all, there’s only so much a brain can assimilate in a day – and revising little and often with plenty of breaks in between is likely to earn you the best results.

An easy way to get started is to recap what you’ve learned after each lesson at school.

Read through your notes, check that you understand everything and perhaps even brainstorm some answers to practice questions.

This doesn’t have to take long – even taking 10 minutes after each lesson to recap can save you a lot of time later down the road.

Top tip: It’s also a great way of spotting any areas where you could do with some extra help before you head off on study leave!

3. Read and re-read your texts

A large part of both papers will be answering questions on the texts you’ve studied at school.

But in class, you probably only read your texts once – and perhaps not even all the way through.

Meanwhile, knowing your texts like the back of your hand is crucial for the exam.

With that in mind, read through each of the texts in your own time, several times through.

Remember, you won’t be able to take the texts in with you, so you’ll be relying on your memory for a lot of the details you write about.

4. Get specific

As well as reading your texts several times, make sure that you’re completely comfortable with specifics such as…

• The plot
• Themes
• Characters
• Structure
• Language
• Context

Most GCSE English Literature exam questions will focus on a character or a theme. 

So, take the time to really delve into the nitty gritty of these elements.

For instance, when it comes to characters, learn each character’s traits inside out, consider how they’re important to the plot, look at how they further the themes and consider the language used to describe them.

5. Memorise short quotes

You won’t need to worry about memorising whole chunks of text, as any extracts you need from the texts in the exam room will be provided for you.

However, you will need to memorise some choice quotations for each character and theme so that you can confidently back up the points you make in the exam.

So, how do you choose what quotes to learn?

Well, instead of spending hours and hours memorising lots of long, difficult quotations, instead, focus on learning a few short ones that are easy to remember. These are often known as ‘microquotes.’

Choose ones that have a dramatic device you can analyse in detail – like juxtaposition, metaphors and similes – or that you can link to a bigger theme through a character.

Top tip: Remember, there’s no point in spouting out quotes in the exam just for the sake of it. The whole purpose of quotes is to support a bigger point you’re making.

6. Brush up on poetry

Wondering how on earth to revise for the unseen poetry section of your English Literature GCSE?

This section can be especially daunting for learners as you’ll need to write about poems you’ve never seen before the exam.

But don’t panic, you can still prepare for it – the key is to develop the skills you’ll need, and to practise. 

This means ensuring you’re confident writing about a poem’s:

• Context
• Meaning
• Form
• Structure
• Language
• Imagery
• Themes
• Rhyme and rhythm

You should also be familiar with different poetry methods and language techniques. 

For instance, are you able to identify enjambement (when a sentence runs into the next line or stanza), alliteration (where words begin with the same letter), onomatopoeia (where words sound like the noise they describe) and personification (giving ideas or objects human qualities)?

Top tip: Reading as much poetry from different poets as possible will help you get used to understanding and analysing unseen poems.

7. Get great at structuring essays

Lots of learners have great ideas and points. But structure can let them down.

Here are some tips:

• Plan your answers before you start writing
• Write a clear intro and conclusion
• Make sure you’re directly answering the question
• Focus on the quality, not quantity, of your points
• Make sure your points are clear and precise
• Avoid unnecessary waffle

In particular, it’s important to know that examiners are more interested in the quality of your points than the quantity. 

So, instead of reeling off all your thoughts on a particular topic, focus on developing well-rounded points – for instance, using a ‘point, evidence, explain’ structure.

Similarly, make sure your points are clear and precise.

Again, it’s not about the amount you write but about the quality of your response – unnecessary waffle can make it harder for the examiner to match your response to the marking scheme and award you marks.

8. Regularly complete past papers

Completing past papers is a fantastic way to revise for your English Literature GCSE.

You’ll be able to…

• Get familiar with the types of questions you could come across in the real thing
• Practise managing your time
• Gain valuable practice structuring your essays
• Get used to dealing with exam pressure
• Boost your confidence for the big day
• Gain an up-to-date understanding of where you’re at in your learning

Just bear in mind that it can be pretty difficult to mark your own English Literature GCSE past papers, as there’s often no straightforward ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer.

With that in mind, we always recommend getting your past papers marked by a teacher or English GCSE tutor. 

Top tip: Head over to the past papers section on the Tutorful website to access tons of GCSE English Literature past papers for your exam board.

9. Work on implementing feedback

Identifying your strengths and weaknesses is really important. But it’s even more important to make a solid plan that will turn those weaknesses into strengths.

Whenever you complete a mock exam or past paper, take the time to pick out feedback and identify the areas where you still need to improve.

Then, tweak your revision timetable to focus on those areas that need it most. 

In this way, you can make the biggest difference in the smallest amount of time.

Areas you might need to improve on include…

• Your knowledge and understanding of the texts
• The way you structure your essay answers
• Going into more detail
• Giving stronger evidence to support your points
• Demonstrating you understand the context of when the text was written
• Answering the question directly (perhaps you have a habit of misreading questions, for instance)

Hopefully, the tips in this blog will help you to address any of these areas that you need to work on. But if you’d like some extra help and guidance, an English tutor could be just what you need. 

10. Get the help of a tutor 

Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness!

If there’s anything that isn’t quite clicking – or you want your own personal cheerleader to help you prepare for your exams – a GCSE English tutor should be your go-to.

They’re experts at bringing their subject to life and will work with you to help you reach your goals.

With tailored lesson plans that take into account your strengths, weaknesses and learning style, English tuition can be a fantastic way to boost your confidence and improve your grades.

In fact, 90% of Tutorful students improve by at least one grade – and many improve by even more!

Ways to revise English Literature: 8 tried and tested revision techniques

Every student is different. So, it’s important to figure out your learning style and use the revision techniques that suit you best.

It can also be handy to mix up your revision techniques from time to time, to keep you engaged and prevent your revision from getting stale.

Here are some techniques that can be particularly helpful in your English Literature GCSE revision.

1. Make flashcards

Making flashcards is a great way to memorise short quotes or key pieces of information – like plot points, character traits or poetry techniques.

Although you can find flashcards online, we always recommend creating your own. This is because the process of creating them can be a valuable revision exercise in itself!

2. Go mad with post-it notes

You could also write key quotes or snippets of info on post-it notes and stick them in places where you’ll see them on a regular basis – like the bathroom mirror.

By seeing them again and again, this can help the information to stick.

3. Make mind maps

Mind maps can help you to practise forming well-rounded points for your essay answers.

Take a practice question, and then create a mind map to visualise each of your points and all the different supporting evidence you can think of for each one.

4. Stick up questions from past papers

Stick up questions from past papers around your room, in large print. Then, each time your glance settles on one, take some time to think about possible responses.

You could even add post-it notes with evidence to support each of your points.

5. Explore different revision resources

There are lots of resources available to help you revise for GCSE English Literature.

These include:

• Revision guides
• YouTube channels
• Podcasts
• Revision apps
• Revision websites (like BBC Bitesize)

Using resources like these can help to make your revision more engaging.

A GCSE English tutor will also be able to point you towards the best revision resources for your learning style.

6. Practise!

Practice makes perfect!

You don’t have to complete a whole past paper in order to get those writing muscles working. Instead, why not complete a practice question at the end of each revision session to put everything you’ve been learning into practice?

7. Lean on mnemonics

Mnemonics can help you to remember nuggets of wisdom in the exam room.

For instance, you might have heard the mnemonic ‘PEE’ to encourage you to use a ‘point, evidence, explain’ structure.

8. Form a study group

English Literature GCSE is a subject where there’s often no one correct answer. So, why not form a study group where you can discuss your responses to various texts and exam questions together?

It can be a great way to gain different perspectives and ideas. 

Top tip: Make sure to pick your study mates wisely – it can be easy to get distracted!

How to do well in English Literature GCSE: 6 tips for on the day

With these revision tips and techniques, hopefully, you’ll be feeling prepared by the time your GCSE English Literature exams roll around.

But the right approach to exam day itself can also make a big difference.

Here are some things to bear in mind.

1. Give yourself the right fuel

Don’t stay up late revising the night before.

Instead, get a good night’s sleep and have a proper breakfast in the morning. This will give you the best chance of feeling energised for the day ahead.

2. Overcome exam fear

Try some calming techniques to help you overcome exam fear – like listening to a calming playlist.

It’s also important to focus on getting in the right headspace – try to focus on what you have done rather than what you haven’t. Remember, you’ve worked hard and can be proud of yourself, whatever happens!

“Don’t focus on over criticising yourself. Watch those negative little voices in your head!

“Know that you have worked hard and therefore tried your best.”

– Katherine R, GCSE English tutor

3. Plan your time

Keep an eye on the clock in the exam room and make sure you’re not spending more time than you should on each question.

There’s a lot to fit into a short space of time – especially in paper 2, where many exam boards require you to write three essays!

Give yourself a time limit for each essay and make sure to move on when the time comes so you’re not leaving the last essay half-finished.

4. Read every question carefully

Read each question at least twice before answering, so that you’re not making any silly mistakes.

It can also be worth underlining key words in the question to keep you focused – like command words or the focus of the question (for instance, does the question ask you to discuss a character or theme?).

5. Plan your answers

Before you start writing, make sure you plan how you’re going to answer the question.

This will ensure your essay follows a clear structure, answers the question directly and puts forward a cohesive argument.

Plus, it will help you to stay on track and deliver a finished response in the time you have available.

6. Stay calm!

Last but not least, don’t panic!

Work through the GCSE English Literature exam papers calmly and methodically, without rushing.

And remember that you’ve worked hard. So, you can be proud of yourself whatever the outcome.

Find a tutor to help you revise English Literature – and ace it!

If you’re worried about passing English Literature GCSE – or getting the best grade possible – you don’t have to worry alone.

A GCSE English tutor will have the tools, knowledge and experience needed to help you achieve the grade you’re after. 

From tailored plans to practice exams, they’ll give you the one-to-one attention and dedicated time you need to ensure you reach your full potential.

FAQs

What’s the best way to revise for English Literature GCSE?

The best way to revise for English Literature GCSE is to become super familiar with your texts. 

That means reading them again and again, making sure you understand them inside out, and memorising key quotes. 

Answering practice questions can also be a great way to make sure you translate this knowledge into success in the exam room.

How do you revise for English Literature GCSE?

It can be tricky to know how to revise for English Literature GCSE. Here are some top tips from experts:

• Know your exam board’s specification inside out
• Read and re-read your texts
• Focus on characters and themes
• Memorise short quotes
• Practise analysing unseen poetry
• Work on essay structure
• Regularly complete past papers
• Find the revision techniques that work best for you
• Get help from a tutor

What grade is 70% in English Lit GCSE?

Usually, 70% will get you around a grade 7 or 8 in your English Lit GCSE. However, grade boundaries can vary from year to year and between exam boards.

Is English Literature GCSE hard?

Yes, English Literature GCSE can be a hard subject for many learners. After all, you’ll need to know your literary texts inside out, as well as having strong analytical and writing skills.

How to write an English Literature essay for GCSE?

The key to writing a good English Literature essay for GCSE is to plan it carefully.

Always include an introduction and conclusion, and try to cover at least three points in your essays. 

That said, remember that the quality of the points is always more important than their quantity. So, focus on developing well-rounded points and providing evidence (for instance, in the form of quotes) to support the points you’re making.

How to revise for English Literature GCSE poetry?

When it comes to unseen poetry in your English Literature GCSE, it can be hard to know how to prepare.

To revise, we recommend developing your understanding of poetic techniques. For instance, make sure you can identify and write about a poem’s context, meaning, form, structure, imagery and more.

Reading a wide variety of poetry and considering the different techniques the poet uses can be a great way to prepare yourself for this part of the exam.

How to revise English Literature GCSE and get a 9?

To get a 9 in English Literature GCSE, you’ll need to have a really thorough understanding of your exam texts, as well as the ability to make strong points and support them with evidence.

We always recommend sitting practice papers regularly so you can see where you’re at in your learning and work on any weaknesses to turn them into strengths before exam time.
Remember, an English GCSE tutor can help you to reach your full potential and access the highest grades possible.