English Literature

    AQA
    GCSE

    English Literature develops your ability to analyse poetry, prose and drama from different eras. You'll explore how writers create meaning through language, structure and form while developing your own critical voice.

    35

    Topics

    70

    Objectives

    0

    Exam Tips

    0

    Pitfalls

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    Key Features

    • Analyse language and structure
    • Explore context and themes
    • Compare texts effectively
    • Write compelling essays

    What Gets Top Grades

    A*/Grade 9

    Knowledge & Understanding

    Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

    • Uses correct subject-specific terminology
    • Shows detailed understanding of concepts
    • Makes accurate connections between topics
    • Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

    Application

    Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

    • Selects relevant knowledge for the question
    • Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
    • Uses examples appropriately
    • Shows awareness of context

    Analysis & Evaluation

    Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

    • Constructs logical chains of reasoning
    • Considers multiple perspectives
    • Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
    • Acknowledges limitations and nuances

    Key Command Words

    AQA
    State
    1 mark

    Give a single fact or term

    Identify
    1 mark

    Name, select, or recognise

    Outline
    2 marks

    Set out main features briefly

    Describe
    2-4 marks

    Give an account of what something is like or what happens

    Explain
    3-6 marks

    Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

    Compare
    2-4 marks

    State similarities AND differences (both required)

    Analyse
    6-9 marks

    Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

    Evaluate
    6-12 marks

    Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

    Assess
    6-12 marks

    Make judgments about importance with justification

    Calculate
    2-4 marks

    Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

    Specification Topics

    35 topics

    Julius Caesar

    2 objectives

    Blood Brothers

    2 objectives

    A Christmas Carol

    2 objectives

    Lord of the Flies

    2 objectives

    An Inspector Calls

    2 objectives

    Animal Farm

    2 objectives

    Frankenstein

    2 objectives

    Great Expectations

    2 objectives

    Hamlet

    2 objectives

    Jane Eyre

    2 objectives

    Leave Taking

    2 objectives

    Love and relationships

    2 objectives

    Macbeth

    2 objectives

    Much Ado About Nothing

    2 objectives

    Never Let Me Go

    2 objectives

    Othello

    2 objectives

    Power and Conflict

    2 objectives

    Princess & The Hustler

    2 objectives

    Pride and Prejudice

    2 objectives

    Romeo and Juliet

    2 objectives

    Silas Marner

    2 objectives

    The God of Small Things

    2 objectives

    The Merchant of Venice

    2 objectives

    The Reluctant Fundamentalist

    2 objectives

    The Sign of Four

    2 objectives

    The Sign of the Four

    2 objectives

    The Tempest

    2 objectives

    The Vertical Hour

    2 objectives

    Worlds and Lives

    2 objectives

    The History Boys

    2 objectives

    A Taste of Honey

    2 objectives

    DNA

    2 objectives

    Post-1914 prose fiction and drama

    2 objectives

    The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

    2 objectives

    The Vertical Line

    2 objectives

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