How to get a 9 in GCSE English Literature! (with resources)

Summary

This video provides practical tips for improving performance in English Literature GCSE exams, focusing on texts like 'Macbeth,' 'Inspector Calls,' and poetry anthologies. Key advice includes thoroughly understanding the texts, memorizing essential quotations, using flashcards, and embedding context into essays. The speaker emphasizes the importance of practice, revising essays with feedback, and learning from mistakes. By explaining quotations in-depth, linking them to exam questions, and studying high-grade examples, students can boost their understanding and skills, aiming for a top Grade 9. Regular practice and strategic revision are key to success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand your texts thoroughly before attempting essays. Use summaries from websites like BBC Bitesize or SparkNotes to grasp key ideas quickly.
• 📖 Regularly review key sections of your texts, such as reading a poem or a page from a book before bed, to reinforce your understanding.
• 📝 Use flashcards or apps like RemNote to organize and memorize key quotations from each text, divided by themes and characters.
• 🎨 Color-code your quotations based on themes or characters, making it easier to identify relevant information during your revision.
• 🎯 Focus on understanding the significance of quotations, not just memorizing them. Know the effect and technique behind each quote.
• 🧑‍🏫 Embed context in your essays to strengthen your arguments, especially for plays like *Inspector Calls*. Knowing the author’s background and intentions can earn you valuable marks.
• 💡 Practice with past exam papers and get feedback from your teachers to understand where you can improve and how to structure better responses.
• 📑 Organize your work digitally on platforms like Google Docs, allowing for easy access to your notes and quotations without flipping through books.
• 🧐 Always ensure your writing is answering the specific essay question. Avoid straying from the prompt to maintain focus and relevance.
• 🔄 Repetition and consistent review of your material are crucial to keeping information fresh in your mind and to improving your overall writing skills.

Q & A

What is the main challenge students face when trying to improve in English Literature?

The main challenge is that, unlike subjects like Maths, where practice makes perfect, English Literature is harder to pinpoint exactly what you're doing wrong. It’s not as easy to improve without understanding the deeper aspects of the texts and the exam questions.

How can students better understand the books and poems they are studying?

Students can use online resources like BBC Bitesize, Seneca, and SparkNotes to get concise summaries and overviews of the texts. This helps in gaining a basic understanding before delving deeper into the material.

Why is it important to read a little bit of a poem or play before going to sleep?

Reading a bit of the material each night helps to keep the content fresh in your mind, ensuring that it stays in your memory, especially when exams are approaching. This constant review prevents forgetting key details and quotations.

How should students approach memorizing quotations for their exams?

Students should create flashcards with key quotations, categorized by themes or characters. It’s important to focus on a few significant quotations per poem or play and to understand the techniques and effects behind each one.

What is the advantage of categorizing quotations by themes or characters?

Categorizing quotations helps students quickly locate relevant material during the exam, especially when they’re asked about specific themes or characters. This method also aids in remembering quotes because they are associated with broader themes.

Why is context important in English Literature exams?

Context is crucial because understanding the background of the author, time period, and cultural influences can significantly improve the quality of an answer. Some questions, especially for plays like *Inspector Calls*, award marks specifically for context.

What is the benefit of typing up notes instead of relying on textbooks?

Typing up notes helps organize and condense information into a more easily accessible format. This allows students to quickly search for specific quotes or themes, avoiding the time-consuming process of flipping through textbooks.

How can students ensure they understand the significance of quotations?

Students should not just memorize quotations, but also understand why they are significant. This involves analyzing the technique used, the effect it creates, and how it connects to the overall meaning of the text.

How can students improve their English Literature writing skills?

Students should practice writing essays and actively seek feedback from their teachers. By reviewing their mistakes and learning from high-level answers, they can better understand what makes an essay successful.

What should students do if they find themselves straying off-topic in their exam answers?

Students should always ensure that their response directly addresses the exam question. If they go off-topic, they risk losing marks. They can avoid this by constantly checking if each sentence relates to the question and reinforces their argument.