GCSE

AQA GCSE English Literature Revision

Adaptive practice aligned to the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance specification. 8 topics, exam-style questions, and instant AI feedback.

Start Revising Free All Exam Boards

About AQA GCSE English Literature

AQA is the largest exam board in England, setting GCSE and A-Level exams taken by millions of students each year. Known for clear mark schemes and well-structured specifications across all major subjects.

GCSE English Literature requires you to study and write about a Shakespeare play, a 19th-century novel, a modern text, and an anthology of poetry. You will learn to analyse language, structure, and context, and develop your ability to construct well-argued essays.

Topics in AQA GCSE English Literature

1 Shakespeare

2 Modern Prose

3 Poetry Anthology

4 Unseen Poetry

5 19th Century Novel

6 Essay Technique

7 Quotation Analysis

8 Context & Themes

Study Tips for AQA English Literature

Learn 10-15 short, versatile quotations for each text. Choose quotes that can be used to discuss multiple themes — a quote about power in Macbeth might also work for a question on guilt or ambition.

Create character and theme mind maps for each text, linking quotations to context. Stick these on your wall and review them daily in the weeks before the exam.

When revising poetry, compare poems in pairs around shared themes. Examiners reward students who can make connections and contrasts, and this also makes the comparison question feel more natural.

Practise writing timed paragraphs rather than full essays. Being able to produce a strong analytical paragraph in 8-10 minutes is more useful than spending hours on a perfect essay at home.

Exam Tips for AQA English Literature

Always address the specific question being asked. A brilliant essay on Lady Macbeth will score poorly if the question is about the theme of kingship. Underline the key words in the question and refer back to them in every paragraph.

Embed your quotations within your sentences rather than bolting them on. Writing something like — Macbeth describes his guilt as a mind full of scorpions, suggesting his conscience is tormenting him — flows better and shows confidence with the text.

For the unseen poetry question, spend a solid five minutes reading and annotating the poem before writing. Identify the tone, any shifts, and two or three key techniques, then build your answer around these.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GCSE English Literature a closed-book exam?

Yes, you are not allowed to take your texts into the exam. You need to memorise key quotations and know the plot, characters, and themes thoroughly.

How many papers are in GCSE English Literature?

There are two papers. Paper 1 covers Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel. Paper 2 covers the modern text, the poetry anthology, and unseen poetry.

What are the set texts for GCSE English Literature?

This depends on your exam board and what your school has chosen. Common texts include Macbeth or Romeo and Juliet for Shakespeare, A Christmas Carol or Jekyll and Hyde for the 19th-century novel, and An Inspector Calls or Lord of the Flies for the modern text.

How do I revise for the unseen poetry question?

Practise analysing poems you have never seen before. Focus on identifying tone, structure, imagery, and sound devices. The more poems you practise with, the more confident you will become at spotting techniques quickly.