How to Revise International A-Level English Literature

Develop International A-Level English Literature analysis with practice on poetry, prose, drama, and critical commentary.

Revision Strategy

Revising English Literature effectively means knowing your texts thoroughly enough to write about them without the books in front of you. Start by ensuring you have a solid understanding of the plot, characters, themes, and context for each text. Then focus on learning a bank of short, versatile quotations that you can use to answer a range of possible questions.

The best revision technique for English Literature is to practise writing analytical paragraphs under timed conditions. Choose a theme or character, select a quotation, and write a paragraph that analyses language, links to context, and addresses the significance within the wider text. Doing this repeatedly builds the speed and confidence you need in the exam.

For poetry, practise comparing poems around shared themes rather than studying each poem in isolation. Examiners reward students who can draw meaningful connections and contrasts between texts. Create a grid of themes and note which poems relate to each, along with key quotations and techniques, so you are prepared for any comparison the exam might ask for.

Study Tips for International A-Level English Literature

✓ Read each set text multiple times - once for plot and character, again for themes and symbolism, and a third time for close analysis of language and structure.
✓ Build a bank of critical interpretations by reading published literary criticism and incorporating different viewpoints into your essays.
✓ Practice writing under timed conditions. International A-Level English Literature demands well-structured, analytical essays produced quickly, and this is a skill that improves with regular practice.
✓ Study the historical, social and cultural context of each text and understand how context shapes both the writing and the reading of literature.

Exam Tips for International A-Level English Literature

✓ Analyse specific word choices and techniques rather than making general statements about themes. Close textual analysis is what distinguishes top grades at International A-Level.
✓ Structure each essay with a clear thesis, developed analytical paragraphs and a conclusion that draws your argument together. Avoid narrating the plot.
✓ In comparison questions, integrate your discussion of both texts rather than writing about each one separately. This demonstrates the ability to make meaningful connections between works.

Topics to Cover

8 topics in International A-Level English Literature

Poetry

Prose Fiction

Drama

Shakespeare

Comparative Analysis

Critical Commentary

Unseen Texts

Coursework Skills

Available Exam Boards

International A-Level English Literature specification guides for each exam board

Cambridge International Edexcel International

Frequently Asked Questions

What texts are studied at International A-Level English Literature? +

The set texts vary by exam board and session. They typically include Shakespeare, poetry anthologies and a selection of prose and drama from different periods and literary traditions. Your school will select from the options available on the syllabus.

Is there coursework in International A-Level English Literature? +

This depends on the exam board and variant. Some International A-Level English Literature specifications include a coursework or portfolio component, while others are assessed entirely through examination. Check your specific syllabus.

How is International A-Level English Literature different from the UK A-Level? +

The content and skills are similar, but International A-Level English Literature may offer different set text choices, uses a modular assessment structure with multiple exam sessions per year, and is designed for a global cohort of students.

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