How to revise for your English Literature exam

English Literature

English Literature Paper 1: 1 hour 45 mins

Section A: Shakespeare:

Macbeth/Romeo and Juliet

You are given an extract to analyse. You must then comment on links to the context and how this theme/character is presented in the whole novel

30 marks4 marks (SPAG)

45 minutes

Section B: 19th Century Literature:

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

You are given an extract to analyse. You must then comment on links to the context and how this theme/character is presented in the whole novel

30 marks

45 minutes

English Literature Paper 2: 2 hours 15 mins

Section A: Modern Play

An Inspector Calls/Blood BrothersEssay question –answer one question from a choice of two

30 marks4 marks (SPAG)

45 minutes

Section B: Anthology PoetryLove and relationships

Compare the theme in the named poem (printed) and another of your choice from the Anthology

30 marks

45 minutes

Section C: Unseen Poetry

Part One:Analysis essay question on an unseen poem

24 marks30 minutes

Part Two:Comparison of the first unseen poem with another unseen poem on a similar theme.

8 marks15 minutes

What can you as a student do to help your revision

• Know the exam structure and timings

• Know your own strengths and weaknesses, based on practice questions

• Know the characters and main plot lines for each text – complete the workbooks and go over them with your teacher

• Know the context for each text

• Learn your subject terminology

• Prepare for revision and attend!

How can you support your child to prepare for their Literature exam?

• Use the revision cards /workbooks to test their knowledge of key terms or texts

• Post it note key quotes

• Make sure they are re-reading the main ideas from the texts using the workbooks, revision guide or online versions

• Test your child on subject terminology

• Make sure your child attends revision sessions and ask them what they have done

Language terminology

Would you know your similes from your alliteration?

Your personal pronouns from your adverbs?

Your short sentences from your pathetic fallacy?

Using subject specific terminology correctly can get you into the higher mark bands.

Workbooks/Study Packs

These are available for all of the Literature texts – all students have been given one for each text and can work through these as revision homework.

Useful English websites

• GetRevising.com

• Quizlet

• BBC Bitesize-http://www.bbc.co.uk/education

• No Fear Shakespeare -http://nfs.sparknotes.com

• Student resources on the portal – revision activities for the Love and Relationships and unseen poems

Key QUOTE QUIZ

• How many of the following quotes for Jekyll and Hyde do you know?

Key Quotes : Jekyll and Hyde

…like some damned ________________

Enfield’s description of Mr Hyde –Chapter 1

…like some damned Juggernaut

Enfield’s description of Mr Hyde –Chapter 1

There was something wrong about his appearance, something displeasing, something downright_____________

Enfield’s description of Hyde, Chapter 1

There was something wrong about his appearance, something displeasing, something downright detestable

Enfield’s description of Hyde, Chapter 1

‘If he be Mr.______’ he thought ‘I shall be Mr. _____’

Mr Utterson, Chapter 2

‘If he be Mr. Hyde’ he thought ‘I shall be Mr. Seek’

Mr Utterson, Chapter 2

Hardly human

Description of______, Chapter 2

Hardly human

Description of Hyde, Chapter 2

___________ aloud into a savage laugh

Description of Hyde, Chapter 2

Snarled aloud into a savage laugh

Description of Hyde, Chapter 2

Unscientific balderdash

__ ____________opinion of Dr. Jekyll’s experiments, Chapter 3

Unscientific balderdash

Dr. Lanyon’s opinion of Dr. Jekyll’s experiments, Chapter 3

…he grew pale to the very lips and a _____________came about his eyes

Dr. Jekyll when talking about Mr Hyde in Chapter 3

…he grew pale to the very lips and a blackness came about his eyes

Dr. Jekyll when talking about Mr Hyde in Chapter 3

___ _____fury

Hyde kills Sir Danvers Carew, Chapter 4

Ape-like fury

Hyde kills Sir Danvers Carew, Chapter 4

If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also

Dr. Jekyll to_______________, Chapter 6

If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also

Dr. Jekyll to Mr Utterson, Chapter 6

‘Utterson’ said ___ ________‘ for God’s sake, have mercy!’

What Poole and Utterson hear at Dr Jekyll’s house in Chapter 8

‘Utterson’ said the voice ‘ for God’s sake, have mercy!’

What Poole and Utterson hear at Dr Jekyll’s house in Chapter 8

Body of a self-destroyer

Utterson and __________ discover Hyde’s body, Chapter 8

Body of a self-destroyer

Utterson and Poole discover Hyde’s body, Chapter 8

Greed of curiosity

Jekyll/Hyde warns _______ before his transformation, Chapter 9

Greed of curiosity

Jekyll/Hyde warns Lanyon before his transformation, Chapter 9

A profound double dealer

___________of Dr. Jekyll Chapter 10

A profound double dealer

Duality of Dr. Jekyll Chapter 10

Primitive duality of man

__ __________on explaining his experiments, Chapter 10

Primitive duality of man

Dr Jekyll on explaining his experiments, Chapter 10

Man is not truly _____, but truly ____

Dr. Jekyll explains his opinions on the human personality, Chapter 10

Man is not truly one, but truly two

Dr. Jekyll explains his opinions on the human personality, Chapter 10