EdexceliGCSE English Literature

Course OverviewDrama & Prose1 hour and 45 minutes60 marksSection A – An Inspector CallsSection B – Of Mice and Men

Candidates answer one question for each text.

60% of total marks.

Unseen texts and Poetry Anthology1 hour and 35 minutes40 marksSection A – Unseen poetrySection B - Anthology

Candidates answer one question on an unseen poem and one question on two poems from the anthology.

40% of total marks.

Paper 1

Paper 2

Paper 1: Drama & Prose

AO1 - A close knowledge and understanding of prose, poetry and drama texts and their contexts

AO2 - Understanding and appreciation of writers’ uses of the following as appropriate: characterisation, theme, plot and setting

AO4 - A focused, sensitive, lively and informed personal engagement with literary texts

Paper 2: Unseen Texts and Poetry Anthology

AO3 - Understanding of the writers’ use of language, structure and form to create literary effects

AO4 - A focused, sensitive, lively and informed personal engagement with literary texts

Section AUnseen Texts

(20 marks – 45 Mins)• You’ll get an unseen poem and an unseen prose extract.

– You will complete the question which focuses on an unseen poem.

• The question tends to be very vague.• DON’T rush into writing the answer.

– It is essential that you read the poem slowly and make sure you’ve really understood it and have intelligent things to say before you start writing.

• Make sure you use the bullet points in the question to help you.

Assessment Objectives AO3 - understanding of the writers’ use of language, structure andform to create literary effectsAO4 - a focused, sensitive, lively and informed personalengagement with literary texts

Section BAnthology

(20 marks – 45 Mins)• There will be two questions – you need to answer ONE.

– One question will name two poems.– One question will name one poem, the second poem will be

selected by you.– Read both questions and take time to think about which one you

can answer best. Don’t make a snap decision based only on the named poem.

• The questions tend to be theme based. • There is no need to compare.• Make sure you treat the two poems equally. Keep an eye on the time!

Assessment Objectives AO3 - understanding of the writers’ use of language, structure and form to create literary effectsAO4 - a focused, sensitive, lively and informed personal engagement with literary texts

If you were asked to analyse a new poem, what would you do first?

Steps to approaching Poetry…1. Read the poem2. Read the poem again and think about the BIG idea. What is it about?3. Who is speaking? Who are they speaking to? What is the tone of the

poem?4. Look at the LANGUAGE used in the poem

• Are there any words or phrases that you find interesting? Why are they effective? Do any words/phrases help to create imagery?

• Are there any poetic techniques used? Why are they effective?5. Look at the STRUCTURE of the poem

• How is the poem organised? (Stanzas? How does it start/develop/end?)

• Does it have a recognisable form? (Is it a sonnet, ballad, narrative?)• Is there anything interesting about the line lengths?

6. Personal Response - How does the poem make you feel?

Poetry Techniques