Exambusters: GCSE English Literature

Subject: English Literature
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 14 - 16
Order Number: 5009

These worksheets and accompanying guidelines focus on exam technique and are written by an examiner with up to date experience of GCSE. Many candidates lose grades because of poor preparation for the demands of the exam. Many have never thought about the actual marking process and what the examiner is looking for. For each element of the exam, realistic spoof answers are used to show where many candidates to do their best.

Pupils are encouraged to mark these answers so that they can make themselves aware of the various pitfalls and irrelevancies which occur so often. Based on successful classroom practice, these packs have not previously been available in schools.

Elements covered are:

1. Poetry Unseen / Response to Poetry. This is the worst area for under-achievement. Many pupils still live in awe of poetry; these worksheets show they do not have to be afraid of the examiner and what they are looking for this level. Focuses on the use of appropriate vocabulary and register in the exam response.
2. Unseen Comprehension. Useful for both Language and Literature work, dependent on syllabus. Again, the focus is on the use of an appropriate style of response, as well as accurate content. Spoof answers show how inaccurate responses can be, and encourage pupils to believe they can do much better than this.
3. Set Texts: Extracts. Uses Far from the Madding Crowd, Macbeth and Of Mice and Men. The focus is on an accurate and economic technique, so the work is useful even if these texts are not among those your particular class is studying.
4. Set Texts: Essays. Uses Macbeth, Silas Marner and Of Mice and Men. This is not concerned so much with essay structure as with the overall use of appropriate material and style. The dangers of the prepared answer are also exposed and considered.