Quick answer: GCSE English Literature tests how well you read and write about a Shakespeare play, a 19th-century novel, a modern text and poetry. On AQA (8702) it is two closed book papers: Paper 1, 1 hour 45 minutes (40%), and Paper 2, 2 hours 15 minutes (60%), graded 9 to 1 with no tiers. Lift College teaches GCSE English Literature (AQA 8702) online.
What is GCSE English Literature?
GCSE English Literature is a separate qualification from English Language. It asks you to analyse literary texts, write about their language, form and structure, and link them to their context. Many sixth forms and colleges want at least a 4 or 5 before an A Level in English.
How AQA GCSE English Literature is assessed
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| Paper | Sections | Length | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel | 1 hour 45 minutes | 64 | 40% |
| Paper 2 | Modern texts, poetry anthology and unseen poetry | 2 hours 15 minutes | 96 | 60% |
Both papers are closed book: you cannot take your texts into the exam, so quotations must be learned. There are no tiers and no coursework.
Set texts
Every board publishes a set text list, and schools and colleges choose from it. Lift College's course follows the AQA 8702 set text list and names the texts on the course page; your tutor can tell you the current texts.
AQA, Edexcel and OCR
AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR all offer the GCSE; the comparison below is general information. All are closed book, graded 9 to 1 and cover Shakespeare, a 19th-century novel, a modern text and poetry, but the set text lists and paper structure differ. Lift College teaches AQA 8702.
When can you sit it?
GCSE English Language and Mathematics can be sat in November (candidates aged 16 and over); all other GCSEs are May and June only. On +Exams Lift College books the series you are ready for. English Literature is therefore a summer exam. Exam dates are set by AQA each year; check the AQA key dates page for the current timetable.
How to revise
Learn short quotations
Short quotations are easier to remember and to analyse. Learn several per character and theme.
Plan essays to the assessment objectives
Examiners mark knowledge and response (AO1), analysis of language, form and structure (AO2), context (AO3) and, on some questions, spelling, punctuation and grammar (AO4).
Practise the unseen poetry
You cannot revise the unseen poems, but you can practise the method on past papers, free on AQA's past papers page.
Exam centres and access arrangements
On +Exams Lift College enters you and books your seat at one of ten Tutors & Exams centres across England. +Exams includes your exam entry and centre fee; on Study you arrange and pay for your own entry as a private candidate. Tell your tutor when you enrol; Tutors & Exams applies the approved arrangements to your entry.
Study GCSE English Literature online with Lift College
GCSE English Literature Online Course: Lift College teaches AQA 8702 with a named UK tutor and marked essays. It costs from £33.99 a month on Study when you start now, 15% off for life, or £39.99 a month after a 7-day free trial. On +Exams it is £59.49 a month when you start now, then £69.99 a month after the trial.
The course takes 12 to 18 months, or faster if you study more each week. The course is open to anyone aged 14 or over, under 18s with a parent or guardian's permission and support.
Questions? Contact us.