HOW TO GET A GRADE 9 IN GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE (Top Tricks They Don't Tell You), by Smile with Sola on YouTube. 14 min 27 s.
- Video length
- 14 min 27 s
- Time to do it
- 4 weeks
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Download your exam board specification and two recent past papers with mark schemes. Highlight the assessment objectives and the skills each question rewards.
Make a quote bank for each set text. Group quotes by character, theme and moment, and note the act, scene or chapter for each one.
Analyse each quote word by word. Name the technique, explain the effect on the reader and link it to the writer's purpose.
Write practice paragraphs using point, evidence, technique, effect and link. Keep each paragraph focused on one idea and embed short quotes.
Turn quotes and key ideas into flashcards. Test yourself aloud, then revisit difficult cards after one day, three days and one week.
Plan essay answers before writing. Decide your thesis, choose three or four main points and order them so the argument builds.
Answer one exam question under timed conditions. Use the real paper layout and leave five minutes to check spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Mark your answer with the mark scheme. Write down two specific fixes, such as deeper analysis or clearer links, and repeat the question.
Tips and common mistakes
Short, precise quotes are easier to remember and analyse than long quotations.
Do not retell the plot. Spend most of each paragraph explaining what the writer does and why.
Practise both Language and Literature every week so neither skill goes rusty.
Use your exam board's mark scheme to learn the difference between a clear point and a developed analysis.
Questions
How many quotes should I learn for GCSE English Literature?
Aim for six to eight flexible quotes per set text, grouped by theme and character. Learn them in short chunks and test yourself regularly.
How long should I spend on one revision session?
Try 45 to 60 minutes: 10 minutes recalling quotes, 20 minutes analysing or planning, and 20 minutes writing or checking an answer.
Can I use these tips for AQA, Edexcel and OCR?
Yes, the analysis and paragraph skills transfer, but check your own specification and mark scheme for exact wording and paper structure.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
