The ONLY video you will need for GCSE English Literature | Unheard tips and tricks, by tamra’s tips on YouTube. 12 min 44 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 44 s
- Time to do it
- 4 to 6 weeks
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
List every text and paper you will be examined on, then block out weekly revision slots for each one. Put the closest exam first.
For your modern drama or 20th century text, make a one-page sheet for main characters, themes and six to eight key quotations. Link each quote to a point.
For anthology poetry, group the poems by theme, voice or form. Learn two or three short quotes from each poem and practise comparing a pair.
For Shakespeare, revise both the extract question and the whole play. Learn key scenes, character changes and a few short quotations you can analyse word by word.
For unseen poetry, practise reading a poem twice, marking the speaker, form, images and tone. Then write a short response under timed conditions.
Make word-level notes for your key quotes: pick one or two words and explain the effect, alternative meanings and what the writer is doing.
Use Mr Salles, Mr Everything English and Mr Bruff for analysis and summaries, but turn what you learn into your own notes and practice answers.
Complete at least one timed past paper or question per text, then mark it with the exam board mark scheme and rewrite one weak paragraph.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not just reread the text; test yourself on quotes and write plans from memory.
Keep quotations short so you can learn them and analyse individual words.
Check your exam board specification and mark scheme so you know the assessment objectives.
Leave time to practise unseen poetry, as you cannot prepare the poem in advance.
Questions
How many quotes should I learn for GCSE English Literature?
Learn a small set of short quotes for each text and poem, and know them well enough to analyse a few words in detail.
How long should I revise each day?
Aim for short regular sessions, such as 30 to 60 minutes, and vary texts. Quality and testing matter more than long rereading sessions.
Can I use YouTube instead of making notes?
Use videos to explain difficult ideas, but make your own notes and practise answers. Watching alone will not prepare you for the exam.
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.
