GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE REVISION QUESTIONS
It is essential to time yourself when answering these questions if you are to simulate authentic examination conditions. You should allow yourself 45 minutes for each question you attempt, including planning time. And remember whatever you do, think E.E.P. to P.E.E. – give us a clear set of opinions that answer the question, back them up and link them up.
Go to www.mswilsonatclaremont.proboards.com to find the wonderful Mr Hady’s YouTube tutorial on essay writing. It relates particularly to AIC. Add it to our thinking about E.E.P to P.E.E.
Do at least one full written timed piece for each text (so 3 timed essays ) due on 19th April – but also try to diagnose your own problems, make additional plans and notes accordingly and re-read lots. You may benefit from extra essay plans that are lists of points, or you may benefit from practicing backing up your points, it depends on you. You choose. I am happy to mark to help.
AN INSPECTOR CALLS
1 ‘Still, I can’t accept any responsibility’. What event is Arthur referring to? Do the others think he should take responsibility? Why/why not? Do you think he is responsible for what happens to Eva? Why?
2 ‘I behaved badly, I know I did, I’m ashamed of it.’ Why does Sheila feel ashamed of her behaviour? What made her act in this way? Do you think she should be ashamed?
3 After the Inspector leaves it seems as if the young people have been changed by his visit while the parents are ready to go on in the same old way. Do you think this is true?
4 What is your opinion of the character Gerald Croft in the context of this play? You should look closely at language and actions in your answer.
5 Do you think that Eric is more or less to blame for Eva Smith’s death than the other characters? Give your reasons in full, referring to at least two other characters.
6 In what ways does Inspector Goole make us aware of the tragedy of Eva Smith’s death and how we are all responsible for what happens to others? Give your reasons in full, referring closely to what he says.
In every AIC essay, remember to trace your ideas through the play, not just one bit. So you need to know the characters, themes and plot well enough to do this fast – learn some key quotes so you don’t have to flick. You must of course also use E.E.P to P.E.E. and aim for a minimum of 6 points, so a minimum of 6 quotes, plus a clear conclusion that ATQ.
BEST WORDS PRE-1900
1 Look again at Sonnet XVIII (Shall I compare thee) by William Shakespeare. Compare this poem with one other poem of your choice from the pre-1900 collection which uses strong description and imagery. You should look closely at the language used.
2 Look again at Let Me Not by Shakespeare in which he discusses lasting love. Compare this with one other poem of your choice from the pre-1914 selection which deals with love in a different way. You should look closely at the language used.
3 A famous poet once described poetry as ‘the best words in the best order.’ Which do you think are the two best poems in the pre-1900 selection? Give reasons for your choices.
4 Compare and contrast the ways in which 2 poems of your choice consider the idea of ‘love’. OR SUBSTITUTE FOR YOUTH/AGE/TIME/DEATH/ SEX/ MAGIC/ POWER/ MEN AND WOMEN/ WISHES AND DESIRES
5 Look at Marvell’s To His Coy Mistress and one other poem from the pre-1900 collection. Discuss how effectively each poet expresses their viewpoint.
6 Consider the subject of To A Mouse and how Burns treats this subject. Compare this poem with one other poem from the pre-1914 selection which in some way presents reflections on human life. You should look closely at the language used.
Remember that every poetry question is not just 1) WHAT are the authors writing about, but also 2) what is their ATTITUDE to that and 3) HOW DO YOU KNOW from the WAY THEY WRITE (i.e. their techniques, which in poetry cover language choices, imagery, sound and form).
So, your essay should:
· Compare the attitudes / main messages in BOTH poems in the first paragraph, weave between BOTH poems as you go and conclude answering the question about BOTH poems at the end. NO COMP= FAIL
· Trace sound patterns through BOTH poems, using relevant terms, and how they are used to get across the main idea the essay’s about.
· Trace imagery patterns through BOTH poems, using relevant terms, and how they are used to get across the main idea the essay’s about.
· Comment on the shape of BOTH poems, using relevant terms, and how it is used to get across the main idea the essay’s about.
· Have a clear P.E.E. structure to every para, with every topic sentence ATQ.
· Have at least 3-5 quotes from EACH POEM i.e. minimum 6 quotes per essay.
· Conclude ATQ.
Of Mice and Men
· Discuss the significance of the death of Candy’s dog for Candy and elsewhere in the story.
· Describe the difference and links between two of the characters. PICK TWO
· Why did Lennie have to die?
· Why does George have to take care of Lennie?
· What is the significance of Lennie’s dream?
· What is the significance of the American Dream in this novel?
· This has been described as a novel of protest. To what extent do you agree?
· Steinbeck was no revolutionary. To what extent do you agree?
· Explore and discuss the theme of racism/sexism/social welfare/male friendship/power relationships in the novel. PICK ONE!
· OMM is a more like a tragic play in 6 acts than a novel. Discuss.
You must in every OMM essay refer to characters, description, actions, dialogue and Steinbeck’s choice of language as appropriate. Aim for at least 6 points per essay, written in clear P.E.E. style unless you can go beyond this and mix up the Es! EVERYONE must have clear Ps. You must also have at least one quote per paragraph, so this also is a minimum 6 quote essay, but B and A grade essays will be zooming in and focussing in more also on single words within or in addition to those quotes.
No, P that ATQ = no pass. So make sure you E.E.P to P.E.E.
Some P but no E+E that backs it up = no pass.
P + Evidence but no EXPLORATION = possible scrape pass.