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AQA GCSE English Literature specification
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Welcome!Today we'll explore the AQA GCSE English Literature specification. This will help you understand the structure, requirements, and key focus areas of the course.
What is the AQA GCSE English Literature Specification?This specification outlines the framework for studying English Literature at GCSE level. It includes details on the texts, assessment objectives, and exam structure.
Assessment ObjectivesThe course focuses on four assessment objectives (AOs): AO1 (reading and responding), AO2 (analysing language, form, and structure), AO3 (context), and AO4 (writing with accuracy and clarity). Each AO has a specific weight in your final grade.
Quick check: Which assessment objective focuses on analysing language, form, and structure?
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Exam StructureThe course is assessed through two papers: Paper 1 (Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel, 40%) and Paper 2 (Modern texts and poetry, 60%). Both papers are closed book, meaning you won't have access to the texts during the exam.
Paper 1 focuses on {{blank0}} and the {{blank1}} novel.
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Key TextsStudents select one text from each category: Shakespeare plays, 19th-century novels, modern texts, and poetry clusters. These texts are studied in depth to develop critical reading and analysis skills.
Match the items on the left with their correct pairs on the right
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Assessment ComponentsEach paper is divided into sections. Paper 1 includes a Shakespeare extract and whole-play analysis, plus a 19th-century novel extract and whole-text study. Paper 2 comprises modern texts, comparative poetry, and unseen poetry analysis.
Which of the following are included in Paper 2? (Select all that apply)
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Poetry AnthologyStudents study a cluster of 15 poems from one theme: Love and Relationships, Power and Conflict, or Worlds and Lives. They must compare these poems and relate them to their contexts.
Unseen PoetryIn Paper 2, students analyse two unseen poems. They explore themes, language, form, and structure, and compare the two poems for similarities and differences.
Writing SkillsStudents must write clear, coherent responses using textual evidence and correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling. This contributes to AO4.
Which assessment objective awards marks for grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary?
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Review Time!Great work! You've learned about the AQA GCSE English Literature specification. Now let's test your understanding with a few final questions.
Which paper includes an unseen poetry analysis?
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The {{blank0}} cluster includes 15 poems that students compare in Paper {{blank1}}.
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Which skills are assessed across the course? (Select all that apply)
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