A-level English Literature common doubts
1. How many quotations do I have to use in my A2 lit exam?
One or two per paragraph excluding the introduction and the conclusion
where no quotation should be used. The point is to support every idea
stated in the essay with a quotation.
2. How long do the quotes have to be and how do I memorise them?
Quotation should not be very long because the reader would lose track of
what you are saying and long quotations are very difficult to remember. Try
to relate at least two quotations to every theme of the work. This would
make them easier to remember and would also contribute to make your
essay consistent.
3. How much time in an A2 lit exam should I spend planning/answering
the question?
No more than ten minutes should be spent. Ideally five. One should have a
very clear knowledge of what the themes of every work are so they can be
quickly identified in the questions. It is key to take some time of the initial
minutes to make an outline of the structure of the essay.
4. In a ‘to what extent do you agree’ question, do I have to stick one
opinion throughout the whole essay?
Opinion should be included in the essay but this cannot be done in a direct
way. Expression like "I believe, in my opinion..." should be avoided.
5. How do I structure essays in English/English Literature?
Introduction, body and conclusion. The introduction should start with a
general sentence to catch the reader's attention, then a brief description of
the topic and finally a topic sentence, this is, the statement of an idea.
Then, the body is made up of paragraphs, at least two. Every paragraph
should begin with a sentence that would serve as an introduction. Then, a
topic sentence followed by support such as quotations, and finally a line
that would reinforce the idea stated.
Lastly, in the conclusion the main idea developed in the essay should be
paraphrased. Then, a brief review of the main points included in the essay,
should follow and finally, the essay should end with a sentence that leaves
the reader thinking about the essay.
6. How do I structure a paragraph in a lit essay?
As I wrote in the previous question, every paragraph should begin with a
sentence that would serve as an introduction. Then, a topic sentence
followed by support such as quotations, and finally a line that would
reinforce the idea stated.
7. What are the best plays to use in English Literature?
That depends on the content of the course. It is key to choose those plays
that one understands more and can elaborate on with confidence.
8. What are good quotes to use from prescribed reading such as
Frankenstein/Wuthering Heights?
Good quotes are those that are related to the main themes of the work. In
Frankenstein the main themes are knowledge as a dangerous element,
sublime nature, monstrosity and how the work is composed as an onion
with different layers that are nestled inside each other. Thus, good quotes
would be:
“What could not be expected in the country of eternal light?” This quote
appears at the beginning of the novel and the term light is used to refer to
knowledge, therefore this quotes exemplifies the pursuit of knowledge.
“Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you
turned from me in disgust?” referring to monstrosity.
"I, the miserable and the abandoned, am an abortion, to be spurned at, and
kicked, and trampled on." This other quote comes from Walton’s final letter
to his sister. In this sentence not only can we see that the monster is an
unwanted life, but also we get a glimpse into the suffering that has
motivated the creatures to commit his crimes.
9.
What percentage of my final grade is coursework/exam?
I am not sure about this one. But I believe coursework is 40% of the final
grade, while the exam is 60%.
The best person to ask about this is the school teacher.