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Edexcel GCSE English Literature Past Papers
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Navigator’s note
Including Context (AO3) in Section A, Part (a) Paper 1
Focus exclusively on language, form, and structure within the provided extract for Part (a).
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Edexcel GCSE English Literature papers by session
June 2024
2 papersLatest seriesExaminer InsightsEdexcel GCSE English Literature
Examiner tips.
Practical advice to help you avoid common mistakes and write stronger answers.
Including Context (AO3) in Section A, Part (a) Paper 1
One of the most frequent errors is integrating social, cultural, or historical context into the analysis of the Shakespeare extract. AO3 is not assessed in Part (a); it is only required for Section A Part (b) and Section B.
How to improve
Focus exclusively on language, form, and structure within the provided extract for Part (a).
Save your contextual knowledge for Part (b).
Check the command word before you write.
"Feature Spotting" Without Analysis
Many students identify a technique (e.g., a metaphor or an adjective) but fail to explain why the writer used it or its effect on the audience. Weaker responses often define terms instead of analyzing them.
How to improve
Use the PETER acronym: Point, Evidence, Technique, Effect on Reader.
Always explain how a specific word or structural choice supports your overall argument about the character or theme
Check the command word before you write.
Poor Time Management for Paper 1
A common pitfall is spending too much time on Section A and rushing Section B (or vice versa), leading to unbalanced marks.
How to improve
Strictly follow the recommended split: 55 minutes for Section A and 50 minutes for Section B.
Within those 50 minutes, allow a few minutes for a quick plan and a few minutes at the end to proofread
Check the command word before you write.
Insufficient Exploration of the Extract (Part a) for Paper 2
Students often limit their responses to only one or two examples from the provided 400-word extract, which prevents them from reaching higher marks.
How to improve
Penetrate" the extract for as many examples as possible.
Aim to identify a wide variety of techniques and explain their specific effect on the reader in detail.
Check the command word before you write.
Failing to Compare Poems in Tandem
In the poetry sections, many students discuss one poem in its entirety and then the second, leading to a lack of meaningful comparison.
How to improve
Use a "tandem" or "coat-hanger" structure.
Compare the poems paragraph by paragraph using discourse markers such as "similarly," "in contrast," "whereas," and "on the other hand" to sustain a comparative argument.
Where it counts: Section B
Frequently asked questions
Has anything changed about the GCSE English Literature papers for 2027 from 2026?
No. The specification, structure, format, and weighting are identical to the 2026 exams. There are no changes to expect.
Can students bring the books into the exam?
No. Both papers are closed-book. Students cannot bring the set texts into the examination hall.
How do I confirm I'm studying the correct Edexcel GCSE English Literature syllabus?
Confirm your exam board is Edexcel and your code is 1ET0 (not 4ET1, which is International iGCSE). Your Statement of Entry, past paper covers, or your school's exams officer will show this. If you're studying Of Mice and Men, To Kill a Mockingbird, or An Enemy of the People, you're on a different syllabus (International iGCSE or a different exam board like AQA/Eduqas).
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