English Literature - Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel

GCSE English Literature
AQA
2024

How to Use This Paper Effectively

Get the most out of your practice session with these tips from experienced teachers

1

Learn 10–15 short quotations from each text — you'll need them for the 'wider text' sections.

2

For Shakespeare, comment on dramatic techniques: soliloquy, dramatic irony, stage directions.

3

Consider the historical context — what would a Victorian/Elizabethan audience think?

4

Timing is critical — you have multiple sections to complete. Plan your time before you start writing.

5

Use short, embedded quotations rather than copying out long passages. This shows precision.

What’s on This Paper

Paper 1 covers Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel. You will answer one question on your studied Shakespeare play (with an extract provided) and one question on your studied 19th-century novel (also with an extract). Both questions require you to analyse the extract and then write about the wider text.

Question types you’ll encounter:

Extract-based analysis of Shakespeare
Whole-text essay on Shakespeare themes/characters
Extract-based analysis of 19th-century novel
Whole-text discussion of novel themes

Paper Details

Basic Information

Paper Number:
Paper 1
Time Allowed:
1h 45m

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