GCSE English Literature Assessment Overview

Component	% of GCSE Total	AO1	AO2	AO3	AO4
Exploring modern and literary heritage texts	50%	20%	17.5%	10%	2.5%
Exploring Poetry and Shakespeare	50%	20%	22.5%	5%	2.5%
Total	100%	40%	40%	15%	5%

Paper 1: Exploring Modern and Literary Heritage Texts

• Weighting: 50% of the total GCSE.
• Assessment Objectives:
  • AO1: 20%
  • AO2: 17.5%
  • AO3: 10%
  • AO4: 2.5%
• Content:
  • Question 1: Close Reading Analysis: In this extract from [Modern Text], how does the writer use language, structure, and form to create meaning? This question focuses on a close reading of an extract from a modern text. You will need to analyse the writer's use of language, structure, and form, and discuss how these elements contribute to the overall meaning of the extract and its connection to the wider themes of the text.
  • Question 2: Comparing Modern and Literary Heritage Texts: Compare how [Theme] is explored in [Modern Text] and [Literary Heritage Text]. This question requires you to write a comparative essay, where you explore how a specific theme is presented in both a modern text and a literary heritage text. You will need to compare and contrast the approaches of the two texts, considering how the historical and social contexts influence the portrayal of the theme.

Paper 2: Exploring Poetry and Shakespeare

• Weighting: 50% of the total GCSE.
• Assessment Objectives:
  • AO1: 20%
  • AO2: 22.5%
  • AO3: 5%
  • AO4: 2.5%
• Content:
  • Question 1: Shakespeare Analysis: How does Shakespeare use language, form, and structure in this extract, and how does it contribute to the play's overall themes? This question focuses on an extract from a Shakespearean play. You'll need to analyse the author's use of language, structure, and form and discuss its significance in the context of the entire play.
  • Question 2: Poetry Comparison: Compare how [Poem 1] and [Poem 2] explore [Theme]. Think about… how the poets' use of language, form, and structure reflect the context in which they were written. This question requires you to compare two poems from the poetry anthology, exploring how the poets convey themes and emotions through their choices in language, form, and structure.