English Literature

If you require the English Language page, please go here.
Home educators can choose GCSE or IGCSE English Literature, as neither have coursework.
There were adaptations to the exams in 2021 and 2022 as part of a series of changes to adapt to lost teaching time during the Covid pandemic. Content for English literature was temporarily reduced, it worked slightly differently for each spec. Exam papers from these years will look different. For a summary look at our changes to exams in 2022 page.
==Do you need a separate English Literature qualification?==
Is it necessary to do separate exams in English Language and English Literature? What if you want to study English Literature at sixth form?
It depends. The real gatekeeper for entry to many courses and jobs is GCSE or IGCSE English Language. If you only want to do one GCSE/IGCSE in English, then English Language is the one to do. (More detail about English Language options here)
A separate English Literature qualification might be important is if you wish to study English Literature at a higher level. It might also be helpful if you want to study Drama. Some A-level English courses are combined literature and language, while others are literature-only. Some colleges and 6th forms specify that applicants need GCSE or IGCSE English Literature, particularly if the student wishes to study an essay writing subject, such as History or Politics, for A Level. Others have been more flexible. If it's important to your child to have the option of studying English A-level then contact local colleges to find out what their requirements are.
==Choosing Texts ==
The specification for each exam will list the text options. Parents who have recently taken their child out of school may not realise that there are any options because their child's teacher will have decided on behalf of the whole class and the reasons for their choice may have been things like the availability of school resources and the teacher's preference. If your child has left school in Year 11, they may find it easier to stick with whatever specification and text choices they have been preparing for.
However, if you are planning far enough in advance, you have lots of options! You will find that the choices in the GCSE English Literature exams are pretty similar, as they are determined by the UK government and are largely British writers. Shakespeare, for example, is compulsory. The IGCSE possibilities are more varied. The CAIE IGCSE for example usually has a good range of non-British writers in English and Shakespeare is not compulsory.
Many children like to choose texts they already know and are fond of. This might be an advantage, but not always. Studying a text you love can sometimes kill your enthusiasm for it! Or, it may have the opposite effect and deepen the affection. Sometimes, parents like their children to study texts which are familiar to them from their own school days, but this is also not necessarily an advantage.
== English Literature Specifications==
The most popular options for home-educated students have traditionally been CAIE IGCSE English Literature and Edexcel IGCSE English Literature. However, since the new GCSEs were created, there is now a wider choice of Literature exams which home educated students can take. The GCSEs in English Literature available to external candidates include those from all major exam boards - AQA, OCR, Pearson Edexcel, etc. They are all graded 9-1. It should be noted that the GCSE courses are all strikingly similar in approach because they are controlled by the UK government. The IGCSEs are rather different, particularly the Cambridge (CAIE) one. One disadvantage of the CAIE exam is that the specification and component choices can seem complex. Do ask for help in the HE Exams Group or the English Exams group, if you are not sure about anything. 
===CAIE IGCSE English Literature===
Cambridge Assessments and International Examinations - CAIE, offer 2 IGCSEs in English Literature from 2020. The difference is in the grading, 0992 being 9-1 and 0475 being A*-G, otherwise the syllabus is identical. There is no difference apart from the type of grading, but you must specify which you want when making your entries. 
CAIE International GCSE English - Literature in English (0992) page and specification
CAIE International GCSE English - Literature in English (0475) page and specification
*Exams from: 2020
* Available in Autumn and Summer series
*Specification code: 0992 (9-1) or 0475 (A*- G)
0992 was new in 2020, 0475 was also new in 2020 but replaced the previous specification 0486. The only change was name and code. 
CAIE say this about the 0475 spec: 'This syllabus replaces Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) (0486) from 2020 onwards. The only change is the title and the syllabus code. Past papers and other resources for Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) (0486) are still largely applicable for teaching Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English (0475)'.
====Subject content====
'Learners develop an understanding of literal meaning, relevant contexts and of the deeper themes or attitudes that may be expressed. Through their studies, they learn to recognise and appreciate the ways in which writers use English to achieve a range of effects, and will be able to present an informed, personal response to the material they have studied.' 
====Assessment====
The questions in this exam vary little from year to year. Generally speaking, there are 4 essays to write over the course of 2 exam papers. You can opt for 1 poetry anthology (15 poems), two plays and one prose text (novel or short story anthology), but an 'Unseen' question is possible in place of one of the plays. 
====Resources====
Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English (Cambridge International IGCSE)] by Russell Carey
Complete English Literature for Cambridge IGCSE®] by Mark Pedroz 
Cambridge IGCSE Literature in English by Mike Gould 
One of the above textbooks is essential for learning correct exam technique. However, they are not 'notes' on the texts to be studied. The student will also need copies of each of the texts to be studied. In fact, it is recommended to avoid books of notes because this exam rewards candidates' personal responses. 
===Edexcel International GCSE English Literature===
Edexcel International GCSE English Literature page and specification
*Exams from: June 2018
*Available in June and November
*Specification code: 4ET1
====Subject content====
Component 1 - Poetry and Modern Prose 
Students study a set of poems from Part 3 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology, they will also need to apply their knowledge of poetic form, content and meaning to unseen poetry. Students also study one text from a choice of 5 modern prose texts (choices are listed in the specification) 
Component 2 - Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts
Students will study two set texts for this component: one of the modern drama set texts (choice of 5) and one of the literary heritage set texts (choice from 3 Shakespeare plays and 3 novels). The full list of set texts are listed in the specification. 
====Assessment====
100% exam based option. 
*Paper 1 - Poetry and Modern Prose - 2hrs - 90 marks - 60% 
**Section A – Unseen Poetry: one 20-mark essay question exploring the meaning and effects created in an unseen poem. The poem will be reproduced in the question paper.
**Section B – Anthology Poetry: one 30-mark essay question from a choice of two, comparing two poems from Part 3 of the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Anthology.
**Section C – Modern Prose: one 40-mark essay question from a choice of two on each of the set texts.
**Closed book: texts are not allowed to be taken in the examination. Students will be provided with the anthology poems in the examination.
*Paper 2 - Modern Drama and Literary Heritage Texts - 1hr 30 minutes - 60 marks - 40%
**Section A – Modern Drama: one 30-mark essay question from a choice of two on each of the set texts.
**Section B – Literary Heritage Texts: one 30-mark essay question from a choice of two on each of the set texts.
**Open book: prescribed editions of set texts are allowed in the examination. Check with exam centre who needs to provide the texts
There is also a coursework option where students sit paper 1 and complete coursework instead of paper 2. This is an option than is not usually available to home educators as it requires working with a tutor affiliated to your exam centre to complete, mark and moderate the coursework. 
====Resources====
Edexcel IGCSE English Literature Student Book with ActiveBook CD
The specification lists the set texts and the prescribed editions for the exam.
The Edexcel Anthology for International GCSE English Language A and International GCSE English Literature is provided for use throughout the course and in the examination. The latest edition is under Teaching and Learning materials on the specification page but locked. If you have a relationship with an exam centre they may send you a copy, if not contact Pearson on teachingenglish@pearson.com saying you are home educating and they should send you a copy. If you have trouble accessing a copy ask on the Facebook group: Home Education UK Exams & Alternatives or the English Language and Literature IGCSEs for Home Educators' Facebook group.
The Teaching and Learning materials on the specification page has lesson plans, mapping documents, exemplars, past training and getting started guides which are really helpful.
Past papers can be accessed through the specification page or here. Papers with an R suffix were available in a different time zone. They are the same specification and can be used as practice. 
The English Language and Literature IGCSEs for Home Educators' Facebook group has advice and resources.
===AQA GCSE English Literature===
AQA GCSE English Literature page and specification
*Exams from: June 2017
*Available in June
*Specification code: 8702
====Subject content====
The specification divides the content into 3 areas
#Shakespeare and the Nineteenth Century Novel
#*Candidates choose one from a list of 6 Shakespeare plays. Candidates should study the complete text.
#*Candidates choose one from a list of 7 19th century novels. Candidates should study the complete text.
#*The texts do not change annually but do make sure to check the spec for the most up to date text list.
#Modern Texts and Poetry 
#*Candidates choose one from a list of 12 post-1914 prose fiction and drama texts. Candidates should study the complete text.
#*Candidates choose one from 'cluster' of 15 poems from AQA's poetry anthology. There is a choice of 2 clusters; Power and Conflict or Love and Relationships. Candidates should study all 15 poems.
#* Candidates should also study a range of poems to be able to analyse and compare unseen poetry.
#*The texts do not change annually but do make sure to check the spec for the most up to date text list
#Skills Candidates are expected to develop the following skills:
#* Reading comprehension and reading critically: literal and inferential comprehension; critical reading, evaluation of a writer’s choice of vocabulary, grammatical and structural features; comparing texts.
#*Writing: producing clear and coherent text; accurate Standard English.
====Assessment====
100% exam based.
* Paper 1 - Shakespeare and the Nineteenth Century Novel - 1hr 45mins - 64 marks - 40%
**Section A - Shakespeare: candidates will answer one question on their play of choice. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the play and then to write about the play as a whole.
** Section B - The 19th-century novel: candidates will answer one question on their novel of choice. They will be required to write in detail about an extract from the novel and then to write about the novel as a whole.
**Closed book: texts are not allowed to be taken in the examination. Candidates will be provided with any stimulus materials required will be provided as part of the assessment.
*Paper 2 - Modern Texts and Poetry - 2hrs 15 minutes - 96 marks - 60%
** Section A - Modern texts: candidates will answer one essay question from a choice of two on their studied modern prose or drama text.
** Section B - Poetry: candidates will answer one comparative question on one named poem printed on the paper and one other poem from their chosen anthology cluster.
**Section C - Unseen poetry: candidates will answer one question on one unseen poem and one question comparing this poem with a second unseen poem.
**Closed book: texts are not allowed to be taken in the examination. Candidates will be provided with any stimulus materials required will be provided as part of the assessment.
==== Resources ====
Oxford University Press Student Book 
OUP Revision Books for Poetry - Love and Relationships or Power and Conflict
CGP produce a number of resources to support studying the poetry clusters which can be found here. 
Cambridge University Press produce a series of guides on specific texts for the AQA spec. They can be seen here. 
Collins produce books which cover AQA English Language and Literature. Even though the qualifications aren't tiered the books come in core and advanced versions. 
Past papers can be found on the specification page or here. 
Scroll down to Resources section for more. 
===Edexcel GCSE English Literature===
Edexcel GCSE English Literature page and specification
*Exams from: June 2017
*Available in June
*Specification code: 1ET0
====Subject content====
The specification divides the content into 2 components
#Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature 
#*Candidates choose one from a list of 6 Shakespeare plays. Candidates should study the complete text.
#*Candidates choose one from a list of 12 post-1914 prose fiction and drama texts. Candidates should study the complete text.
#*The texts do not change annually but do make sure to check the spec for the most up to date text list.
#Nineteenth Century Novel and Poetry
#*Candidates choose one from a list of 7 19th century novels. Candidates should study the complete text.
#*Candidates choose one collection from a choice of 4 in Pearson Poetry Anthology Collections. The collections are themed on relationships, conflict, time and place, and belonging. Candidates should study all poems in the collection. 
#* Candidates should also study a range of poems to be able to analyse and compare unseen poetry.
#*The texts do not change annually but do make sure to check the spec for the most up to date text list.
====Assessment====
100% exam based.
* Paper 1 -Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature - 1hr 45mins - 50 marks - 50%
**Section A - Shakespeare: a two-part question, with the first task focused on an extract of approximately 30 lines. The second task is focused on how a theme reflected in the extract is explored elsewhere in the play. 
** Section B - Post-1914 Literature: one essay question.
**Closed book: texts are not allowed to be taken in the examination. Candidates will be provided with any stimulus materials required will be provided as part of the assessment.
*Paper 2 - 19th-century Novel and Poetry since 1789 - 2hrs 15 minutes - 80 marks - 50%
** Section A - 19th-century novel: a two part question, with the first part focussed on an extract of approximately 400 words. The second part is an essay question exploring the whole text. 
** Section B - Poetry: ONE question comparing a named poem from the Pearson Poetry Anthology collection to another poem from that collection. The named poem will be shown in the question paper. Part 2: ONE question comparing two unseen contemporary poems. 
**Closed book: texts are not allowed to be taken in the examination. Candidates will be provided with any stimulus materials required will be provided as part of the assessment.
==== Resources ====
Pearson Poetry Anthology 
Pearson don't appear to have a published textbook but they do have a lot of free resources on the specification page.
Past papers can be found on the specification page or here.
Scroll down to Resources section for more. 
=== OCR GCSE English Literature ===
OCR GCSE English Literature page and specification
*Exams from: June 2017
*Available in June
*Specification code: J352
====Subject content====
The specification divides the content into 2 components
#Exploring modern and literary heritage texts 
#*Candidates choose one from a list of 6 post-1914 prose fiction and drama texts. Candidates should study the complete text.
#*Candidates choose one from a list of 6 19th century novels. Candidates should study the complete text.
#*The texts do not change annually but do make sure to check the spec for the most up to date text list.
#Exploring poetry and Shakespeare
#*Candidates choose one collection from a choice of 3 in the OCR Poetry Anthology, Towards a World Unknown. The collections are themed on love and relationships, conflict, and youth and age. Candidates should study all poems in the collection. 
#* Candidates should also study a range of poems to be able to analyse and compare unseen poetry.
#*Candidates choose one from a list of 4 Shakespeare plays. Candidates should study the complete text.
#*The texts do not change annually but do make sure to check the spec for the most up to date text list.
====Assessment====
100% exam based.
* Paper 1 -Exploring modern and literary heritage texts - 2hrs - 80 marks - 50%
**Section A - Exploring modern texts: a two-part question, with the first task focused on comparing 2 extracts; one from the text and one from an unseen modern text. The second task is focused on how a theme reflected in the extract is explored elsewhere in the text.
** Section B - 19th century novel: one essay question.
**Closed book: texts are not allowed to be taken in the examination. Candidates will be provided with any stimulus materials required will be provided as part of the assessment.
*Paper 2 - Exploring poetry and Shakespeare - 2hrs - 80 marks - 50%
** Section A - Poetry: a two part question, first is a comparison between 2 poems provided on the paper, the second ask you to explore how a different poem from the anthology links to a theme.
** Section B - Shakespeare: one essay
**Closed book: texts are not allowed to be taken in the examination. Candidates will be provided with any stimulus materials required will be provided as part of the assessment.
==== Resources ====
OCR Poetry Anthology can be printed or ordered from here 
OCR English Literature Student Book
Podcasts from Audiopi 
OCR have a lot of free resources on the specification page.
Past papers, exemplars and other assessment resources can be found on the specification page
Scroll down to Resources section for more. 
===WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Literature (C720QS)===
Eduqas GCSE English Literature page and specification
*Exams from: June 2017
*Available in June
*Specification code: J352
====Subject content====
The specification divides the content into 2 components
#Shakespeare and Poetry 
#*Candidates choose one from a list of 6 Shakespeare plays. Candidates should study the complete text.
#*Candidates must study all of the poems in the WJEC Eduqas Poetry Anthology. The anthology covers a range of poetry.
#*The texts do not change annually but do make sure to check the spec for the most up to date text list.
#Post-1914 Prose/Drama, 19th Century Prose, and Unseen Poetry
#*Candidates choose one from a list of 10 post-1914 novels and plays. Candidates should study the complete text.
#*Candidates choose one from a list of 6 C19th novels. Candidates should study the complete text. 
#* Candidates should also study a range of poems to be able to analyse and compare unseen poetry.
#*The texts do not change annually but do make sure to check the spec for the most up to date text list.
====Assessment====
100% exam based.
* Paper 1 - Shakespeare and Poetry - 2hrs - 80 marks - 40%
**Section A - Shakespeare: One extract question and one essay question based on the reading of a Shakespeare text from the above prescribed list.
** Section B - Anthology Poetry: Two questions based on poems from the WJEC Eduqas Poetry Anthology, one of which involves comparison.
**Closed book: texts are not allowed to be taken in the examination. Candidates will be provided with any stimulus materials required will be provided as part of the assessment.
*Paper 2 - Post-1914 Prose/Drama, 19th Century Prose, and Unseen Poetry - 2hrs 30mins - 120 marks - 60%
** Section A - Post-1914 Prose/Drama: One source-based question on a post 1914 prose/drama text from the prescribed list.
** Section B - 19th Century Prose: One source-based question on a 19th century prose text from the prescribed list.
**Section C - Unseen Poetry: Two questions on unseen poems, one of which involves comparison.
**Closed book: texts are not allowed to be taken in the examination. Candidates will be provided with any stimulus materials required will be provided as part of the assessment.
==== Resources ====
Eduqas Poetry Anthology can be printed from the Resources for Teachers section here.
WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Literature: Student Book
Eduqas have a lot of free resources on their resources website
Past papers can be found on the specification page or here
Scroll down to Resources section for more.
==Resources and Support==
For support from other parents whose children have studied, or are studying English Literature, there is a dedicated Facebook group. English Language and Literature IGCSE for UK Home Educators
Oxford School Shakespeare - printed books
York Notes - printed study guides for individual texts
Sparknotes
TeachIt English - worksheets and other resources
Mr Bruff - Youtube videos
Mr Salles Teaches English - Youtube videos
Madame Anglaise - blog from an English teacher
Universal Teacher - very old site, so poetry anthology will be long out of date but many of the texts covered feature on current specifications.
Poetry Study Journal for GCSE/ International GCSE English Literature: A place to record your ideas and observations "A guided journal to help you study the poetry for your GCSE/ International GCSE Literature exam" Written by home educator and English tutor, Dorothy Murphy.
Short Story Study Journal for GCSE/ International GCSE Literature: A place to record your ideas and observations  "A guided journal to help you study the short stories for your GCSE/ International GCSE Literature exam." Written by home educator and English tutor, Dorothy Murphy
See also: English Language 
Category:Subjects