‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling: Poem + Analysis
The poem has a personal, emotional and motivational tone which is intended to inspire its readers - for this reason, it is likely that the speaker is the poet himself (Kipling).
Edexcel IGCSE Poetry: Essay Planning + Example Paragraphs
Before writing your own essay, it can be helpful to go through a few different example answers that are around the specific level you’re aiming for. Here are a couple example paragraphs as well as essay planning based around Edexcel IGCSE Poetry.
How To Study Poetry (for Edexcel IGCSE Literature)
As a whole, Literature covers three forms of writing: poetry, prose (novels/stories) and drama (plays). In any GCSE or iGCSE exam, you’ll have to write essays about all three of these forms.
Othello: Complete Summary of Act Two
Here’s a complete summary of the main events in Act Two in Shakespeare’s Othello. When writing essays, be sure to think about the structure of the plot, and whether specific passages or events occur at the play's beginning, middle or end.
The Themes of Gender and Race in ‘Othello’
Themes and ideas are the big concepts that underpin any narrative. They generally are described in terms of abstract nouns, which represent important and relevant topics that affect us, or the world around us - such as love, death, goodness, war or human nature.
The Theme of Jealousy in ‘Othello’
Below, you’ll find some thoughts and comments on one of the key themes and ideas in the play. These are intended as a starting point - you should also read essays on the topic, do your research and develop your own more personal and detailed beliefs about each theme before attempting to write essays!
Paper 1 Question 2 Breakdown: AQA GCSE English Language
When preparing for AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1, understanding the demands of each question is key to securing top marks. Question 2 focuses on language analysis, testing your ability to explore how a writer uses words, phrases, language features and techniques to influence the reader. It’s worth 8 marks and typically requires a short but detailed response.
Paper 1 Question 3 Breakdown: AQA GCSE English Language
At first, it seems like Question 3 on AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1 is quite difficult - because you need to understand how to use structural features that are used by writers to create specific effects before you can confidently answer it.
AQA GCSE English Grade Boundaries for 2024
Firstly, it’s important to note that grade boundaries change a bit each year - so if you’re wanting to secure a specific grade, for example a Grade 8, then I would recommend getting to a point where your writing is consistently at least 3-4 marks into an 8, just in case the boundaries shift a bit on the year of your specific exam.
The Best Way To Revise for GCSE Jekyll + Hyde
First off, it’s quite a short book so I’d really recommend re-reading the whole thing - it doesn’t take long. If you struggle to read on paper, listen to an audiobook and read at the same time, or just listen to the audio while you’re doing other things, if you don’t have much free time to revise.
What is the real point of Dr Lanyon’s character? Full Character Breakdown
Dr Lanyon is a difficult figure to understand - he’s a scientist, like Dr Jekyll, and has been a close friend and associate of both Jekyll and Utterson since their younger days at university. In some ways, he’s very similar to Jekyll - both are accomplished in their field and respected in society.
Free Study Guide for Jekyll + Hyde!
Here’s a free 94 page study guide for ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’, made by Edexcel but also suitable for other exam boards, such as AQA. We hope it’s useful for you!
‘My Last Duchess’ - Context Analysis
Robert Browning’s My Last Duchess (1842) is one of the most famous dramatic monologues in Victorian poetry. It offers a chilling insight into the psychology of power, control, and jealousy. Understanding the poem requires knowledge of its historical, literary, and biographical contexts.
Edexcel IGCSE Poetry: Grade Boundaries + Mark Scheme
Before writing your own essay, it can be helpful to go through a few different example answers that are around the specific level you’re aiming for. It’s always good to read student exemplar scripts with examiner feedback too, to get an idea for how the essay will be marked. You also need to understand the mark scheme and the grade boundaries in detail.
Essay Questions: Edexcel IGCSE Poetry Anthology
Here are 20 Anthology questions taken from official Edexcel IGCSE Literature past papers - use these as a starting point for essay practice, theme revision, essay planning or full mock exams.
Othello: Complete Summary of Act One
Here’s a summary of the main events in Shakespeare’s Othello. When writing essays, be sure to think about the structure of the plot, and whether specific passages or events occur at the play's beginning, middle or end. Use this to make deeper points about the characters and themes in your analysis.
Othello AQA Tragedy: How to do the Extract Question
For ‘Aspects of Tragedy’ A Level (AQA, 7717 English Literature B), you have to write two separate questions on Othello: An extract or passage-based question that focuses on close reading and linguistic analysis, and a wider reading general essay question that focuses more on themes and context. This post takes you through how to do the extract question.
Othello AQA Tragedy Grade Boundaries Explained
Firstly, it’s important to note that grade boundaries change a bit each year - so if you want to secure a specific grade, for example, an ‘A’, then I would recommend getting to a point where your writing is consistently at least 3-4 marks into an A standard, just in case the boundaries shift a bit on the year of your specific exam.
AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2: How to do well in the Exam!
Here are some top tips for AQA GCSE English Language Paper 2, which typically focuses on non-fiction and persuasive writing.
Descriptive Writing Grade 9 Example: The train
Descriptive writing is all about painting a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. For GCSE students, mastering this skill involves using sensory details, figurative language, and strong imagery to bring scenes to life. Whether describing a futuristic cityscape or an otherworldly experience, students should focus on engaging all the senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste—while crafting immersive atmospheres. Effective descriptive writing should evoke emotions, transport the reader to a different place, and create a lasting impact.