specification overview
Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Literature (1ET0) is a single-tier linear qualification with two closed-book written papers. Paper 1 (Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature) is 1h 45m and 80 marks (50%); Paper 2 (19th-century Novel and Poetry since 1789) is 2h 15m and 80 marks (50%).
subject content
1. Shakespeare
Paper 1- Choose one from: Macbeth, The Tempest, Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night, The Merchant of Venice
- Extract analysis + wider theme essay
2. Post-1914 British Play or Novel
Paper 1- Choose one from: An Inspector Calls, Hobson's Choice, Blood Brothers, Journey's End, Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies, Anita and Me, The Woman in Black, The Empress, Refugee Boy, Coram Boy, Boys Don't Cry
- One essay question, chosen from a choice of two; no extract is provided
3. 19th-century Novel
Paper 2- Choose one from: Jane Eyre, Great Expectations, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, A Christmas Carol, Silas Marner, Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein
- One extract question and one whole-text essay
4. Poetry Anthology (studied)
Paper 2- Choose one collection from Pearson Poetry Anthology: Relationships, Conflict, Time and Place, Belonging
- One question (20 marks): compare the named poem printed on the paper with one other poem of your choice from the same collection
5. Unseen Poetry
Paper 2- Two unseen poems (linked by theme)
- One comparison question
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature) | One Shakespeare play + one post-1914 British play or novel | 1h 45m | 80 | 50% | Section A: Shakespeare (40 marks: extract + essay). Section B: Post-1914 (40 marks: essay). Closed-book |
| Paper 2 (19th-century Novel and Poetry since 1789) | 19th-century novel + anthology poetry + unseen poetry | 2h 15m | 80 | 50% | Section A: 19th-century Novel (40 marks: extract + essay). Section B Part 1: Anthology poetry comparison (20 marks). Section B Part 2: Unseen poetry comparison (20 marks). Closed-book |
Both papers are closed-book: students must learn quotations for all texts. The Pearson Poetry Anthology has 4 collections; students study one collection thoroughly (15 poems). Unseen poetry uses two poems linked by theme.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Read, understand and respond to texts. Maintain a critical style and develop an informed personal response. Use textual references, including quotations, to support and illustrate interpretations. | 37% |
| AO2 | Analyse the language, form and structure used by a writer to create meanings and effects, using relevant subject terminology where appropriate. | 42% |
| AO3 | Show understanding of the relationships between texts and the contexts in which they were written. | 16% |
| AO4 | Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures for clarity, purpose and effect, with accurate spelling and punctuation. | 5% |
key tips for success
Learn quotes cold
Both papers are closed-book. Learn 20-30 short quotes per text (character, theme, key moments). Practise embedding them naturally in essays.
Practise extract-to-whole-text technique
Paper 1 Shakespeare and Paper 2 19th-century Novel both give an extract as launch point for a wider theme essay. Practise linking extract detail to the whole text.
Master unseen poetry comparison
Paper 2 Section B Part 2 compares two unseen poems on a theme (20 marks in ~30 mins). Practise a compact comparison structure (form/language/theme/effect).
Learn 3-4 context points per text
AO3 is 16% and rewards contextual understanding: Shakespeare (Elizabethan society), 19th century novel (Victorian era), post-1914 (WW1, WW2, post-war). Learn 3-4 key context points per text.
Structure essays with PEE/PEEL
Every literature essay needs: Point (interpretation), Evidence (quotation), Explanation (analysis of technique + meaning), Link (to question). Practise until automatic.
Time-box Paper 2 carefully
2h 15m for 3 sections. Roughly: 55 mins for Novel, 40 mins for Anthology poetry, 40 mins for Unseen poetry. Practise pace on past papers.
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