English Literature

Assessment

There are 3 components to the A-level. Component 1: This examination has two sections. Section 1 focuses on Shakespeare’s play The Tempest and you will be required to answer two questions. The first requires you to analyse an extract from the play, the second asks you to write an evaluative response to a statement about the whole play. In Section 2, you will compare an aspect of a drama text (The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster) and a poetry text (Paradise Lost: Books Nine and Ten by John Milton). You will be expected to be able to comment on and make detailed reference to the whole of each text. Component 2: This examination has a series of questions based on a range of genres. You will answer two questions based on our chosen genre, Gothic Literature. Question 1 requires you to write a critical appreciation of an unseen text relating to the genre being studied. This will require a significant understanding and experience of the genre and its tropes. Question 2 requires you to write an analytical response about the genre by comparing two texts studied in class: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter. A broad knowledge of the genre is vital and you will be required to read other Gothic texts to broaden your knowledge. Component 3: Coursework. Task 1 is a close analysis of a chosen extract (1000 words) or poem. Task 2 compares two literary texts (2000 words). Our current texts include poetry by Carol Ann Duffy, A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller and The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Between the two tasks, one poetry, one prose and one drama text must be studied.