GCSE English Literature: Exam Guide and Book List (2025)
LikeAs everyone knows, GCSEs are crucial for our future academic success. Now that the students are back to school, it is necessary to create a well-thought-out study schedule in order to properly get ready for this academic year's big exams. Exam preparation tutors frequently advise practising frequently in order to achieve the best results on your GCSEs.
Maintaining discipline can be challenging at times, particularly if you have a hectic life. Many students would rather find private GCSE tuition for this hectic exam year, since having someone with exam preparation knowledge by your side can truly help.
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I've compiled all the necessary information regarding the GCSE English Literature exam in 2025 in this blog, including the exam structure, key dates, and the book list from different exam boards.
What You Need to Know About GCSE English Literature in 2025
1. AQA
- Paper 1: Shakespeare and the 19th-century novel
Date: Monday, 12 May 2025
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes - Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry
Date: Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
2. Edexcel
- Paper 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 British Literature
Date: Monday, 12 May 2025
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes - Paper 2: Modern texts and poetry
Date: Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
3. OCR
- Paper 1: Shakespeare and Poetry pre-1900
Date: Monday, 12 May 2025
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes - Paper 2: Modern drama and literature from 1900 to the present day
Date: Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
4. WJEC/Eduqas
- Component 1: Shakespeare and Poetry
Date: Tuesday, 13 May 2025
Duration: 2 hours - Component 2: Prose and Unseen Poetry
Date: Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Duration: 2 hours
5. CCEA
- Unit 1: The Study of Prose, Poetry, and Drama
Date: Monday, 12 May 2025
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes - Unit 2: The Study of Drama and Poetry from 1900 to Present
Date: Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Duration: 2 hours
Your 2025 GCSE English Literature Reading List: Key Books to Explore
19th Century Novels
Shakespeare
Modern Prose
Modern Drama
How to practise to get a 9 in GCSE English Literature?
The Classwork
It takes consistency to get good grades in English. Exam content is built upon the information covered in class, therefore it is crucial to fully engage with the material (characters, themes, and different interpretations). Practising exam-style questions can help reinforce this knowledge and prepare students for assessments.
Starting early in preparation can ease the pressure, allowing time to incorporate feedback from teachers to improve writing skills. Essay clarity and structure are crucial since examiners prioritise quality over quantity of responses.
Furthermore, students' comprehension of literature improves with increased reading. This helps them connect themes and characters while considering how an author’s background influences their work. Students can strengthen their understanding and take a more comprehensive approach to their studies by revisiting texts on a regular basis.
The revision
Early planning and consistency are key to succeeding in English literature revision. Thematic outlines can be found in SparkNotes, and vocabulary building tools like Quizlet can help. Diversifying your study materials is essential to avoiding relying too much on one source. Focus on memorising impactful "microquotes" that are connected to broader themes, and analyse them using literary devices.
Since the AQA exam consists of two papers, it's beneficial to revisit the texts regularly throughout the year. Practise essay planning by ensuring your points are linked back to the question, supported by relevant quotes and contextual analysis. Take mock exams seriously because doing so can help reduce test-day anxiety. Students can improve their analytical and comprehension abilities and set themselves up for success in their GCSEs by putting these tactics into practise.
Is it worth getting GCSE English tuition?
Finding a GCSE English tutor comes with many advantages.
Here are some of the benefits:
- You can explain all your needs to your private English teacher, and they can create a study plan personalised for you. Don’t worry if you don’t know where to start, your private GCSE English tutor can easily understand on which topics you need the most help.
- You can fit the GCSE English lessons to your own schedule. All you need to do is to communicate with your private GCSE English tutor, set a time and date that you’re both available.
- You can choose to take GCSE English tuition near you or online, you just need to figure out which way would learn the best. If you think you learn better with human interaction, go for an GCSE English tutor near you. Or if you don’t want to spend time and money for the travel, choose an online GCSE English tutor.
On FindTutors, there are numerous tutors offering private GCSE English Tuition near you or online. Make sure you read the reviews of the tutors before contacting them. I hope you find your ideal private tutor as soon as possible!