How to Approach the Literary Heritage Question (Edexcel IGCSE English Literature)

How to Approach the Literary Heritage Question

In Component 2, Section B of your Edexcel IGCSE English Literature exam (4ET1/01), you will answer a 30-mark essay question analysing the ways in which writers use language, form and structure to create effects. You should also understand the relationship between your text and the context in which it was written. 

You have a choice from six texts: 

You can approach the question in Section B with confidence by learning more about the exam question:

• Section B: Literary Heritage question overview

• Understanding the exam question

• Understanding the Assessment Objectives

• Top grade tips for a Grade 9
  

Section B: Literary Heritage question overview

In Section B you will answer one question from a choice of two on your chosen literary heritage text. Here is an overview:

This is an open-book examination. This means you are allowed to bring a clean and unannotated copy of the text into the examination.  

Understanding the exam question

Below are some recent examples of exam questions from Edexcel IGCSE English Literature past papers (4ET1/01). 

Look at the wording of the questions and the question structure and themes. Are there any exam questions that you might struggle to answer?

When approaching Section B, it is important to consider the quotation that you may have been given at the beginning of the question. It should give you a starting point for your answer.

You can significantly improve your exam performance by paying close attention to the question and understanding it thoroughly. Underlining the key words of the question can also help. 

Understanding the Assessment Objectives

In Section B, there are three assessment objectives which are all equally weighted: 

Top grade tips for a Grade 9

• Keep in mind the assessment objectives for each section:

  • For Section B this is AO1, AO2 and AO4

• A brief introduction and conclusion can help to ensure that your response is focused on the question:

  • Ensure you are answering the question, rather than what you think is being asked

• If there is a quotation in the question, you can use this as the starting point for your answer and ensure you refer to it in every paragraph

• If you are presented with a question which asks “How far do you agree … ” you are free to agree or disagree, wholly or in part, with the view presented

• Always try to offer a personal response to the question posed rather than simply repeating pre-prepared material:

  • You are required to show personal engagement for AO1 by offering your own individual thoughts on relevant ideas

• Carefully select quotations which fully support the point being made are key:

  • Precise quotations, such as a word or a phrase, are more likely to support your analysis  

  • Finding examples from across the text can help you develop your ideas

• The most successful responses integrate references to context throughout:

  • Use context (AO4) to support and develop your points for AO1 and AO2

Find out more about how you can write a Grade 9 Literary Heritage answer.