How to Get an A* in A Level English Literature

If you are aiming for an A* in your A Level English Literature exam, you are probably already working hard, but your essays might keep landing in the A/B range. It’s frustrating to put in hours of work yet continue to lose marks for vague analysis or a weak argument.

This guide breaks down exactly what A* essays do differently, based on our years of teaching experience here at Save My Exams. These strategies come straight from our expertise, exam board assessment objectives and top-band mark schemes.

Key takeaways

• At A Level, A* answers hit the Assessment Objectives consistently, especially sharp argument (AO1), close textual analysis (AO2), and confident, well-judged interpretations (AO5)

• Top responses stay text-driven but use context only when it genuinely deepens meaning

• Planning quickly and writing a clear line of argument matter; high marks are awarded for a well-structured, coherent argument, consistently developed, that is effectively organised

• Regular timed practice using past papers is the fastest route to A* control and confidence

What examiners expect at A Level

Examiners are looking for a response that feels authoritative, conceptually aware, and consistently analytical. Across boards, assessment is built around the same core skills: a coherent argument, detailed analysis of methods, relevant context, connections where required, and engagement with multiple interpretations.

What tends to separate an A* from an A is not “knowing more quotes”, but doing more with them. A* answers usually:

• Establish a clear argument from the start and keep developing it

• Analyse language, form and structure precisely, not vaguely

• Select context carefully and integrate it smoothly

• Consider alternative readings or critics rather than sounding one-note

Understand the A Level English Literature exam structure

All major boards assess students through a mix of exam papers plus coursework (NEA), but the exact shape varies:

AQA (7712)

• Two exam papers (40% each) plus NEA (20%)

• Papers include Shakespeare, poetry, and prose linked by a theme or context, plus comparative writing

Pearson Edexcel

• Three exam papers plus one NEA component

• Students study multiple texts across drama, prose, and poetry, with unseen poetry in exams and critical reading embedded in questions

OCR (H472)

• Two exam papers (40% each) plus NEA (20%)

• Strong emphasis on comparative/contextual study and a post-1900 independent coursework task

WJEC / Eduqas

• Exam components plus NEA, with AOs weighted similarly to other boards

• Marking grids show clear bands linked to AOs, so you can revise directly to what earns marks

Always check your board’s “assessment at a glance” page before final revision so you practise the right question types. 

Mastering the Assessment Objectives

Even if wording differs slightly by board, the skills you are expected to demonstrate are shared.

AO1: Argument and structure

AO1 rewards a clear, informed argument using correct terminology and fluent academic writing.

To show AO1 at A* level:

• Start with a line of argument, not a topic summary

• Keep paragraphs built around mini-claims that push the argument forward

• Use literary vocabulary naturally (tragedy, narrative voice, discourse, etc.) without forcing it

AO2: Language, form and structure

AO2 is about how meanings are shaped through a writer’s methods.

How to lift AO2 into A* territory:

• Zoom in on short words/phrases, then explain their effect

• Link method to meaning: “this metaphor frames… therefore…”

• Comment on form and structure as purposeful choices, not features to list

AO3: Contextual understanding

AO3 rewards relevant context that helps explain meanings, not a history dump.  (opens in a new tab)

Best practice:

• Use context only where it changes interpretation

• Attach it to the text: “In a Jacobean court culture…” then back to a quote

• Avoid generic claims like “people were sexist then” unless tied to evidence

AO5: Critical interpretations

AO5 asks you to explore different interpretations, including critics where appropriate.

In timed essays, you can still show AO5 by:

• Offering an alternative reading of the same quote

• Using pivots like “however”, “another way to read this is…”

• Briefly referencing a view, then agreeing or challenging it with evidence

Important note: many boards also assess AO4 (connections across texts) in comparative sections. Even if a question doesn’t say “compare”, if your paper is a comparison paper, you need links between texts.

How to plan and structure A* English Literature essays

A* essays feel inevitable because the argument is planned, not improvised.

A reusable plan template looks like:

1. Thesis answering the question directly

2. 3 or 4 argument points (not themes in isolation)

3. For each paragraph:

   • Claim

   • Quote

   • AO2 analysis

   • AO3 where relevant

   • AO5 alternative or critic

   • Link back to thesis

For comparison questions, repeat the same structure, but bring in the second text inside each paragraph, not in a separate “Text B” chunk

Planning under pressure

You only need 5 minutes:

• Jot 3 or 4 argument points

• Pin one quote to each

• Note a context hook or alternative reading

This protects coherence and stops you drifting into narrative retell.

Crafting sophisticated introductions and conclusions

A* introductions:

• Define the focus of the question

• State your overall argument

• Preview the direction of your analysis

A* conclusions:

• Don’t repeat points

• Show how the paragraphs add up to a final judgement

• Leave the examiner with a clear sense of meaning and significance

Coursework tips for top marks

NEA is often where A* students secure the grade, because you can refine arguments over time.

Across boards, NEA assesses the same AOs but allows fuller development of AO5 and comparison.

Choosing the right topic and texts

Pick texts and a question that:

• Genuinely give you something to debate

• Allow contrast and connection

• Have accessible critical material

Avoid topics that are just plot-based or “character studies” with no interpretive tension.

How to use critical sources

To use critics well:

• Introduce a view briefly

• Show what in the text supports or undermines it

• Make sure your voice stays dominant

Think of critics as “sparring partners”, not authorities you copy.

Revision strategies for A Level English Literature

Effective revision is AO-targeted, not just rereading.

High-level methods:

• Thematic mind maps linked to quotes

• Mini-essay drills on single AOs

• Comparison tables for paired texts

• Critic flashcards that include your response

Active recall and literature

Active recall works when you make it specific:

• Cover your annotations and re-explain methods aloud

• Practise retrieving quotes through themes, not page numbers

• Write 10-minute plans from memory

Practising with past questions

Use past papers to train A* habits:

Afterwards, highlight where each AO appears. If an AO is thin, fix it in the next attempt.

Check out more detailed revision tips in our guide to How to Revise for A Level English Literature.

Common mistakes that hold students back

These are the usual grade-cappers:

• Retelling the story instead of analysing methods (weak AO2)

• Bolt-on context that doesn’t change interpretation (weak AO3)

• One-track arguments with no alternative readings (weak AO5)

• Comparison by blocks, not integrated links (weak AO4 where required)

• Poor timing, leading to unfinished analysis

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an A and an A* essay?

A grade A essay often explains ideas well but stays safe. An A* essay is more consistently analytical, conceptual, and interpretive, with stronger AO coverage across the whole response.

How can I improve my use of critics in essays?

Keep it short and purposeful. One idea from a critic plus your response and textual proof is enough to show AO5, especially in exams.

How many quotes should I learn for each text?

Aim for a flexible bank organised by theme and character, not a fixed count. Quality and recall under pressure matter more than volume. 

Final thoughts

Getting an A* in A Level English Literature is not about being “naturally brilliant”. It’s about doing the examinable things brilliantly, every time: argue clearly, analyse sharply, use context intelligently, and stay open to more than one interpretation. If you build those habits through AO-led planning and real timed practice, the A* becomes a result of the process, not a lucky day.

Here at Save My Exams, we have a range of resources to help you prepare for your A Level English Literature exams. Check them out here:

A Level English Literature Revision