Edexcel GCSE English Literature specification (1ET0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel GCSE English Literature exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel GCSE English Literature specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel GCSE English Literature (1ET0) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) English Literature qualification aims to equip students with the skills to read and analyse a wide range of classic literature with fluency and depth. It fosters cultural understanding and critical thinking through the exploration of literary heritage texts, modern literature, and poetry. The course is designed to support progression to further academic and vocational study, encouraging students to engage with texts reflectively and analytically. Learners are expected to write coherently using Standard English and to develop an informed personal response to literature.
Subject content breakdown
Component 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature
- Study one full Shakespeare play from: Macbeth, The Tempest, Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night, or The Merchant of Venice.
- Study one British play or novel written after 1914, e.g.: An Inspector Calls, Blood Brothers, Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies, Refugee Boy, Boys Don’t Cry, among others.
- Focus on theme, language, form, structure, and context.
- Develop critical reading and informed personal response skills.
Component 2: 19th-century Novel and Poetry since 1789
- Study one full 19th-century novel from: Jane Eyre, Great Expectations, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, A Christmas Carol, Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, or Silas Marner.
- Study one poetry cluster (15 poems) from the Pearson Poetry Anthology: Relationships, Conflict, Time and Place, or Belonging.
- Develop ability to compare poems, analyse unseen poetry, and understand contextual influence.
Core Skills Developed
- Literal and inferential comprehension
- Critical reading and evaluation
- Language and structure analysis
- Comparative analysis across texts
- Coherent writing using accurate Standard English
Assessment structure
Component 1: Shakespeare and Post-1914 Literature
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks, 50% of GCSE.
- Section A: Two-part question on a studied Shakespeare play: close analysis of an extract, then essay on a theme elsewhere in the play.
- Section B: One essay question on a studied post-1914 British play or novel.
- Closed book assessment.
- Assesses AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4.
Component 2: 19th-century Novel and Poetry since 1789
- 2 hours 15 minutes, 80 marks, 50% of GCSE.
- Section A: Two-part question on a 19th-century novel: extract-based analysis and whole-text essay.
- Section B:
- Part 1: Comparative analysis of two anthology poems (one named, one chosen).
- Part 2: Comparison of two unseen contemporary poems.
- Closed book assessment.
- Assesses AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Personal response and supported interpretation – 37%
- AO2: Language, form, and structure analysis – 42%
- AO3: Contextual understanding – 16%
- AO4: Technical accuracy – 5%
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel GCSE English Literature isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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