What should I focus on in an A-Level English essay?

It is important when writing an A-Level essay to focus on all of the assessment objectives, this means analysing the text itself, drawing on criticism and exploring the context. This can seem like a lot of work, but it isn't as scary as it sounds. I always find it helpful for this to first focus on my own reading of the text, and make sure that my ideas about it are clear, as this forms the main part of the analysis. Criticism and context are important, but should not shape your answer, they should be used to support your points. The best thing to do is make sure you do some background reading relating to the text, its themes, and its cultural context and draw on this when relevant. 

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I ensure that I get the top grades in English Literature A-Level, given the relatively subjective marking?


Analyse Attwood's presentation of the character Offred in 'A Handmaid's Tale'


How does Mary Shelley present the birth of the Creature in Frankenstein?


How is the genre of dystopian fiction presented in The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences