How should I learn quotations for a closed book exam?

There are two great ways to memorise quotations. The first is using spider diagrams. Make a different spider diagram for each theme that the piece of work covers, and then colour-code the quotes you want to remember according to character or chapter/Act. This is really helpful for visual learners because it means you can categorise the quotes in your head and hopefully remember the colour-coded map to visualise where which quotes are on the page.
The second really helpful way is using flash cards. On one side, write the theme or character, and on the other side, write a relevant quotation. This is great because you can test yourself on the content, and make sure that you can recall everything you need to know. It tends to really help with memorising to say the content out loud, and flashcards allow you to do that as well. This method allows you to associate certain trigger words with the quotes, which means that you can quickly recall the quotes in the exam.

Related English Literature GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Should I give a balanced answer to an exam question?


How do you go about writing an English essay?


How should I structure a GCSE style English Literature essay?


Explain how far you think Shakespeare presents Lord Capulet as a good father. Write about how he is presented in this extract (5-15 Act 1 Scene 2) and in the rest of the play.


We're here to help

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