How can I memorise criticisms if I don't know the exam question?

At first, this seems like something hard to do. However, when you think about it, you realise it's just the same as knowing which quotes to memorise in a closed book exam.

The easiest way to go about doing this is to, as the year goes on, collect different criticisms about the text you are reading from multiple sources, and write them all down, noting as well which theme(s) they relate to. When it comes to revising for the exam, look in your collection for the quotes which can be applied to as many different themes (or characters!) as possible, and some other really strong ones. (For example, if you have one on Great Expectations that is strictly about parenting, but it's a really great, detailed criticism that you know you can really expand on, you may want to memorise this as well just in case it comes up and you need to use it).

In the exam, you just have to remember that you have to use RELEVANT criticisms, and not just put one in for the sake of using a critic, when in fact it has no connection whatsoever to your thesis.