How do I get a grade 9 in English Literature?

As an examiner and teacher of many years, one of the questions I get asked a lot is "how do I get a grade 9?"

There is no simple answers, however, here are a few great tips to secure it and make progress:

5 top tips:

  • Use a range of quotes which you understand
  • Comment on the character/ theme and the change throughout
  • Think about a bigger idea of human behaviour for writer's message
  • Be concise and precise
  • Be outside of the text

Here is an example of this in action with An Inspector Calls and the difference between a mark band 4 (grade 5/6) and a mark band 6 (grade 8/9) answer:

How does Priestley use the Inspector to show social change?

Mark Band 4:

Priestley uses the Inspector to challenge the Birling family as he does not feel challenged by the superior social class. This is highlighted through the phrase "I don't play golf" which shows how he does not want to take part in situations where class matters as Birling "plays golf with the chief inspector". Priestley uses the Inspector to show how the Birling family and their attitude is wrong and needs to change. This is further shown when he uses the metaphor of them being taught in "fire and blood and anguish" as they do not care about the lower classes, and then society will crumble because of their attitude. This is a warning by Priestley towards society and the audience.

Mark Band 6:

Priestley uses the morality play to explore the themes of socialism and capitalism within society through employing different symbolic characters. The most pertinent example is the usage of The Inspector who is Priestley's mouthpiece and also a microcosm for the challenge towards the capitalist nature within society. The post-war society and the beginning of normality posed a certain threat in Priestley's eyes as he believed society would resort to a capitalist mindset and exploit the poor, represented by Eva Smith. This challenge throughout the play is enacted by the Inspector, who arrives with "purposefulness" and maybe the "solidarity" of society which Priestley aims for. The consistent use of how the Inspector "cutting in", is how Priestley wanted to almost cut in to the "nonsense" displayed by capitalists such as Birling.