Maths
Chemistry
Biology
English Language
History
Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Genetics & ecosystems (a2 only)
Ecology
Cells
Show all topics
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
English Literature
7 Dec 2025
2,564
26 pages
Sophia Khan @sophiakhan_bejh
These model answers for English Literature will help you understand exactly what examiners are looking for in your... Show more
Want to nail your English Literature exams? These model answers are your roadmap to success. They show you real student responses that have been marked by actual examiners, giving you the inside track on what really gets you those top marks.
You'll find examples covering both Macbeth and A Christmas Carol - two of the most popular texts on your syllabus. Each answer comes with detailed examiner commentary that explains exactly why it received its grade, pointing out the strengths and areas for improvement.
Quick Tip Pay close attention to how higher-grade answers structure their arguments and use quotations - these techniques will transform your own writing.
The Macbeth responses tackle one of the most common exam questions how Shakespeare presents violence through the character of Macbeth. You'll see how different students approach this complex topic, from basic explanations right up to sophisticated analysis.
Each answer demonstrates different levels of textual analysis and understanding. The Grade 9 response shows masterful integration of context about the Divine Right of Kings and Jacobean attitudes to violence, whilst lower grades focus more on simple identification of violent imagery.
Notice how the top answers don't just spot techniques - they explore Shakespeare's dramatic intentions and the effect on both contemporary and modern audiences.
Remember The best answers always connect individual scenes to the broader themes and structure of the entire play.
This top-grade answer demonstrates everything examiners want to see. The student doesn't just identify that Macbeth is violent - they explore the complexity of his character development from honourable warrior to paranoid murderer.
The analysis is sophisticated, examining how Shakespeare uses hyperbolic language and graphic imagery to present different types of violence. Notice how the student discusses the "brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution" - they don't just explain what it means, but explore how it creates specific effects for the audience.
What really elevates this response is the contextual understanding. The student weaves in knowledge of Elizabethan beliefs about kingship and the Divine Right of Kings naturally, showing how these ideas would have shaped audience reactions.
The examiner praises how this response moves from "level 5 examination" to "exploratory" analysis, demonstrating the kind of analytical depth that separates good answers from exceptional ones.
The Grade 7 response shows solid understanding but lacks the analytical sophistication of the top answer. This student focuses on how characters react to the supernatural, using relevant quotations like "instruments of darkness" effectively.
However, the examiner notes it needs more focus on Shakespeare's methods - the student explains what happens but doesn't always explore how the writer creates these effects. This is a crucial distinction that separates Level 5 from Level 6 responses.
The Grade 5 answer demonstrates a more basic approach. While the student stays focused on the task and shows knowledge of the whole play, their analysis remains largely explanatory rather than exploratory. They identify violent imagery but don't delve into its deeper significance or effects.
Key Insight Moving up the grades isn't just about knowing more - it's about thinking more deeply about how and why writers make their choices.
The Christmas Carol responses focus on how Dickens presents Scrooge's fears throughout the novella. These answers showcase different approaches to character analysis and how students can connect individual extracts to broader themes.
You'll notice that successful answers don't just track Scrooge's journey chronologically. Instead, they analyse specific techniques Dickens uses to present fear and explore the social messages behind the text.
The responses demonstrate varying levels of contextual understanding about Victorian society, poverty, and Dickens's social reform agenda - all crucial for achieving higher grades.
This outstanding response shows exactly how to integrate context seamlessly into literary analysis. The student doesn't just mention Victorian attitudes to poverty - they explain how Dickens's allegorical message connects to specific social issues like the Poor Law and Malthus's theories.
Watch how they analyse the phrase "slowly, gravely, silently" - they explore how this tricolon creates fear while connecting it to Dickens's broader message about moral behaviour. This is the kind of sophisticated analysis that characterises top responses.
The examiner particularly praises the "extremely strong understanding of ideas" and how the student uses these to drive their argument. Notice how every point connects back to Dickens's social purpose in writing the novella.
Top Tip The best answers always show understanding of why writers made specific choices to achieve particular effects on their readers.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
159
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sophia Khan
@sophiakhan_bejh
These model answers for English Literature will help you understand exactly what examiners are looking for in your Macbeth and A Christmas Carol essays. You'll see real student responses at different grade levels, from Grade 5 up to Grade 9,... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Want to nail your English Literature exams? These model answers are your roadmap to success. They show you real student responses that have been marked by actual examiners, giving you the inside track on what really gets you those top marks.
You'll find examples covering both Macbeth and A Christmas Carol - two of the most popular texts on your syllabus. Each answer comes with detailed examiner commentary that explains exactly why it received its grade, pointing out the strengths and areas for improvement.
Quick Tip: Pay close attention to how higher-grade answers structure their arguments and use quotations - these techniques will transform your own writing.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Macbeth responses tackle one of the most common exam questions: how Shakespeare presents violence through the character of Macbeth. You'll see how different students approach this complex topic, from basic explanations right up to sophisticated analysis.
Each answer demonstrates different levels of textual analysis and understanding. The Grade 9 response shows masterful integration of context about the Divine Right of Kings and Jacobean attitudes to violence, whilst lower grades focus more on simple identification of violent imagery.
Notice how the top answers don't just spot techniques - they explore Shakespeare's dramatic intentions and the effect on both contemporary and modern audiences.
Remember: The best answers always connect individual scenes to the broader themes and structure of the entire play.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This top-grade answer demonstrates everything examiners want to see. The student doesn't just identify that Macbeth is violent - they explore the complexity of his character development from honourable warrior to paranoid murderer.
The analysis is sophisticated, examining how Shakespeare uses hyperbolic language and graphic imagery to present different types of violence. Notice how the student discusses the "brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution" - they don't just explain what it means, but explore how it creates specific effects for the audience.
What really elevates this response is the contextual understanding. The student weaves in knowledge of Elizabethan beliefs about kingship and the Divine Right of Kings naturally, showing how these ideas would have shaped audience reactions.
The examiner praises how this response moves from "level 5 examination" to "exploratory" analysis, demonstrating the kind of analytical depth that separates good answers from exceptional ones.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Grade 7 response shows solid understanding but lacks the analytical sophistication of the top answer. This student focuses on how characters react to the supernatural, using relevant quotations like "instruments of darkness" effectively.
However, the examiner notes it needs more focus on Shakespeare's methods - the student explains what happens but doesn't always explore how the writer creates these effects. This is a crucial distinction that separates Level 5 from Level 6 responses.
The Grade 5 answer demonstrates a more basic approach. While the student stays focused on the task and shows knowledge of the whole play, their analysis remains largely explanatory rather than exploratory. They identify violent imagery but don't delve into its deeper significance or effects.
Key Insight: Moving up the grades isn't just about knowing more - it's about thinking more deeply about how and why writers make their choices.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Christmas Carol responses focus on how Dickens presents Scrooge's fears throughout the novella. These answers showcase different approaches to character analysis and how students can connect individual extracts to broader themes.
You'll notice that successful answers don't just track Scrooge's journey chronologically. Instead, they analyse specific techniques Dickens uses to present fear and explore the social messages behind the text.
The responses demonstrate varying levels of contextual understanding about Victorian society, poverty, and Dickens's social reform agenda - all crucial for achieving higher grades.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This outstanding response shows exactly how to integrate context seamlessly into literary analysis. The student doesn't just mention Victorian attitudes to poverty - they explain how Dickens's allegorical message connects to specific social issues like the Poor Law and Malthus's theories.
Watch how they analyse the phrase "slowly, gravely, silently" - they explore how this tricolon creates fear while connecting it to Dickens's broader message about moral behaviour. This is the kind of sophisticated analysis that characterises top responses.
The examiner particularly praises the "extremely strong understanding of ideas" and how the student uses these to drive their argument. Notice how every point connects back to Dickens's social purpose in writing the novella.
Top Tip: The best answers always show understanding of why writers made specific choices to achieve particular effects on their readers.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
159
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology