How To Approach The 19th Century Prose Question wjec-eduqas 19th-Century-Prose

How to Approach the 19th-Century Prose Question

In Component 2, Section B of your Eduqas GCSE English Literature exam, you need to write an essay about a 19th-century prose text.

You have a choice from six prose texts: 

You can approach the question in Section B with confidence by learning more about the exam question: 

• Section B: 19th-century prose question overview

• Understanding the exam question

• Understanding the assessment objectives

• Top tips for a Grade 9

Section B: 19th-century prose question overview

You will have one question for each prose text in Section B. You are required to write about an extract from the text and include analysis of the rest of the novel in the same response.

Here is a summary: 

This is a closed-book examination, meaning that you will not have access to a copy of the text in the exam.

Understanding the exam question

Below are some recent examples of exam questions from Eduqas GCSE English Literature past papers. Look at the wording of the questions and the question structure. Can you identify any exam questions that would be challenging for you to answer?

You can significantly improve your exam performance by paying close attention to the question and understanding it thoroughly. 

Understanding the assessment objectives

In Section B, there are three assessment objectives which are all equally weighted:

Top tips for a Grade 9

When responding to the 19th-century prose question you should remember to: 

• Write well-developed and detailed analysis of the language, form and structure of the extract and the novel as a whole

• Show the examiner your detailed knowledge of the whole text, never simply retelling events from the narrative: 

  • Rather than focusing on just one section or chapter, refer to specific examples throughout the novel

• Aim to place the extract in the context of the rest of the text:

• Consider its location to the preceding and subsequent events in the novel 

• Remember, the extract has been specifically chosen for you to use to answer your essay:

  • This means it will contain many lines that you can use as evidence in your essay

  • The whole of the extract should be considered and there will be a good reason why it begins and ends where it does 

• Provide a range of examples from the whole text:

  • Remember this is a closed book examination so examples can be specific references to episodes or events or paraphrased quotations

  • Use the extract for direct quotes

• Bear in mind the type of novel you are writing about and how different audiences may respond to it

• The 19th century was a time of huge change, so explore how the time in which the novel is set, and written, may have had an impact on the narrative 

• Link all contextual points with an example from the novel:

  • Often AO3 is naturally illustrated through the actions, events, themes and characters of the novel

  • Integrate contextual comments throughout your response rather than writing separate sentences or bolt-on paragraphs

  • Context should not outweigh evidence from the novel

Find out more about how to write a Grade 9 19th-century prose exam answer.