Are you preparing students for AQA GCSE English Literature exams? These 15-20 minute quote analysis activities helps students to plan an answer to sections A and B of both papers.
These quote analysis activities will help students develop stronger analytical skills, structure their responses effectively and use quotations with confidence.
The tests focus on quote analysis, exam-style questions and structured responses. They encourage students to engage deeply with key texts while refining their ability to construct well-supported arguments – an essential skill for achieving top grades.
Why use these quote analysis activities?
- Aligned with AQA’s assessment objectives to help students practise key skills for the exams
- Encourages students to plan their answers using precise quotations, analysis, and comparative techniques
- Use as class activities, homework assignments or revision exercises
- Helps weaker students build confidence while stretching high achievers to develop sophisticated interpretations
What’s included?
Paper 1 activities
Macbeth
How does Shakespeare present…
- Macbeth as a powerful character?
- Lady Macbeth as a manipulative woman?
- ideas about life and death?
A Christmas Carol
- To what extent does Dickens present Scrooge as a responsible character?
- Explore how Dickens presents ideas about morality
- Explore how Dickens presents ideas about isolation and loneliness
Paper 2 activities
Never Let Me Go
- How does Ishiguro explore ideas about creativity?
- “Tommy is the most important character in ‘Never Let Me Go’” To what extent do you agree with this statement?
- How does Ishiguro present the guardians?
- “The novel is simply a story of love and what it causes.” To what extent do you agree?
- How does Ishiguro present Ruth as powerful?
- “Ishiguro presents a futuristic world and a scientific fable”. To what extent do you agree?
Power and conflict poetry
Compare how poets present…
- ideas about fear in ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ and one other poem
- ideas about pride in ‘Checking Out Me History’ and one other poem
- changing or changed perspectives in ‘War Photographer’ and one other poem
Laura Holder is an English teacher and Shakespeare lover. You can find her at teachingtoptens.wordpress.com and on X at @LauraLolder, and find more of her resources on her TES page laurajholder. We also have an AQA English Literature Paper 1 revision resource.
