GCSE English Literature: PLAYS

GCSE English Literature - Drama Texts

(For in depth revision on the set texts, see the index on the home page)

You will be offered 4 types of question, usually:

• character
• setting (including mood and atmosphere)
• context 
• theme. 

The main exam boards all have a slightly different way of structuring their questions, and the allocation of marks also varies, but the questions are mostly the same.

WJEC consists of two papers; the drama text appears in Unit 2a or 2b (don't worry about this, your teacher has already chosen which Unit). There are 30 marks available for the Drama question, plus 4 for SPaG. (This Unit also contains the novel you have been studying, to a total of 60 marks). There is a compulsory extract question, worth 10 marks, and a choice between two longer questions, worth 20 marks. You are NOT marked for SPag on the extract question. You have 2 hours in total, 1 hour to answer the Drama question, divided as follows: 20 minutes for the extract and 40 for the longer question.

AQA also consists of two papers. The drama text appears in Unit 1. You have a choice of 2 questions, worth 30 marks plus 4 for SPaG. You have one and a half hours for the whole paper (the section B question is on Prose from other cultures), 45 minutes for the drama text question.

OCR's drama exam is 45 minutes long, with 40 marks available, plus 9 for SPaG. You will be given an extract from the play and a choice of two questions.

EDEXCEL's drama text is set as coursework, so lucky you, no exam question!

So, how to answer the questions! Look no further...(I will write a special section for the WJEC extract question at the end of this page. )

• Who do you think is the most responsible for the death of Eva Smith? Write about the character you have chosen, giving reasons for your choice.
• Imagine you are Linda from Blood Brothers. At the end of the play, you think back over your relationship with Mickey and Edward. Write down your thoughts and feelings.