This Feels Like A Grade 9… But Isn’t

Most GCSE English students lose easy marks and don’t even realise why.

It’s not your writing.

It’s not your ideas.

It’s this one hidden mistake; explained in less than 30 seconds...

Common Mistake - Making Big Statements Without Evidence

Big statements mean nothing if you cannot back them up. Examiners see it all the time: bold claims with zero proof behind them.

When you give an opinion without a quote, it feels like guesswork, not analysis.

The strongest answers tie every idea to a specific moment in the text. One sharp quote can turn a vague point into a grounded, convincing argument. It shows you are basing your ideas on the writer's actual choices, not on vibes.

Evidence is your anchor. Without it, your paragraph floats away.

The mistake: making a big claim without backing it up with a quote or a specific example.

Example: "Romeo is really passionate."
Okay, but where is your evidence?

Why This Destroys Marks

Examiners want proof. Every claim needs a specific quote or example. Otherwise, your argument falls flat.

Quick Recap

  • Big claims without evidence lose marks.
  • Every point needs a quote or specific example.
  • Evidence turns opinions into analysis.

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