The GCSE Literature Mistake That Cost Me Marks in Mocks (And How I Fixed It)
Mocks are where most students find out what’s almost working and what’s quietly holding their grade back. For Tahmid, it wasn’t a lack of quotes or weak analysis. It was something much simpler that wasn’t obvious until the feedback came back.
In this video, Tahmid (a former GCSE student) explains the exact mistake he made in his English Literature mocks, how it showed up in teacher feedback and what he changed before the real exams.
It’s a small shift that makes a huge difference, especially if you’re revising for mocks or wondering why your essays aren’t quite hitting the top bands yet. Watch this if you want your analysis to actually score the marks it deserves.
What I Wish I'd Known Before My GCSE English Literature Mocks
Here's what I genuinely wish I had known before sitting my GCSE English Literature exams - especially before my mocks.
What My Mock Feedback Actually Said
When I got my mock results back for texts like A Christmas Carol and Macbeth, the same comment kept coming up in my feedback.
I wasn't linking back to the exam question.
My quote analysis was good. My explanations were strong. But I wasn't connecting them back to what the question was actually asking.
That's what cost me marks in my mocks.
Knowing Quotes Isn't Enough
It's great knowing your quotes.
It's great having strong explanations.
But none of that matters if you're not constantly linking back to the key theme or wording of the exam question.
What I Changed Before the Real GCSE
After getting that feedback, I started focusing on one thing when writing essays.
Every couple of sentences, I would link my point back to the original exam question.
I practiced doing this deliberately in essay after essay.
Why This Made the Difference
I'm actually really grateful I got that feedback in my mocks.
Because when it came to the real GCSE exams, I ended up getting a Grade 9 in English Literature.
The content didn't change - my technique did.
The Key Takeaway for You
If you're watching this before your English Literature mocks or exams, take this seriously.
Link back to the exam question constantly.
That one habit can be the difference between a good essay and a top-band one.
Quick Recap - Literature Exam Fix
- Strong analysis isn't enough on its own.
- Link back to the exam question regularly.
- Use the key theme or wording from the question.
- Practice this in mocks so it feels automatic.
This small change can unlock marks you're already capable of getting.
