How do I go about choosing quotes to learn for the exam?

It is important to try and make sure each quote has several functions when trying to choose them for the exam. This way, you can minimise the amount of wrote-learning you will have to do and concentrate on thinking thematically. As such, I think it is useful to look at your texts as a whole and think of key themes which might come up in the exam. For example, unrequited love. Then, find four/five quotes from each text that could fit for this theme. However, when choosing, you should also consider how each quote is interesting stylistically - is it an example of a imagery (e.g. an extended metaphor) or a example for structure (e.g. enjambment). If each of your quotes has two/three talking points, this should making your learning more efficient as each can lend itself to different potential discussions within your essays.

GM
Answered by Gabrielle M. English Literature tutor

4621 Views

See similar English Literature A Level tutors

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I approach analysing an unseen poem?


How is the theme of death presented in Hamlet?


Would you agree with Malcolm that the character of Macbeth is best described as a 'butcher'?


“This race and this country and this life produced me, he said. I shall express myself as I am." How is the theme of ‘coming of age’ presented in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning