How am I supposed to remember quotations for unseen texts?

Trying to remember quotations for the exam can be one of the trickiest aspects to English Literature at A-level. For my studies, I displayed bunting around my room with key quotations from all of the texts alongside contextual/critical quotations that would also be benficial for the exam. Despite this, it is really important to not feel as though you must insert any of the quotations in the answer, just because you remember them; when answering the question, only select relevant quotations - and keep them approximately three words long. From here, you can analyse the specific words, rather than remembering long quotations to then only pick up upon a verb.

Also, it is crucial to re-read the texts as many times as you can before the exam. This ensures that the themes, characters and quotations are fresh in your mind, so that when you read a question ideas will start popping into your head immediately.

EW
Answered by Eleanor W. English Literature tutor

3421 Views

See similar English Literature A Level tutors

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

Discuss the Presentation of Ophelia and Gertrude as Women in Hamlet


How do I effectively analyse an unseen poem?


“Othello does not kill Desdemona in jealousy, but in a conviction forced upon him by the almost superhuman art of Iago.” - Samuel Coleridge. In the light of this view, discuss the extent to which Othello is responsible for Desdemona's death.


Please could you explain this quote for me from "A Streetcar Named Desire"? "They told me to take a street-car named Desire, and transfer to one called Cemeteries, and ride six blocks and get off at—Elysian Fields!"


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences