How do I step my answers up from GCSE to A level?

Although A-level English can seem a lot harder, it really does build off of what you already know and can already do, so don't panic! Whereas in GCSE examiners are looking for your perceptive thoughts based mostly off of evidence from your text, A-level examiners want background knowledge of your text, your thoughts on what other critics have said and critical theory. As well as including other critics, you need to be able to comment on them and state whether you agree or disagree with their views, showing that you have a deeper understanding for the text and a wider appreciation as you are able to view both sides. Critical theory is particularly fun and interesting because it allows you to argue a point in the shoes of anyone else: feminist, marxist, psychoanalytic etc. You have the freedom to put on their glasses and see the text from their stance, picking apart and analysing everything from a different perspective.The more you practice and the more well read you become, the easier it is to predict what other people might say and remember the views of different critics.