How do I prepare for an exam with an unseen text?

I found this difficult at first, especially coming from GCSE where the book was there for you to constantly refer to. However, I found that the best way for me to remember quotations, was for me to relate them to relevant themes and ideas. For example in the Portrait of Dorain Gray I would list a handful of quotations under the heading death. Alongside these quotations, I would then write my anlysis in relation to the theme or idea they were under. This way I went into the exam with a lot of analysis already noted and it made it easier for me to keep track of quotations, so I was sure that I had enough and I wasn't repeating points. 

FN
Answered by Fikile N. English Literature tutor

6427 Views

See similar English Literature A Level tutors

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does Shakespeare present the theme of justice in King Lear?


“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.


What do Iago's monologues in Act I scene I of Othello reveal about his character?


In Shakespeare's 'Richard III' how does Richard III manipulate those around him?


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