Practice questions for the AQA GCSE English Literature (8702) specification, for teaching in England. Every answer is explained, so you can see why the right option is right. It covers the knowledge and reading skills that suit multiple choice; extended writing is not assessed here.
About this practice. Revision Robin is built and maintained by Bloor Engineering Ltd, a UK-registered company. Our GCSE English Literature (AQA) questions are written and reviewed in-house to match the current syllabus, each with a plain-English worked explanation. They are original practice material, not the official exam questions and not affiliated with or endorsed by AQA. Always confirm current test rules, fees and content with the official provider. See our Terms and Privacy.
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Free practice questions
Try 3 real GCSE English Literature (AQA) questions
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Q1. Who speaks the line, "Out, damned spot! Out, I say!" in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'?
A. Macbeth
B. Lady Macbeth
C. Macduff
D. The First Witch
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B. Lady Macbeth
Lady Macbeth says this in Act 5 while sleepwalking, revealing her guilt over the murders she and Macbeth have committed.
Q2. In Shakespeare's *Romeo and Juliet*, which character exclaims "A plague o' both your houses!" as he dies?
A. Tybalt
B. Romeo
C. Mercutio
D. Benvolio
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: C. Mercutio
Mercutio, a kinsman to the Prince and friend to Romeo, curses the feuding Montagues and Capulets as he dies.
Q3. In Mary Shelley's *Frankenstein*, which contemporary scientific theory, involving the use of electricity to stimulate muscle movement in dead tissue, heavily influenced the novel's creation scene?
A. Galvanism
B. Phrenology
C. Mesmerism
D. Alchemy
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: A. Galvanism
Galvanism, the idea that electricity could reanimate the dead, was a key scientific interest in Shelley's era and directly inspired Victor's method of bringing the Creature to life.
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Who has to sit the GCSE English Literature (AQA)
Who needs a GCSE English Literature (AQA)?
Not universally compulsory, but most schools enter students due to performance metrics like Attainment 8. English Language is compulsory.
The real GCSE English Literature (AQA): format
How many questions are in the GCSE English Literature (AQA)?
The real GCSE English Literature (AQA) has 2 questions and lasts 240 minutes. Our mock uses 40 questions in 60 minutes.
What is the GCSE English Literature (AQA) pass mark?
Real exam pass mark: For June 2026, Grade 4: 66/160 marks; Grade 5: 81/160 marks; Grade 7: 113/160 marks; Grade 9: 142/160 marks. Our mock marks you at 24 out of 40, the threshold we mark against.
What it costs, and what a resit costs
How much does the GCSE English Literature (AQA) cost?
Resit fee: £380 (for private candidates, typically same as first entry). Rebooking after a fail: Next available summer series (exams are May/June only)
How hard is it
What is the GCSE English Literature (AQA) pass rate?
Real exam first-time pass rate: 73.3% achieved Grade 4 or above (16-year-olds, June 2026). Difficulty: Challenging combination of textual knowledge, analysis, and memorised quotations under time pressure.
Why people fail it
Why do people fail the GCSE English Literature (AQA)?
Generic analysis, not specific to the text or moment.
Misunderstanding or misapplying structural/literary terms.
Figures for the real exam from vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com, checked October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the test provider before you book.
GCSE English Literature (AQA): common questions
Frequently asked
How long do you get?
The test is timed at 60 minutes. Our full mock runs on the same clock so you can practise your pacing.
Are these the real exam questions?
No. Our questions are original and written to match the current syllabus, so they give realistic practice without copying the official paper. Every answer comes with a plain-English explanation. Always confirm current rules and content with AQA.