Practice questions for the WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Literature (C720QS) 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 (Eduqas) 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 WJEC Eduqas. Always confirm current test rules, fees and content with the official provider. See our Terms and Privacy.
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Q1. In Shakespeare's *Macbeth*, which of these events happens first?
A. Macbeth is named Thane of Cawdor.
B. Macbeth and Banquo meet the three witches.
C. Duncan names Malcolm as his heir.
D. Lady Macbeth reads a letter from her husband.
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B. Macbeth and Banquo meet the three witches.
Macbeth and Banquo encounter the witches on the heath in Act 1, Scene 3, before Ross arrives to tell Macbeth he has been made Thane of Cawdor.
Q2. In Shakespeare's *Romeo and Juliet*, who is Mercutio related to?
A. Lord Montague
B. Lord Capulet
C. Tybalt
D. Prince Escalus
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: D. Prince Escalus
Mercutio is a kinsman of Prince Escalus, which makes his death a significant event that forces the Prince to intervene directly.
Q3. In *A Christmas Carol*, the allegorical figures of Ignorance and Want, who hide beneath the robes of the Ghost of Christmas Present, are a representation of Dickens's concern about what contemporary social issue?
A. The rise of industrial pollution
B. The effects of child poverty and lack of education
C. The decline in religious belief
D. The corruption within the British government
Show answer & explanation
✓ Answer: B. The effects of child poverty and lack of education
Dickens used these figures to criticise society's neglect of the poor, particularly children, and to advocate for education and social reform.
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Who has to sit the GCSE English Literature (Eduqas)
Who needs a GCSE English Literature (Eduqas)?
Not compulsory in England; English Language GCSE is mandatory. Most schools teach it alongside Language.
The real GCSE English Literature (Eduqas): format
How long is the GCSE English Literature (Eduqas)?
The real GCSE English Literature (Eduqas) lasts 270 minutes. Our mock uses 40 questions in 60 minutes.
What it costs, and what a resit costs
How much does the GCSE English Literature (Eduqas) cost?
Resit fee: £48.60 (Eduqas qual. fee 2026/27). Private candidate fees similar to first entry, varying by centre. Rebooking after a fail: Approximately one year, as exams are held in the summer series (May/June) only for Literature.
How hard is it
What is the GCSE English Literature (Eduqas) pass rate?
Real exam first-time pass rate: 72.5% achieved Grade 4+ in 2026. 57.6% achieved Grade 5+ in 2026. 3.7% achieved Grade 9 in 2026. Difficulty: Many find it difficult due to numerous texts, extensive poetry, and essay-based assessment. Unseen poetry is particularly challenging.
Why people fail it
Why do people fail the GCSE English Literature (Eduqas)?
Not directly answering the question, often retelling plots or writing generally.
Poor time management, leading to incomplete answers for high-mark questions.
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 (Eduqas): common questions
Frequently asked
How many questions are in the GCSE English Literature (Eduqas)?
The exam has 40 questions. Every Revision Robin mock uses the same 40-question format so your practice matches the real thing.
What is the pass mark for the GCSE English Literature (Eduqas)?
You need 24 out of 40 correct to pass, which is about 60%. Our mocks mark you against this exact threshold.
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 WJEC Eduqas.