Analysing Past Papers

Want Better Exam Results? Learn from the Papers Themselves. If you're not using past papers properly, you're leaving marks on the table. This guide shows you how to break down past papers to spot patterns, understand what examiners actually want, and target your revision more effectively. Want Grade 9 analysis, cheat sheets, and exemplar essays? Grab our packs on the Products Page now!

Why Should You Analyse Past Papers?

Most students do past papers—but few analyse them. Going beyond just answering questions helps you:

• Spot recurring question types
• Understand the language of the mark scheme
• Identify the most commonly tested topics
• Learn how top-mark responses are structured

It’s not just about what you write—but how you write it.

 

Step 1: Look for Patterns in the Questions

Start by collecting 3–5 past papers from your exam board. Go through the questions and ask:

• What themes or topics come up again and again?
• What kind of phrasing is used? (e.g. “How does the writer present…”, “Compare how…”)
• Are certain characters, scenes, or poems frequently used?

Example (English Lit – AIC):

“Explore how Priestley presents responsibility.”
“Explore how Inspector Goole represents socialist ideas.”
→ See the link? Priestley + responsibility comes up a lot. Build strong revision around this.

 

Step 2: Break Down the Mark Scheme Language

Understanding what examiners want is key. Look at the official mark scheme and highlight:

• Keywords like:
  • “Perceptive understanding”
  • “Critical style”
  • “Judicious use of evidence”
  • “Convincing analysis”

Then ask yourself:

• Am I using subject terminology in a way that sounds fluent, not forced?
• Am I analysing effects, not just spotting techniques?
• Am I embedding quotes and exploring their meaning?

Mark scheme tip: “Some analysis” won’t get you top marks. Aim for “sustained,” “judicious,” or “perceptive” in your writing.

 

Step 3: Compare High vs Low Mark Responses

Most exam boards (like AQA, Edexcel, OCR) publish sample answers. Use them to compare:

• What did the top-mark student do well?
• What did the mid/low-mark response miss?
• How did they structure their paragraphs?

Look at things like:

• Level of detail in analysis
• Use of quotes and literary devices
• How clear their argument is
• Whether the conclusion ties back to the question

 

Step 4: Use What You Learn to Target Revision

Once you’ve analysed 3–5 papers, use your findings to make your revision more efficient:

• Focus on topics that come up most
  
• Build essay plans for the most common themes
  
• Practise using key exam command words
  
• Refine your timing based on real questions

This is how you move from “hoping” you’re revising the right thing to knowing you are.

 

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P.S. Struggling with analysis or quotes? Our text-specific cheat sheets break down An Inspector Calls, A Christmas Carol, and more into Grade 9-ready notes.

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