Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid

You’ve revised. You know the content. But your marks aren’t reflecting your effort—and it’s frustrating. Chances are, you’re making one of these common exam mistakes. The good news? They’re easy to fix once you know what to look out for. Want full revision packs, model paragraphs, and context cheat sheets? Head over to the Products Page now!

 

Mistake 1: Running Out of Time

You know what to write—but the clock beats you to the finish line. One of the biggest causes of dropped marks is poor time management.

How to fix it:

• Stick to a clear timing plan for each section
• Don’t let one question eat up your time
• Learn to move on and come back later if needed

Need a full exam timing strategy? Check out our Time Management for English Literature Exams guide.

 

Mistake 2: Not Reading the Question Carefully

It’s easy to jump straight into writing—only to realise halfway through that you’ve misunderstood the question. Most students miss key command words like “how”, “to what extent”, or “compare”.

How to fix it:

• Underline command words and key focus points
• Ask: What exactly is this question asking me to prove or explore?
• Use the language of the question in your intro and topic sentences

These aren’t just “power words”—they’re instructional cues. Follow them carefully.

 

Mistake 3: Skipping the Planning Stage

Going in without a plan might feel like a time-saver—but it usually leads to waffly paragraphs and missed ideas.

How to fix it:

• Spend 4–5 minutes planning before you start each response
• Bullet point 3–4 key ideas and the quotes you'll use
• Think: intro → 3–4 paragraphs → mini conclusion

A clear plan = clear argument = higher marks.

 

Mistake 4: Not Using the Right Paragraph Structure

Even if your ideas are great, poor structure makes it hard for the examiner to follow your point. Without a clear flow, your AO1 and AO2 marks suffer.

How to fix it:

• Use a consistent structure like PETAL, PEACE, or your exam board’s recommended format
• Every paragraph should have: a point, a quote, analysis, method, context (if relevant)

Not sure how to structure it all? Read our full Grade 9 Paragraph Structure Guide for a step-by-step breakdown.

 

Mistake 5: Neglecting Context (AO3)

AO3 is one of the most ignored areas—and also one of the easiest to boost with just a little revision. Students either tack it on awkwardly or forget it altogether.

How to fix it:

• Link context to themes and character motivations
• Avoid dumping facts—make sure it’s relevant to your point
• Build a bank of 3–4 key contextual ideas per text

Need a shortcut? Grab our English Literature Context Cheat Sheet with AO3-ready points for every major text.

 

Small Fixes = Big Gains

Most students lose marks not because they don’t know the content—but because of avoidable slip-ups. By learning to spot and fix these mistakes, you can:

• Stay in control of timing
  
• Maximise marks in every AO
  
• Show off your ideas with confidence

 

Want Ready-Made Notes, Essay Plans & Cheat Sheets?

If you're tired of making your own resources or just want something quicker, our digital packs are perfect for you.
✅ Topic summaries
✅ High-level vocabulary
✅ Model paragraphs
✅ 50+ analysed quotes

Get ahead of your revision game—download your pack today from the Products Page!

 

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.

Why JP Tutors Hub?

Founded by a straight-A student, our resources are:
✨ Exam-board aligned
✨ Used by thousands of GCSE students
✨ Designed to save you time and boost marks

Follow us for more free tips—or visit our shop to upgrade your revision! 🚀