How to Revise English Literature (Tips, Techniques + Essay Writing) - How I Got an A* | Jack Edwards

[@lottiedenny1139]

“Its about to get lit....English lit” - quote of the year.

[@RodFatality]

cringe

[@nuriaherran6883]

I disliked because of this

[@aichk7786]

I literally say this all the time just to make people cringe. That intro was epic imo tbh

[@qasimzafars7371]

Lol

[@mrsshaukat9669]

How come this is cringe?

[@rimpisarmah7705]

1. One week one text. 2 .read the text 5 times 3. Just say your ideas in class discussions ..don't be shy. 4.try to expand your vocabulary. 6. Write down your ideas , quote lines in your notebook. 7.plane your essays, memorize some phrase for the introduction.

[@ema6903]

thank you! you're a life saver

[@ibtissamemachichi6115]

Thank you so much, this is helpful

[@justmebeingme2921]

Skipped 5, but who cares! It was my least favourite number anyways!! Thx for your time for this!

[@jayden7951]

*Timestamps* General Tips: 0:55 Revision: 6:20 Essay Writing: 11:09 Unseen Extracts: 15:26

[@mckayhba360]

Thank you !

[@deborahmai7753]

You can literally click the time and it will go 😂

[@afsanabegum358]

Thankssss

[@dragonfruit3054]

Thank you. You've received my eternal gratitude and total respectiveness. I shall remember your acts until the very last moment of my life.

[@finnishlankans]

@@dragonfruit3054 u remember him now ?

[@laurenhennessey5626]

English revision feels so impossible so thank you for this.

[@jack_edwards]

My pleasure! I felt this way too, but it's all about finding the ways that make it click for you! :)

[@laurenhennessey5626]

Jack Edwards thanks so much Jack! :)

[@worldofwoodrow3192]

me yelling "it's english lit" is the only reason i go to school

[@jack_edwards]

i mean, yes, this is also the sole motivator for completing my degree

[@UnJadedJade]

Such a useful video! 🙌 I'm watching this reminiscing (and missing!) my English Lit AS! ohhh and also, loquacious may well be my new favourite word! x

[@leadalaaker]

UnJaded Jade aaah you’re my favourite Jade!!!!

[@lowandbeland3416]

what a beg

[@lifehack3902]

Hi friend

[@agoogleaccount5859]

@@lowandbeland3416 ikr😂😂😂😭

[@Anna-yf9tv]

I love you Jade

[@MT-zr3tg]

I'm an overseas viewer but I'd like to add to these fantastic tips (hope you don't mind terribly). 1) Don't stress yourself excessively over examinations of any kind. You can take exams again or make them up, but making yourself ill from stress can take you months or years to recover from afterwards. 2) I'd like to repeat Jack's tip about cementing vocabulary firmly in your mind before using it on an exam, ESPECIALLY if it a scientific word or for a very specialized field. As a sciences major I cringed whenever I saw my schoolmates using the word "meiosis" when they meant mitosis. When in doubt, substitute a simpler word and move onto the next reading or section. Sounding less sophisticated is better than confusing the reader or making an error that could cause you to be docked points. Excellent video, Jack. Ever considered becoming a college lecturer?

[@jack_edwards]

100000% agree with everything you said - THANK YOU!!! I've never considered teaching at all to be honest, I much prefer learning!

[@lunorm2959]

you actual legend!!! i was just stressing about eng lit omg

[@jack_edwards]

ayyyyy gotcha covered x

[@gemmaharvey7549]

Could you do a full video on essays? Including layout, imbedding quotations and knowing context? I’m doing GCSEs this year so really need some advice x

[@jack_edwards]

omg YES 😍 (nerdiest thing, but even the idea of this makes me VERY excited)

[@gemmaharvey7549]

Jack Edwards yes please make this video!!! Glad I gave you an idea you liked. I forgot to mention phrasing and how to sound sophisticated when writing

[@noorarif4905]

@@jack_edwards yes please do that

[@Julia33066]

@@gemmaharvey7549 hope they went well

[@xfreja]

it’s so hard for me :(

[@samira3468]

Can you do a how to get an A* in A level history pls??💕

[@jack_edwards]

YES!!! *If anyone is reading this and wants this video, thumbs up this comment ^^^* :)

[@Sxxxx5217]

YESS JACKKK!!!!!!

[@damolaogunfuye9256]

And Politics please!! I'm doing all 3 :)

[@raishaderossi9539]

YES JACK PLZZZZZZZZZ

[@SonaRajgor]

Yes

[@chinyerenwahiri2392]

Thank you so much. I took literature for the first time in my life in Cambridge A levels and I excelled. Your tips and advise were extremely helpful, from the bottom of the heart I say a big thank you.

[@agnieszkarekawek4414]

I love English because every single word has a particular situation in which you can use it to really hit the jackpot, that’s just amazing!

[@leahwalker6138]

Past papers are so good! I’m currently in year 11 and this time last year I was working at a grade 4 in lit, I handed in so many past papers I boosted my grade to an 8. They’re so helpful for preparation and improving your work. Do them!!

[@scholar8779]

Correct order 14:27 - be an expert on tragedy and protest conventions 10:09 - themes and motifs 6:35 - quotebank 8:19 - memorisation of key quotes 16:46 - use literary terms 11:59 - make tailor-made first sentences for each author > then focus on question 13:06 - signpost question when writing essay 13:12 - analysis of the quote

[@gemmacuello2100]

you'd be such an amazing Literature teacher. your advice based on experience is really deep and helpful. i'm sure your students would love your teaching-advising style.

[@harrys2181]

I’ve never understood all the hate that comes towards English. It is LITerally the best subject by far!!

[@jack_edwards]

AYYYYYYYY PREACH IT

[@ibniloveitmushtaq6925]

No, it is not😑

[@randomuser1093]

No, it’s the worst

[@hariseja9531]

What hate comes towards english? I’m just startin and I ddint known

[@forestreee]

Haris Eja well the problem is with the exams, not with literature. In my country at least it is very difficult to get the correct interpretation and the correct points when writing answers in exams.

[@agravemisunderstanding9668]

One thing I gotta say, is voice all your ideas out loud in class, the teacher can give feedback and build on your points, Other people I'm class can hear your ideas and use them as inspiration to think of other good ideas to add on.

[@evebennettx]

Omg we revise exactly the same way - great minds think alike haha!

[@evebennettx]

Also I'm so with you on rereading the texts! I've read Gatsby more times than I can count! With plays I find it's more useful to watch it than read it, as naturally stagecraft is a key aspect of analysis with a play! The RSC have so many amazing ones on their website! (the only book I cannot bring myself to reread is "A Farewell to Arms" it kills me)

[@jack_edwards]

literally the best thing when you reread something already knowing the plot so you solely focus on imagery, symbolism, and motifs, finding new ways to explore the text every time!!!!!!

[@angelstarfire]

I should really try this!

[@timebomb7641]

+Angel Starfire hello ;)

[@lifehack3902]

@@evebennettx hi friend

[@Karolina-ew4zl]

I have been waiting for this, currently struggling a tad with English lit alevel at year 13 😩😩

[@jack_edwards]

ahhhh this is definitely the time of year where everyone goes 'SHIT I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'M DOING' don't worry!!! everything will fall into place before the exams i promise 😊

[@ellie2829]

Literally the most helpful video, thank you! My dumb-ass has been sitting by myself wondering how to revise, and only just figured out I could go on the internet and see what other people did !

[@anushakamran7296]

Nobody- Not a single soul- Jack-“it’s about to get lit...ENGLISH LIT”

[@borntovs4050]

I'm trying to move up from a B to an A , I think I need to bring in context and analyse further

[@anjamenjic6250]

I am not Britis and I don’t have English literature as a subject in school, but I still found this video very helpful for Serbian literature. You have some great tips ahah Btw love your personality and I think you are very funny. Congrats on 20k. Love❤️❤️

[@jack_edwards]

oooohhh that sounds interesting! thanks so much for watching!

[@Luke_S162]

I'm currently taking my A Level English Literature, and this was great! I got a 9 at GCSE and I'm actually hoping to go Oxford or Durham so this was great, thanks Jack 😀

[@jack_edwards]

ahhhh fingers crossed! i'm sure you'll smash it

[@solefreakks7905]

Did you make it there ?

[@Luke_S162]

@@solefreakks7905 didn't apply in the end, went on an Open Day and hated it 😂 Durham I got an offer for but chose an alternative uni and very happy with where I am now

[@daisybuckley5376]

What other grades did you get at GCSE? I’m doing mine at the moment and I’m hoping to do English Lit, Psychology and Sociology next year!

[@Luke_S162]

@@daisybuckley5376 GCSE was mainly A/A*, with like 1 B or so?

[@SaraAli-dx8kd]

I have my English Literature exam in 2 days and I cannot stress how helpful this video was! Thank you so much

[@thisismyname3328]

How did it go?

[@SaraAli-dx8kd]

this is my name So much better than I expected! I got a 7 at the start of the year and bumped it up to a 9. I’d say the techniques I found most useful were getting involved in class discussions, practice essays and understanding and connecting with the piece on a deeper level. Hope you did well x

[@thisismyname3328]

@@SaraAli-dx8kd thanks, I've got to wait until august for my results though, and im going somewhat insane waiting.

[@assadraja7366]

@@thisismyname3328 Sooo what did you get?

[@Nestakun]

Me: writes 5 pages Examiner: grade 2

[@MyaChristie]

HypeNesta quality not quantity

[@suffyc9499]

shush

[@pirothix8371]

That's just basic maths more page≠better grade

[@xinspiredu3294]

Just be lucky enough

[@theanimationmaster724]

0:55 General tips 6:20 Revision 11:09 Essay writing 15:26 Unseen Extracts

[@rajanigurusinghe2279]

There are no words to explain about this video.Actually fabulous.

[@serinat2181]

Jackkkkk omg you're actually hilarious 😂 Your intro was fabulous

[@jack_edwards]

we had a subject social on my first week at university where was all had to dress as our subject so i wore a t-shirt that said 'IT'S (english) LIT' and carried around a copy of Of Mice and Men all night, so i felt it was only right to make the 'LIT' joke haha

[@serinat2181]

Jack Edwards Ohhh ok aha omg 😂

[@kylemerson5419]

Serina T do u even know comedy then?

[@Gabbymfavell]

Honestly the most helpful video I've ever watched. Doing my A levels this year and hoping to study English Lit at uni in September so this is a God send! Thank you:)

[@jack_edwards]

Ah I'm so glad! Thank you for watching :)

[@lelux62]

This video is so useful! Thank you so much!!! I'm still in high school and will do my final exams in three years and I specialized in literature (however I don't only have English, but also French and German literature). I'm so excited to use your tips! They will help so much!

[@estheraiyelabola6933]

Five years later and your tips are still useful! Thanks so much Jack and God bless you! ❤️🩶😎💙💜✝️💖

[@hae871]

0:55 - General tips Tip1 0:58 Tip2 1:54 Tip3 2:27 Tip4 3:41 Tip5 4:01 Tip6 4:56 Tip7 5:10 6:20 - Revision

[@simrankaurkang106]

I haven't even done english lit/lang since gcse and I'm now 19 and on a gap year but your videos are just too good to miss

[@jack_edwards]

hahahaha very much appreciated - thank you!

[@mariahbennett8935]

My absolute dream is to study English Lit. at Durham University and then go into teaching. Watching your videos has made me even more motivated to work hard enough to get in !!!!!

[@jack_edwards]

ahhh that's so exciting! GOOD LUCK!!!

[@mollyduffy8861]

Living for the intro omg hahaha I loved it !!!!

[@isabellaclark8857]

THIS IS SO HELPFUL! I am doing degree level english lit and found this super useful. Thank you xxx

[@najmabegum9963]

Thank u sooo much for making this video as my gcse exams are coming pretty soon. I'm sooo scared. Also, Jack I love your videos and good luck with uni.

[@jack_edwards]

YOU'VE GOT THIS 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 Good luck!!!

[@xfreja]

mine are next year (in like 11 months) and i’m so freaking stressed and terrifieddddd. i hope the grade boundaries are so much lower than usual and that the exams are cut down bc of covid 💔 this year’s year 10s are in such an awful position but i doubt the government even care

[@authorgreene]

Well, today I learned that in British English "revise" can be used to mean "review." If I were to revise English Lit over here in America, I'd be literally editing or changing the texts! Great vid. I love how you're helping people find ways to go deeper into their literary studies.

[@isobelcookic]

this was so helpful thank you! really good advice and by the end i felt like i'd actually learnt something rather than just hearing the usual obvious tips that youtubers often reel off

[@jack_edwards]

THIS IS THE BEST COMMENT I COULD POSSIBLY GET ON A VIDEO LIKE THIS AHHHHH BUZZING WITH THAT THANK YOU

[@isobelcookic]

Jack Edwards Keep making fantastic content! :) x

[@zar3125]

congrats on 20k dude!!! very well deserved i absolutely loveee your videos 💕

[@jack_edwards]

THANK YOU AHHHH FEELS SO WEIRD SEEING 20K!!!

[@allaboutroy7399]

Jack Edwards Lol now you’re 100k passed 20k!!! CONGRATS!

[@despoinak7716]

That's exactly what I needed ! Thank you for helping a clueless and new English language and literature student ! I am really glad I found you

[@williamwright2209]

When you sit down to revise...see notification...doesn’t work watches video...

[@jack_edwards]

EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. (ps: this DEFINITELY counts as revision in my books)

[@archeleyjasper6648]

"planning your answer.." that what i always do before writing my essay. Thank you for sharing your amazing tips, it helps me a lot.

[@emmabarker286]

Such a useful video! I study English Literature at A level, as well as History...so please could you do another video on how you got an A* in History A level!

[@jack_edwards]

I'd definitely love to do a History one as that revision is SO different!

[@angelstarfire]

2:24 I should probably try that. I really want to understand A Christmas Carol

[@megandodd9166]

I just stumbled across your channel for the first time and it is a gold mine of knowledge. I am currently struggling through English Lit revision, hoping to do it at uni, and this has been the most beneficial 20 minutes of my Easter holiday! Thank you!! :)

[@avihabegum6973]

Thank you, I’m sitting my English A level this year and I’m feeling more optimistic after watching this. I really like the idea of one text per week makes things less stressful :)

[@fizaowais2416]

Mr Bruff who?? 😂

[@prabh9687]

19 mintues 15 seconds video! I FEEL BLESSED!!!

[@raawritsamber]

please do another weekly vlog - i love watching your life at uni!

[@jack_edwards]

coming next week!

[@maxwellfleet3402]

Quite honestly. the most motivating and explorative way I've ever heard of studying and application towards A levels, very helpful, cheers

[@Rachel_Tensions]

ok? nobody asked?

[@alexandrasinulingga3322]

I used your methods in this video to review for my English final exam in school, and I got an A!!! which was definitely an improvement because I got a B for my mid-term exam. so thank you so much for this video :D

[@erlen_zeisig]

I`m from Germany and because of the reason I am so bad in english, I had the idea to watch english videos in the hope I`m just getting a little bit better. This had been some weeks ago and now I can say that you`re my prefered youtube cannel.... Thanks a lot for your videos and I`m getting better and better because of you.

[@jack_edwards]

Ah this makes me so happy! I'm glad my videos are helping :)

[@sierrachrisandracanlas7538]

Every time I take exams I always watch this video so I thought I'd better leave a comment this time since the tips are super helpful and I use them across all my subjects. So thanks, I appreciate this a lot.

[@sierrachrisandracanlas7538]

Also, this video helped my grades (especially in literature) go from a C to an A so thanks again.

[@lilybaird3480]

i don’t even take english, but your videos are too good to miss!

[@jack_edwards]

Now THAT is dedication right there. Very much appreciated, thank you, you are lovely 💜

[@sophiegreen3750]

I have mocks next week 😬I’ve been stressing but these tips really helped !! Thank youu

[@joshua8345]

I really admired the way you explained... awesome man!!

[@jess4709]

How ironic is it that you said “don’t make your language too ornate” 😂

[@farzana017]

Omg, an ad just came up during your video featuring Margaret Atwood talking about giving a masterclass about writing!

[@marialivingston8154]

Lol I know this has nothing to do with English, but Jack can I just say thank you! I have no friends and I know that sounds so sad, but it’s true. I’m not a very likeable person. But your videos have given me so much joy and you’ve made me feel like you are almost like a virtual friend to me so thank you 🥰. Sending lots of love ❤️

[@oshinisandalika5924]

thanks I really got so many tricks and methods to write answers !!

[@amandawmad297]

Thanks for your selflessness in giving us all these advice tips on English Literature . It helps a lot

[@havimar7574]

This is what I have been waiting for!!! Thank you so much! Exams are coming pretty soon......

[@jack_edwards]

You're more than welcome! GOOD LUCK YOU'VE GOT THIS 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@rockyfps9487]

I have chosen to take Eng Lit for A-level in September this has now made me fully prepared thank you.

[@tasniahaque811]

how did you do?

[@rockyfps9487]

​@@tasniahaque811 I ended up doing a computer science course at college, now I'm an apprentice.

[@BalqeesKhanum22]

This is the first ever revision video that I understood from and can take something from it really helped and you've earned a new subscriber

[@faeriehearthwitch6185]

"Arsenal of Knowledge" Love it! This is full of excellent advice! Well done!

[@BeeSee05]

This is the best and most helpful video about study tips that I have ever watched. I'm glad I came across your channel. Also, you have a knack for explaining things clearly, and you could become a wonderful English literature teacher or lecturer.

[@windler763]

reading a text a number of times truly does help your understanding. i spent a month fully obsessed with ocean vuong (who am i kidding, that month is stretching on for close to a year now) and read "night sky with exit wounds" about 5 times cover to cover. it was admittedly my first poetry collection at the time so my brain was particularly rigid to it at first, but reading it over and over helped immensely. it meant that i could understand the abstract more and more in my own way but also that the varying forms began to slide through my head easier too. night sky with exit wounds will always be my most tender revelation, partly because of its content and author, but also because it was a huge first for me. id recommend everyone read it

[@hannahledgerwood7715]

Every time English starts kicking my butt and I feel like I'm drowning in quotes, I watch this video and I feel less lost 😂😂

[@blackswan4570]

this is my first video and u already earned a subscriber ... i love ur humour and the tips were so helpful i literally jotted them down on a sticky note and am now gonna revise for my O/L s using it .. (14 days more ) :)

[@blackswan4570]

hey jack ! it been three months ... i got an A* for literature yesterday .. thank you sooo much ! love you

[@angelstarfire]

13:36 reminder for myself

[@rue5874]

Okay this is amazing im doing my A levels for lit this year and this is so useful. (really hope i get into Durham too!!)

[@shanviagarwal]

A much needed video! Thankyou Jack !!

[@shannonfletcher7876]

Always love watching your videos Jack. I always find them interesting. I don't even take English but I'm still watching this, I can't miss your videos I love them.

[@jack_edwards]

oh YOU

[@ColouredRain1]

lit-erature.. thank you for another great video! Currently doing year 12 in Australia (the last year of school) and am also doing English!

[@mahmoodk3468]

I love this video and this video will help the people who don't put they hand up

[@taniavarallo220]

Only just found these. Thank you so much, you give such good advice without stressing anyone out. Feeling much better about my English lit exams in a month or so 😊 Thanks Jack!

[@famousjamous2006]

I am many years beyond my undergraduate and masters degree work. If only I could bring this kind of methodology back to past me I’d be a genius! Nicely done.

[@clearskies6677]

16:35 was the most useful part of the video imo

[@laurencowan3429]

I LOVE your handwriting!!

[@sunisthachopra3583]

Hey Jack! I don't do English Lit but since I do Classics which has 3 predominately literature based modules and this video really did help! Thank you! Definitely going to use the "one text for one week" as I have been doing my as level this easter but now I realise that I do have plenty of time to do the a2 topics! Thank you!

[@PlayerneersGamersxX]

This video was sooo helpful when revising for my A level English Lit exams this year!!! I’ve managed to get an A, and I can attribute it partly to these fantastic tips! Thank you, Jack!!!

[@samihaaktar3220]

congrats on getting an A! I just got my GCSE results and I'm about to do English lot a levels I was wondering if you have any advice and revision tips for when I do my exams?

[@PlayerneersGamersxX]

Thanks and congrats on getting through GCSEs (I know how tough those can be lol). My advice would be read the texts a couple of times- once before studying them, and again after you’ve studied them and with a critical eye. Definitely be sure to condense your notes as you go along and do further research like Jack suggests, and I found creating a quote bank with all the key quotes and their analysis really useful (also from this video) for revision, as you definitely don’t need to know absolutely everything contained in the books. Finally, essay practice is key, as it’s how you effectively construct an argument out of the points that you’ve learned. Good luck!

[@Abi-bz2ze]

Just found your channel and it’s so nice! It’s great to see some decent content and you seem really lovely and kind. Subscribed!

[@jack_edwards]

Aw love this - thank you so so much! :)

[@Abi-bz2ze]

Jack Edwards no worries 😁 keep doing you 👌

[@nooranrahman9210]

I love how you're so positive!! I genuinely feel so at peace just watching you! Thank you so much for this! xxx

[@laravio]

This was an absolute life saver. I am in year 10 and the first year to do my English Lit early, I just wished I had found this video earlier because I just did my English Mocks and it didn’t go amazing and this would’ve helped so much.

[@musicisall01]

I have my English A-level mock in less than 2 hours so last minute tips are proving useful today!! I've revised endlessly but this was so helpful!!

[@dqm1n1k4]

im in year 12 right now, and its crazy to think this was 7 years ago ! i literally watch you now ! anyways thanks, this was actually very helpful !

[@lucikka3674]

This getting recommended to me two days after my last English lit exam 😭

[@gracemcclurg6753]

Thank you so much for this Jack! I'm doing English Literature for one of my A-Levels alongside History and Art & Design, and this helped me understand so much more how to approach revision so it's not too daunting. Btw I'm studying The Handmaid's Tale for my coursework at the moment and I think it's fantastic.

[@vandini8185]

I looooooooooooooove this. Double commenting without shame. This is brilliant. Like, thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This is a gift, straight up.

[@vandini8185]

Thank you SO much, Jack. From around the world, this is helping me so much. We're forming a global community! I mean mind-blowing, am I right? You are through and kind and charismatic. This was awesome bro.

[@harshwardhanprasad4703]

Who can even dislike The "Jack Edward's" video...

[@ntombikayisedhlamini3053]

Thank you so much for the advice and tips. I'm really aiming for an A level for English as a whole for my matric final year. Please keep us updated. And also can we please get tips on poetry all contextual questions and poetry essays!🙌

[@aishah2536]

Thank you so much for this video!! definitely needed this. Coincidentally, I had written a to do list yesterday with summaries and quote banks for all 3 books and the poems I'm studying. good luck with all your studies!!

[@Faith-lw3yy]

Have been looking forward to this since you posted on Twitter!!

[@jack_edwards]

ayyyy that's dedication

[@erdi8424]

It enabled me to improve my knowledge about how to write an essay! Thanks, mate.Amazing job!

[@inaslovesateez]

This video was incredibly useful, I have been taking notes and I can not thank you enough!!

[@kahyeanchiew1305]

I am taking the GCE O levels for elective english lit, and this video is so helpful!!! Thank u sm for being my lifesaverrrr

[@phoebedar3511]

Rewatching this the night before my first lit exam tomorrow just to organise my thoughts and honestly it's made me feel so much better! I'm confident I can talk about the texts really well I just need to hammer in some critics quotes :) But really, I'm kinda surprised this is so helpful last minute to think about how to approach the essays in the exam! Wish me luck lol