Literary debate
What Literary debate means in English Literature A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definitions of Literary debate
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Literary debate in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Using differing views as a springboard to develop, refine, or challenge a personal argument about the text's significance, rather than simply agreeing with a single critical perspective.
Debating interpretations, for instance arguing why one reading is more compelling than another, and pitting critics against each other.
Topics that use Literary debate
- Comparative and contextual study (Component 02) - Topics and set texts: Comparative essay (OCR A-Level)
- Drama and poetry pre-1900 (Component 01) - Section 2 set texts: Drama and poetry pre-1900 (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Critical reception
- Literary movements
- Thematic connections
- Academic expression
- Ambiguity and multiplicity of meaning
- Audience interpretation
- Audience reception
- Audience reception and interpretation
Using Literary debate in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise English Literature questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge