How do I revise The Great Gatsby for AQA A-Level?

Always anchor your argument in the writer's methods—focus on how Fitzgerald uses language, structure, and form.

What exam tips are there for The Great Gatsby? (2)

Integrate relevant contextual references naturally into your analysis rather than as bolt-on facts.

What exam tips are there for The Great Gatsby? (3)

Use a clear thesis statement in your introduction to guide your essay's argument.

What mistakes should I avoid in The Great Gatsby?

Treating Nick Carraway as an entirely trustworthy narrator without considering his subjectivity and partiality.

What are common errors in The Great Gatsby exams? (2)

Interpreting Gatsby as a purely romantic hero rather than a critique of obsessive idealism.

The Great Gatsby

AQA

A-Level

A detailed exploration of F. Scott Fitzgerald's seminal novel examining themes of wealth, illusion, and the American Dream through the narrative lens of Nick Carraway.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for detailed analysis of narrative voice and its effects on reader interpretation.
Reward integration of contextual factors, such as the Jazz Age and Prohibition, to illuminate themes.
Credit precise discussion of symbolism with appropriate textual support.
Look for evaluation of different critical interpretations, where relevant.
Credit well-structured arguments that compare and contrast characters' attitudes toward wealth and class.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for detailed analysis of narrative voice and its effects on reader interpretation.
Reward integration of contextual factors, such as the Jazz Age and Prohibition, to illuminate themes.
Credit precise discussion of symbolism with appropriate textual support.
Look for evaluation of different critical interpretations, where relevant.
Credit well-structured arguments that compare and contrast characters' attitudes toward wealth and class.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Always anchor your argument in the writer's methods—focus on how Fitzgerald uses language, structure, and form.
💡Integrate relevant contextual references naturally into your analysis rather than as bolt-on facts.
💡Use a clear thesis statement in your introduction to guide your essay's argument.
💡Plan time to evaluate multiple interpretations, perhaps through a critical lens, to demonstrate higher-order thinking.
💡Avoid mere description of characters or plot; prioritize analysis of thematic significance.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Treating Nick Carraway as an entirely trustworthy narrator without considering his subjectivity and partiality.
Interpreting Gatsby as a purely romantic hero rather than a critique of obsessive idealism.
Neglecting the role of minor characters like Jordan Baker or Myrtle Wilson in reinforcing themes.
Ignoring the significance of the novel's structure, such as the delayed reveal of Gatsby's past.
Lacking specific textual evidence to support claims about symbolism or theme.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

The American Dream

Class and Social Stratification

Illusion vs. Reality

Narrative Unreliability

Symbolism and Imagery

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Practice questions tailored to this topic

The Great Gatsby

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Key Terminology

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