A/L Literature
At Advanced Level the question is no longer whether you have understood the text. It is whether you can argue about it, with evidence, in an essay that holds together.
The six abilities A/L Literature asks for
Everything in this section is built to take you through these six, in order. Most students are strong at the first and weak at the last three, which is where the marks are decided.
Understanding
Knowing what the text says, what happens, and what a passage means in its place in the whole work.
Selecting evidence
Given a question, going straight to the two or three moments that answer it — and leaving out the many that do not.
Explaining technique
Saying how the writing works: the choice of word, image, structure, form, voice.
Analysing effects
Saying what that technique does to a reader, and why the writer wanted that effect there.
Developing arguments
Building a case that moves, qualifies itself, meets the obvious objection, and arrives somewhere.
Organising a complete essay
An introduction that takes a position, paragraphs that each do one job, and a conclusion that judges.
Start here
Overview and Syllabus
What the examination tests and how to plan two years of reading.
Prescribed Texts
The texts on this site, and how to check the list for your own year.
Examination Guidance
Timing, choosing questions, and what examiners reward.
Study tools
Literary Theory
Critical approaches, used carefully and without jargon.
Literary Techniques
The advanced vocabulary of analysis, each term tied to its effect.
A/L Literature Past Papers
Past and model papers for timed practice.
Official papers, marking schemes and guides
G.C.E. A/L 2019 English Literature (Subject 73), Paper I
Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka
Department of Examinations paper, linked not rehosted
G.C.E. A/L 2019 English Literature (Subject 73), Paper II
Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka
Department of Examinations paper, linked not rehosted
G.C.E. A/L 2019 English Literature (Subject 73), Marking Scheme
Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka
Department of Examinations document, linked not rehosted
A/L English Literature Resource Book
National Institute of Education, Sri Lanka
NIE publication, linked not rehosted
Copyright and accuracy
- Complete copyrighted texts are not reproduced here. Quotations are short and used for study and criticism, with the author and work named.
- Nothing is invented. No quotation, no biographical fact, no date and no textual detail appears on this site unless it can be verified. Where something is uncertain, it is not stated.
- If you find an error, please report it.