Some revision questions on To Kill A Mockingbird, the novel worth 30% of your GCSE. Write practice essay plans for these titles as part of your revision programme to achieve your target grade.Remember: point- quotation-comment.

  • Explore the importance of the title of the novel; refer to its themes in your answer.
  • In what ways are Scout and Jem presented as being similar, and in what ways are they presented as being different?
  • Explore how Lee develops the relationship between Scout and Atticus throught the course of the novel.
  • Many characters display prejudice (NB spelling!) during the course of this novel. What do you think Lee's views on prejudice are, and why?
  • Explain Dill's role within the novel. To what extent is he a mockingbird figure?
  • Analyse Lee's treatment of childhood and growing up in the novel.
  • How does the Boo Radley story link the two sections of the novel and several of its themes?
  • To what extent is this a novel about doing what is morally right?
  • What is the importance of three of the female characters to the novel? Refer to plot and theme.
  • To what extent is the novel about different types of courage?
  • To what extent is the novel about different family structures? What is Lee's message about the happy and successful family?
  • What picture does the novel provide of life in the southern states in the 1930s?
  • What does Lee gain from telling her story through the eyes of a child?
  • Comment on the use of setting and atmosphere in one of: the shooting of Tim Johnson; the 'lynch mob' chapter; the build up to the trial.
  • Compare and contrast Bob Ewell and Atticus.
  • Compare and contrast the three children (Dill, Scout, Jem); explain the role played by each in plot and theme.
  • To what extent do you agree that this is a novel about standing in someone else's shoes (empathy)?
  • Explore the theme of growing up in the novel.
  • Explore the theme of relationships within the novel.

    One question normally quotes a 1-2 paragraph passage from the novel. You are then asked to comment on a theme or character in the light of this passage. As you read and reread the novel, try to find suitable paragraphs and devise a question to base on them.
    Think carefully what is meant by words such as 'explore'; this one means: 'Find examples which relate to this and explain them; what is Lee's point?' It would be a good idea to comment on the importance of whatever you are writing about to the novel as a whole.
    Do not assume that since you and the examiner both know the answer or the meaning of a quotation, you do not need to write it down; you DO need to write it down.The exam is testing your close and detailed knowledge and understanding of the story and theme.

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