I did badly in my English literature coursework (edexcel)

I just received my mark back for my English literature coursework today. I only got 35/60 which is roughly a D. I'm really upset because I am resitting all my A-levels. Last year in English I received a C overall with an E in my coursework which was 31/60. I put a lot more effort into my coursework this year, spending months on it and investing in a tutor who said my coursework was much better than last year, yet I only got 4 marks more :frown:

I was really hoping for an A or at least a B this time around but now I feel like a complete failure and so demotivated. I have no idea how to improve because I tried really hard this time :/ Does anyone have any advice of been in a similar situation? To get an A I would need at least 36/60 in paper 1, 36/40 in paper 2 and 50/60 in paper 3, but realistically I don't think its possible.

Reply 1

obsessive-humori

I undertand your frustration some schools do allow coursework resits like exams so i wouldnt stress too much but if not than dont fret just study as hard as you can and you cant say you havent when the test comes round.good luck :smile:

)))

Reply 2

Wilf G

Hi snazsey.

It's so demotivating to get a mark lower than what you hoped for, in coursework particularly. It's something you've spent a lot of time planning, researching and drafting, before producing the version you finally submit.

I'm wondering if your title was focused and clear enough. Which texts did you study for your NEA? What was the title of the coursework?

So, you're naturally now wondering how you can make up marks elsewhere. Again, let me know what texts you're studying, and which you feel you might be finding more challenging, and I'll see if I can come up with some ideas to point you in the right direction.

The first line of action is - of course - past papers, and practise, practise, practise!

Alongside that, you could have a serious think about how you structure your essays. That starts with a deconstruction of what the question is actually asking you to do. Once you've figured that out, you can spend a few minutes planning. If you get yourself to a point where you have an overview of where you're going with your writing, it tends to give you the confidence to write!

Easier said than done, I know, but if you feel you can, respond to this message.

Reply 3

snazsey

Original post by Wilf G

Hi snazsey.
It's so demotivating to get a mark lower than what you hoped for, in coursework particularly. It's something you've spent a lot of time planning, researching and drafting, before producing the version you finally submit.
I'm wondering if your title was focused and clear enough. Which texts did you study for your NEA? What was the title of the coursework?
So, you're naturally now wondering how you can make up marks elsewhere. Again, let me know what texts you're studying, and which you feel you might be finding more challenging, and I'll see if I can come up with some ideas to point you in the right direction.
The first line of action is - of course - past papers, and practise, practise, practise!
Alongside that, you could have a serious think about how you structure your essays. That starts with a deconstruction of what the question is actually asking you to do. Once you've figured that out, you can spend a few minutes planning. If you get yourself to a point where you have an overview of where you're going with your writing, it tends to give you the confidence to write!
Easier said than done, I know, but if you feel you can, respond to this message.

Hello Wilf,

Thank you so much for your response. The title of my coursework was "To what extent are women presented in gothic literature", the texts I studied for this was 'Dracula' and 'The Bloody Chamber'.
I was just really shocked and upset because my tutor looked over it and said that it was really harsh marking and that she would've given my piece at least a B.

I am really trying to improve and I implement any feedback into my new work, however it is rather difficult as my college has given no support whatsoever.

I also have a copy of the coursework and if you would be kindly willing to look over it, I could send it over to you?

The feedback I received was that my critical and contextual ideas were nor fully assimilated and that quite of lot of statements were reductive or lack nuance and there was a lack of overview but I have no idea how to improve this.

If I wanted to achieve an A now I would roughly need at least:

Paper 1: 36/60
Paper 2: 36/40
Paper 3: 50/60

(there are also obviously other possible alternatives)
I was really aiming for an A but this seems very unrealistic given the grade boundaries so I am losing hope :frown:

And for a B:

Paper 1: 35/60
Paper 2: 26/40
Paper 3: 35/60

The texts I am studying for my other papers are: Othello, Frankenstein, Never Let Me Go and A Streetcar named Desire
For the poetry section: Poems of the Decade and John Keats

Last year I struggled mostly on the Othello and Frankenstein paper and poetry.

Reply 4

Wilf G

Hey snazsey!

Please don’t despair! It’s never too late to improve, and you don’t know that just a few more marks might take you over the boundary into the next grade up. There are slight variations in the boundaries each year, depending on the entry cohort’s overall performance, so don’t write yourself off.

Have you had the discussion with your teacher about why they feel there is a discrepancy between what they would have awarded you, and what you actually got? That could tell you lots.

You’ve been studying some great texts; and taking the Gothic route for your NEA is the cherry on the top, as far as I’m concerned! As a genre, it’s fascinating.

I’d be so delighted if you feel you would like me to read your NEA. 🙂 Please do send it on; by DM is probably best. I’m looking forward to seeing it.

Anyway, have a think about what I’ve said here, and maybe we can talk again.

Kate
(Wilf G is an old nickname!)

Reply 5

snazsey

Hey Kate,

I tried to message my teacher but he hasn’t responded yet ☹️ I managed to speak to my tutor and she said that she was really shocked and that she has seen courseworks worse than mine that still got higher marks. I just can’t seem to work out why I lost so many marks.
Also it won’t let me send pdf on here do you perhaps have an email I could sent it to? :smile:

Attachment not found

(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 6

Wilf G

Hey snazsey.

Bad news about the pdf thing. I don't know why that won't work. Can you just cut and paste the whole thing here, on the DM space?

If that doesn't work either, I'll pass on my email address to you.

Kate

Reply 7

snazsey

Original post by Wilf G

Hey snazsey.
Bad news about the pdf thing. I don't know why that won't work. Can you just cut and paste the whole thing here, on the DM space?
If that doesn't work either, I'll pass on my email address to you.
Kate

It won’t let me attach anything on the dm space i tried to upload it hear image by image but i realised it was bad because I don’t want to be accused of plagiarism

Reply 8

Wilf G

I think you’re right. Don’t worry. I’ve somehow got the images you sent, so we’re good. I will get back to you asap. 🙂

Reply 9

Wilf G

Hi snazsey. Been trying to get in touch for the last week! Read your messages, and see if I’m there, will you? Let me know - here? - if you can’t see them asap.

Reply 10

piggys

I would take issue with the actual question: "to what extent are women presented in Gothic lit" is very bland and general. IMO you need something far more specific and focussed which will enable you to examine those texts in close analytical detail ( I am a teacher btw).