GCSE exam question on "To Kill a Mockingbird" with revision notes

GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee



A story of the violent, intolerant, eccentric, humerous and prejudiced Deep South seen from the
perspective of young children. Scout and Jem Finch lose their innocence when their lawyer father
defends a Negro charged with the rape of a white girl.

Atticus Finch is the town’s conscience.




Exam Questions:

Atticus and his sister Alexandra have very different views and values. How does Harper Lee present the
differences between them throughout the novel? Remember to support your answer with reference to
the novel and to comment on its social, cultural and historical context.



‘To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel of hope, despite the horror it portrays.’ To what extent do you agree
with this statement? Remember to support your answer with reference to the novel and to comment on
its social, cultural and historical context.



There are several strong women in To Kill a Mockingbird. How does Harper Lee present some of these
women to highlight some aspects of American society at the time the novel was set?



Guidance for attaining the highest marks:

Answers will be cogent and astute, with assured use of relevant detail. There will be a confident
understanding of the social mores and habitual ways of thinking seen in Maycomb and how the chosen
characters are used by Lee to highlight these attitudes. Specific events which show this, such as the
chosen characters’ reaction to the trial of Tom Robinson may be used and perhaps some appreciation of
their impact on Scout, will be explored. Lee’s purpose in creating these characters will be explored



There are several strong female characters in To Kill a Mockingbird. Which do you find most interesting
and why?



In To Kill a Mockingbird, parents influence their children in different ways. How does Harper Lee show
the ways that parents influence their children?

, ‘Maycomb society requires its people to conform and punishes those who don’t.’ How far do you agree
with this statement? Remember to refer to the social, historical and cultural context of the novel in your
answer.



For which character in To Kill A Mockingbird do you have the most sympathy and why?

Write about:

• what happens to your chosen character;

• your chosen character’s relationships with other characters;

• the way your chosen character speaks and behaves;

• why you have the most sympathy for him or her.




Write about some events in To Kill a Mockingbird where children are important. In your answer you
should write about what happens and how children are important.



Write about Scout and what she shows us about the society in which she lives. In your answer
remember to refer to events in the novel. Think about: her relationships with her family her
relationships with other people in Maycomb the trial of Tom Robinson how she speaks and behaves at
different points in the novel



Why do you think Harper Lee gave her novel the title TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD? In your answer you
should refer to events in the novel and its social, historical and cultural context. Think about: characters
who may be considered mockingbirds why these characters may be considered mockingbirds anything
else you think important




Write about Aunt Alexandra and what she shows us about the society in which she lives. Think about:

• her views about Maycomb and its people;

• her relationship with Atticus and his children;

• her relationships with others;