Edexcel A Level English Literature Paper 1 2026 Question Paper (PDF)

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Centre Number Candidate Number




Pearson Edexcel Level 3 GCE
Wednesday 13 May 2026
Morning (Time: 2 hours 15 minutes) Paper
reference 9ET0/01
English Literature  


Advanced
PAPER 1: Drama

You must have: Total Marks
Prescribed texts (clean copies only)



Instructions
•• Use black ink or ball-point pen.
Fill in the boxes at the top of this page with your name,
centre number and candidate number.
• Answer one question in Section A and one question in Section B on your
chosen texts.
• Answer the questions in the spaces provided
– there may be more space than you need.
• In your answers, you must not use texts that you have used in your coursework.
Information
•• The total mark for this paper is 60.
The marks for each question are shown in brackets
– use this as a guide as to how much time to spend on each question.

Advice
•• Read each question carefully before you start to answer it.
Check your answers if you have time at the end.




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, SECTION A
Shakespeare




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Answer ONE question on the text you have studied. Begin your answer on page 6.
TRAGEDY
Antony and Cleopatra
EITHER
1 Explore Shakespeare’s presentation of how characters deal with living in the public
eye in Antony and Cleopatra. You must relate your discussion to relevant contextual
factors and ideas from your critical reading.
(Total for Question 1 = 35 marks)
OR
2 Explore Shakespeare’s presentation of destiny in Antony and Cleopatra. You must
relate your discussion to relevant contextual factors and ideas from your
critical reading.
(Total for Question 2 = 35 marks)

Hamlet
EITHER
3 Explore the presentation of fathers and father figures in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. You
must relate your discussion to relevant contextual factors and ideas from your
critical reading.
(Total for Question 3 = 35 marks)
OR
4 Explore how Shakespeare creates suspense and tension in Hamlet. You must relate
your discussion to relevant contextual factors and ideas from your critical reading.
(Total for Question 4 = 35 marks)




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, Answer ONE question on the text you have studied. Begin your answer on page 6.
King Lear
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EITHER
5 Explore the presentation of the conflict between generations in Shakespeare’s King
Lear. You must relate your discussion to relevant contextual factors and ideas from
your critical reading.
(Total for Question 5 = 35 marks)
OR
6 Explore Shakespeare’s presentation of kingship in King Lear. You must relate your
discussion to relevant contextual factors and ideas from your critical reading.
(Total for Question 6 = 35 marks)

Othello
EITHER
7 Explore the presentation of reason versus passion in Shakespeare’s Othello. You
must relate your discussion to relevant contextual factors and ideas from your
critical reading.
(Total for Question 7 = 35 marks)
OR
8 Explore the presentation of goodness in Shakespeare’s Othello. You must relate your
discussion to relevant contextual factors and ideas from your critical reading.
(Total for Question 8 = 35 marks)




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