Literature in education, especially senior years, presents an inherent complication. On one side, there’s the need for students to develop critical thinking and genuine engagement with texts; on the other, there’s the practical reality of exams, where ‘ticking boxes,’ memorising essays, and technical precision determine results. As tutors, our role isn’t to reject one in favor of the other but to strike a balance between literary appreciation and exam success.

There is value in learning how to “tick the boxes.” Examinations reward clarity, structure, and the ability to link ideas to established techniques. A well-prepared student should be able to identify how Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’ critiques mass hysteria or how ‘The Meursault Investigation’ responds to colonial narratives. However, focusing only on techniques and pre-prepared responses can make literature feel mechanical, limiting a student’s ability to develop original ideas.

A strong tutoring approach ensures students master both aspects – allowing studentsto break down marking criteria and refine their ability to structure responses effectively while also encouraging them to engage with texts in a way that feels meaningful. One way to achieve this is by linking analytical techniques to broader discussions, perhaps exploring why a motif is significant, rather than just identifying it, or considering how a historical context shapes a novel’s message.

When students approach literature with curiosity, their writing naturally improves. They move beyond formulaic answers while still ensuring their responses meet exam requirements. The goal is to create students who not only perform well in assessments but also develop the confidence to articulate their own interpretations. After all, the best essays don’t just demonstrate knowledge, they show genuine engagement with ideas.

Oliver Fletcher