Romeo and Juliet: Grade 9 is Just Knowing Stuff

I am always astonished at the power of hard work.

I am even more astonished at how hard immigrants work. Different cultures have different work ethics and different beliefs in the need for an education. Their families often come from countries where education is not always free, and often not full time.

We live in one of the greatest countries in the world - healthcare is free, even if you weight 30 stone, or are an alcoholic, or you’ve been addicted to drugs. Welfare is available if you can’t work, so is housing. The government will literally pay you to do nothing. We have free speech, and your parents can’t go to jail for opposing the government. We have real roads, with actual tarmac. The rubbish gets collected, the sewers, by and large, don’t flow into the streets. No one is dying from hunger or a lack of drugs. We’ve been free of war since 1945.

It is almost impossible not to take this for granted, because it is what we have always known. We are basically rich kids, the spoiled brats of the free world, whining about our mental health because everything else is almost literally given to us for free.

We live in the fifth largest economy in the world. Life here is not perfect. There are actually 19 countries in the world where the average wealth per person is higher. Yet we rank 20th out of 195, which is the top 10% baby.

But still. If you watch the news, read a newspaper, or follow current events on social media, the country is going to the dogs. People who believe this instead of the facts are not just stupid. They are buying into a world view which says, what’s the point, the world is loaded against us, the country is getting worse and worse.

This is a stupid view because, even if it is true, it robs you of the only thing that can possibly change - optimism that the future can be changed, that you can make a difference.

This optimism is what sees the value in hard work, in learning new things, and trying to succeed.

If you were born here, you’ve already won the lottery of life. Nora knows this. So do I. If you don’t know it, it is because your head is glued to your phone, or buried somewhere even worse.

I tell you this because today’s essay comes from a student who recently arrived here. I looked at the length of it and asked, ‘how many of my readers will be put off by the length?’

Don’t be. It is simply hard work. Write fast. Go on the B of Bang.

Students with average intelligence can simply learn more. In a literature exam, the only time you have to make things up on the spot is unseen poetry. The rest of the time, it is just knowing stuff.

Anyone can do that.

Not everyone can write 1657 words. But everyone can write over 1000. I have never seen an essay of over 1000 words fail to get a grade 9. If you are not getting grade 8 or 9, that is the number one reason. You just don’t write enough. You haven’t learned enough stuff, or you don’t go on the B of bang. Both are completely within your control.

Good evening Sir,

I did my GCSE examinations in June 2024. I was never confident with my English and struggled a lot, given that I moved to England in Year 9. Since then, I realised I needed extra support. That is how I found your YouTube channel. My sole revision for my GCSE English exams were making notes from your videos- I simply cannot thank you enough.

I just wanted to show my appreciation by sending you both my English Literature exams- I gained full marks from both papers, and an overall Grade 9. I hope these prove to be useful to you when guiding even more students towards amazing grades!

Please see attached for the papers.

Kind regards,
Nora Aslan (Nora is ok with me giving her name, which I admire. We should be proud when we have done well).

• “Paragraph 1”

  Improve Argument Clarity

  In the opening paragraph, clarify how Juliet’s challenges specifically relate to societal expectations. For example, you could mention her struggle for autonomy more directly. Connecting the ideas more explicitly shows a deeper understanding (AO1).

• “Paragraph 2”

  Strengthen Analysis

  In the second paragraph, when discussing Lord Capulet, explain how his actions impact Juliet’s freedom more clearly. Expanding on how his decisions affect her choices will strengthen your argument (AO2).

• “Paragraph 3”

  Enhance Literary Analysis

  In the third paragraph, when discussing the sonnet, illustrate how the sonnet’s structure reinforces Juliet’s agency. Saying more about the effect of shared voice can enhance your point (AO2).

• “Conclusion”

  Conclude Effectively

  The final paragraph needs a clearer conclusion, linking back to Juliet’s journey throughout the play. Summarising her growth will demonstrate strong thematic understanding (AO3).

• “Introduction”

  Strong Thesis Statement

  Your introduction effectively sets the stage for discussing Juliet as a character. It offers a strong thesis about her position in patriarchal society, which is insightful and engaging.

• Effective Quote Use

  The use of quotes from the text is strong, providing solid evidence to back your claims. This strengthens your argument and demonstrates textual understanding, which is key for high marks.

• Compare Character Actions

  Add more analysis of how Juliet’s development contrasts with the male characters in the play. For example, when discussing her decisions, you could compare them to Romeo’s actions to show differing views on love and responsibility.

• Incorporate Historical Context

  Include more context about the Elizabethan audience’s values regarding women, especially when discussing Juliet’s actions and desires. This contextual knowledge adds depth to your argument and aligns with AO4.

• Clearer Topic Sentences

  Clarify your points with clearer topic sentences at the start of each paragraph. For example, stating the main idea directly in the first sentence can help the reader follow your argument more easily.

Mark: 25/30

English examiners give the wrong grade 50% of the time, according to Ofqual.

Tilf has given the right grade, but the mark is too low.

However, I always find Tilf’s advice really useful. You should know that I am not paid by Tilf, unless you use my code - I literally recommend them because I think the feedback will help any student improve.

If you like Tilf’s advice, use my Promo Code SALLES10 for a 10% discount.

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