It's not difficult to grasp English. It really isn't. it's all about the
HOW HOW HOW HOW HOW HOW
learn your quotes, and try to get hold of ONE really good essay (from the class or bored of studies..standard packages), preferably your own. What gets you 90%+ in an exam is everything that glitter has been telling you, but to go to the absolute top end (i went there twice! woohoo!) you need to utilize your originality. Originality is an absolute must- this obviously comes from your true understanding of the text and your ability to relate it to yourself and your society and literature in general. If you just want to pass: memorise that (shit) essay, dont answer the question, and manipulate quotes for what their NOT intended for..guarantee a pass.. provided you have plenty of luck.
So the formula for doing well in the exam?
1. Manipulate useful quotes (learn them all off by heart!!!)- they should reflect the theme, and provide insight to the module as well as able to be used in pretty much any question... you gotta sparkle in front of the marker!! I admit finding these valuable quotes require a very thorough understanding of the text...so read carefully!
2.Answer the question with the *******HOW**** u know...what the composer said and respond to the syllabus outcomes. Read the outcomes for each prescribed text, i got a copy of the King Lear one, and that was very useful.
3.Don't even think about memorised essays. You spend more time in the exam memorising the words rather than answering the questoin. You can end up panickking coz u cant remember word for word. Either that or your writing turns to be a bit pedestrian.
But to STUDY for English...read read read your text and get a feel for it (get the main idea, then re-read it so then you can come up with ur original ideas)...think think think about the module's requirements... write write, but dont write too much or else your thesis will become too solid. Do have a good look at the types of questions, and plan a bit. Also, make sure your related text is appropriate and displays your understanding of the text.
Basicly, you gotta mould your way around english. imagination helps, but the hard yards get you there. I hope you get to see the beauty & value of English, coz i loved it to bits, and indeed, like glitter.. it's changed the way i think.