Eduqas GCSE English Literature
Eduqas GCSE English Literature Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit Exam Questions
Free Eduqas GCSE English Literature practice questions for Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit. Covers Jeanette Winterson's novel, Jeanette and her mother, the church, Melanie, religion, sexuality, identity and storytelling.
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit practice questions
1 pack of exam-style practice questions for Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit. Plan and write as many answers as you can under timed conditions, then compare them with the guidance on this page and your notes.
About Eduqas GCSE English Literature Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit is a set text in Component 2, Section A (post-1914 prose/drama) of the Eduqas GCSE in English Literature. Jeanette Winterson's 1985 novel follows Jeanette, adopted by a fiercely evangelical mother in a northern town, who is raised to be a missionary until her love for another girl leads the church to turn on her. You answer one 40-mark question that starts from a printed extract and covers the whole text. The section assesses AO1, AO2 and AO4 (spelling, punctuation and grammar); context is not assessed here. Strong answers analyse the novel's unusual structure, including its fairy-tale interludes and Bible-book chapter titles.
Key themes, characters and context
- Jeanette The narrator is funny and sharp. She accepts her mother's faith as a child but refuses to deny her feelings for Melanie, and finally leaves home.
- Jeanette's mother Domineering and certain, she sees the world in black and white. The oranges she offers as the only fruit symbolise her narrow view.
- The church The congregation and its pastor shape Jeanette's childhood. When her relationship with Melanie is discovered, the church tries to cast out what it calls demons.
- Structure and fairy tales Chapters are named after the first eight books of the Bible, from Genesis to Ruth. Interwoven stories, such as those of Sir Perceval and Winnet Stonejar, echo Jeanette's journey.
- Elsie Norris An older friend who encourages Jeanette's imagination and offers kindness that contrasts with her mother.
Common mistakes in Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit
- Ignoring the fairy tales and chapter titles. They are central methods; explain what they add.
- Treating the mother as only a villain. Winterson also shows humour and sadness in her.
- Writing about 1980s attitudes to sexuality at length. Context is not assessed in this section.
- Narrating the plot. Analyse Winterson's ironic, comic narrative voice.
Try three Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit practice questions
1. Using the extract as a starting point, write about Jeanette's mother and how she is presented in the novel. (40 marks)
Show what a strong answer includes
A strong answer would analyse her religious certainty; her plans for Jeanette; her reaction to Melanie; her humour; the ending's uneasy reconciliation; evaluate Winterson's presentation.
2. Using the extract as a starting point, write about how Winterson presents religion in the novel. (40 marks)
Show what a strong answer includes
A strong answer would analyse church life and its comedy; the pastor's sermons; the exorcism; the Bible-book structure; Jeanette's changing faith.
3. Using the extract as a starting point, write about how Jeanette changes in the novel. (40 marks)
Show what a strong answer includes
A strong answer would trace Jeanette from obedient child to independent young woman; analyse school scenes, her relationship with Melanie and her departure; use the fairy tales as evidence.
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit FAQs
What does Eduqas GCSE English Literature Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit cover?
It covers Winterson's novel as a post-1914 text: Jeanette, her mother, the church and Melanie, and themes of religion, sexuality, identity and storytelling.
Which component is Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit examined in?
It is in Component 2, Section A (post-1914 prose/drama). You answer one 40-mark question that starts from a printed extract and asks you to write about the whole text.
How do I revise Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit?
Make a chapter chart showing each Bible-book title, the main events and the fairy tale that goes with it, then add short quotations about Jeanette and her mother.
