For most of the top universities for a Masters in English Literature (UCB, University of Oxford, Colombia University, UCLA, University of Cambridge etc.) there is no GRE requirement . Despite this, submitting GRE scores (with the verbal test scores 160+ out of 170 and the analytical writing scores 5+ out of 6) will definitely help boost your application and act as a valuable credential to be considered when the admissions committee takes a look at your application material. Although, if you are applying for a graduate program in English literature and you score less than 160 in the verbal section of the GRE general test, then it is advised to not send in your scores if the University doesn't require them.

The only test scores which are absolutely integral to each and every university for a graduate program in English literature would be the English language proficiency test scores.

The breakdown of scores for IELTS should be at least 7 in all four individual sections (speaking, listening, reading and writing) and an overall score of 7.5 is preferred for admission.

The breakdown of scores for TOEFL should be at least 25 out of 30 in each individual section (speaking, listening, reading and writing) and an overall score of around 110 out of 120 is preferred.

If the applicant is looking forward to obtaining a TA (Teaching Assistantship) position alongside graduate education, then the speaking score requirements are often around 27 or 28 out of 30 depending on the specific university.