This comprehensive teaching resource focuses on Stave One of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. It includes various engaging activities designed to deepen students’ understanding of character analysis, themes, and narrative elements in the novella. It is suitable for students who struggle with comprehension. The unit contains - Summary Activity: Students fill in the gaps in a summary of Stave One, reinforcing key plot points and character introductions. This exercise encourages comprehension and retention of the text. Character Descriptions: A list of adjectives allows students to identify and select characteristics that apply to Ebenezer Scrooge at the beginning of the story. An extension task requires students to create sentences using these adjectives, promoting vocabulary development and critical thinking. Letter Writing: In a creative writing exercise, students imagine they are Scrooge and write a letter to their doctor after witnessing the ghostly door knocker. This task enhances empathy and perspective-taking. Character Reflections: A thought-expressing activity allows students to explore the mind of a charity worker after encountering Scrooge, fostering understanding of social themes in the text. Diary Entry: Students take on the role of Bob Cratchit and write a diary entry reflecting on his day, providing insights into his character and family dynamics while practicing narrative writing skills. True/False Comprehension: A set of comprehension questions based on the end of Stave One tests students’ understanding of key events and themes, reinforcing critical reading skills. Topic Sentences: Students create topic sentences that highlight different portrayals of Scrooge, strengthening their ability to write cohesive paragraphs. Character Matching: This matching exercise identifies character actions and traits, ensuring students can recognize and articulate key characteristics of Fred, Scrooge, Marley, and Bob Cratchit. Quotation, Memory Aid: A colour code system to remember key quotations. This resource is perfect for educators looking to enhance their lessons on A Christmas Carol, providing a variety of activities that cater to different learning styles and promote a deeper understanding of the text.

The Practice Paper for GCSE English Language ,Paper Two offers comprehensive support for teachers following the AQA curriculum. Here’s an overview of its content and its usefulness in supporting students in understanding how to respond to the different questions: Reading Section: The paper contains two rich, contrasting texts on seaside holidays — one set in the 1970s and the other in 1875. Students are tasked with summarizing differences, analyzing language, and comparing perspectives across both texts. This structure mirrors AQA exam questions, enhancing students’ exam readiness. Writing Section: The second part requires students to compose a travel blog article, allowing them to practice persuasive writing and structuring arguments effectively. The paper includes a detailed writing plan, outlining balanced and one-sided viewpoints, which aids in teaching the skills required for structured writing responses. Marking Support: Teachers can use the provided mark scheme to evaluate responses across reading and writing tasks, using AQA’s assessment objectives Additionally, the model answers act as exemplars, illustrating what successful responses should look like. These provide an opportunity to look closely at the language features and the structure of successful reading responses. This paper will be invaluable for AQA teachers, offering realistic practice and clear guidance aligned with curriculum expectations.

With its easy to read format, this exceptionally presented version of The Signalman will make all the difference for students who struggle to read GCSE texts. Packed with pictures based on the story, the version also includes comprehension questions to help discussion. The subheadings provide a clearer structure for readers to navigate the text. Prior to reading, there is a list of complex words for students to practice their fluency and comprehension. At the end there are some suggested drama, art and writing activities. There is a vocabulary list to support students in analysing character and setting, as well as providing a scaffold for understanding the reaction of the reader. The book is a great addition to help language/literature students understand the well known GCSE text. It provides the necessary differentiation for them to access DIckens’ classic story.

This dyslexia friendly, functional skills writing workbook includes a structured approach to improve writing by using model answers, questionnaires, plans and colour-coded spelling of key words. The questions are focused on improving a park and reviewing a visit to an amusement park. Each section begins with typical writing questions on the Functional Skills (AQA) Paper. To engage students, questionnaires and discussion questions are provided to help students develop their ideas. This will also support the speaking and listening element of the exam. There are colour coded words to aid the spelling and reading of key words related to the questions. This is aimed to support students with additional needs and has proved an effective way to support dyslexics due to the visual elements involved. There are two model answers - one aimed at Level One and another at Level Two. This is provided to differentiate for those who show progress in their writing. A scheme accompanies this unit and provides additional ideas to support teaching. This is an invaluable resource to deliver the writing element of the Functional Skills exam.

This GCSE (AQA), English Literature practice paper, model answer and vocabulary support sheet focuses on the theme of secrecy in Robert Louis Stevenson’s “The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.” It provides an in-depth analysis of how secrecy functions as a destructive force within the novel, revealing the duality of human nature and the psychological strain it causes. The practice paper based unit is structured to help students understand key elements, such as: How secrecy affects Dr. Jekyll’s emotional and physical state, influencing his relationships and morality. Detailed examination of an extract from Chapter 3, highlighting Jekyll’s physical reactions and attempts to evade discussions about Mr. Hyde. Exploration of the wider novel, discussing how Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde symbolizes hidden desires and the eventual loss of control. The impact of Victorian societal norms on characters like Utterson and Lanyon, who prioritize maintaining appearances over confronting uncomfortable truths. The structural role of secrecy, using documents and letters to gradually reveal the truth, creating suspense and highlighting the tragic consequences of concealment. The guide includes a model answer and an indicative content section to assist students in crafting well-supported responses in exams. The vocabulary resource is designed to enhance students’ understanding of key vocabulary related to the theme of secrecy in Stevenson’s novel. It includes a list of essential words and phrases used in the model essay, such as “concealment,” “hidden desires,” “psychological strain,” and “respectable facade,” each crucial for interpreting the text’s deeper meanings. Students are required to find definitions and explanations of how these terms relate to the novel’s context. An exercise is provided for students to write sentences using these words, reinforcing their comprehension and ability to discuss themes effectively in essays. This unit offers valuable tools for students preparing for the AQA, GCSE English Literature exam, providing both analytical frameworks and vocabulary mastery to excel in their studies.

The following GCSE, English Literature guide includes a practice GCSE question, extract, guidance, model essay and independent writing task. A list of keywords and phrases from the model essay is provided to familiarise students with vocabulary they need to write a successful response. The detailed essay is effective in helping students think about the elements that make an engaging response. This is followed by a guidance section, demonstrating the features of the essay based on the AQA Assessment Criteria. Finally, there is an independent writing question with an extract from Chapter 1. This will allow students to practise the essay writing skills they have learnt. An additional quiz is also available to recap the main events of Chapter 4. This can be used as an extension exercise to help familiarise themselves with this crucial part of the novel.

AQA Paper 1 (Creative Reading and Writing) - Flicker of Hope This unit helps prepare for the GCSE (AQA) Paper 1 and provides opportunity to focus on successful responses. It contains: A Practice Paper: Focuses on analyising a fiction text, with questions designed to assess reading comprehension, language analysis, and structure. There is also a picture based writing section as well as a story prompt. Answer Guidance : Detailed guidance including some model responses. Based on AQA Assessment Objectives Literary Devices Quiz: A useful multiple choice quiz to support learning of the key literary devices. The practice paper and quiz are invaluable in preparing students for Paper One of the AQA, English Language Exam!

This comprehensive guide is designed to help GCSE students excel in both the reading and descriptive writing sections of the AQA English Language Paper 1. It provides clear, practical strategies for approaching each type of question, with step-by-step advice and model responses tailored to exam requirements. Reading Section: Extract and Practice Questions: The extract is taken from a historical novel set in the early 1900s… Typical AQA questions are provided to assess comprehension. In-Depth Question Guidance: Detailed advice on how to respond to each question type, from basic information retrieval to deeper analysis and evaluation. Model Answers: Example responses to show students how to structure answers, use subject-specific vocabulary, and apply evaluative language. Exam Skills: Strategies to help students identify key information, understand how to interpret language and structure, and analyze the writer’s techniques effectively. Descriptive Writing Section: Practice questions: A picture prompt and story writing task is provided. Exam-Specific Tips: Tailored advice for AQA Paper 1, focusing on breaking down the task, using strong topic sentences, and structuring responses to maximize marks. Model Descriptive Paragraphs: High-quality example paragraphs that demonstrate effective use of descriptive techniques and language choices. Self-Assessment Checklist: A checklist to help students review and refine their work, ensuring they meet exam criteria for high marks. An additional extension activity is provided in which a student writes an email to explain how to succeed in Question 4. Perfect For: Teachers seeking comprehensive resources for teaching both reading and descriptive writing skills Students aiming to improve their understanding of reading comprehension and creative writing techniques Tutors looking to support students with exam preparation for AQA English Language Paper 1 This guide will help students build confidence in their reading and writing skills, offering structured guidance and practical tools for exam success.

This unit aims to improve understanding of the GCSE, WJEC/Eduqas, English Language - Component One paper. It includes an overview of each question type, short extracts, model response, quizzes and assessments. It is ideal for teachers to approach the paper in a methodical and step by step manner. The Overview and Guide booklet is divided into Reading and Writing. It includes an explanation and requirements for each question type, an example, model answer and quiz/assessment. This allows students to discuss the features of a successful answer and for teachers to focus on different elements. The second ‘Practice, Extension Booklet’ provides further examples and quizzes that can be used to assess independent learning or to deepen understanding. There is also a ‘Further Exercises’ booklet to reflect the range of questions in 2 to 5 which can focus on character, relationships or setting. The structure of the booklet suits students who struggle with the requirements of each question and the overall structure of the paper. A model, creative writing response is also provided. The resource is effective in helping students build confidence and fluency prior to the examination!

This Functional Skills, English (Level Two), Practice Paper is based on the City and Guilds format. Resources are provided to support students with additional needs access its content. The practice paper (reading) is based on the theme of the environment and contains online newspaper/web page articles. The questions are similar in style to the functional skills examination. The writing paper has two questions with accompanying model answers. Two further assessment questions are provided with plans. Along with the Practice Paper and Marking Scheme, a list of words divided into syllables is provided. These should be copied using different colours to aid visual memory. This will help the students memorise the words and read them fluently. A list of key phrases is also given to read prior to the whole texts. In the writing section, key phrases from the model answers are listed for students to familiarise themselves with the content. This resources offers invaluable support for students with additional needs such as dyslexia and will help them to access the exam style/content.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help GCSE students excel in both the reading and writing sections of the WJEC - Eduqas, English Language, Component 2 exam. A practice paper is provided based on extracts that focus on the experiences of the theatre - one contemporary and the other Victorian. It provides clear, practical strategies for approaching each type of question, with step-by-step advice and model responses tailored to exam requirements. The guide focuses on key areas such as language analysis, use of subject specific vocabulary, thoughts and feelings, and evaluation and has notes on how the responses meet the assessment objectives. The unit also offers two argumentative/ explanatory prompts along with model responses. These can be shared with students to discuss successful features of the writing. An additional resource is provided to explain how to use PEEL paragraphs to structure ideas. This resource gives students the tools and confidence they need to succeed in both the reading comprehension and writing sections of Component Two.

With six model, GCSE essays based on six scenes from Macbeth, Act 1, this is an invaluable resource for GCSE English Literature students and the extract question, in particular. Each section contains a cloze/gap-fill activity with the key missing words colour-coded for students with reading or spelling difficulties. The gap-fill also provides an opportunity to discuss various aspects of the model essay. At the end of each section there is an independent essay question related to the model answer. This provides a chance to assess the students’ understanding of how to construct an English Literature essay. Finally, there is a plan to help students structure their ideas. These six model essays will provide weeks of instruction in how to write a GCSE ,extract based response and ensure progress!

This A Christmas Carol resource is designed to help GCSE, English Literature teachers guide students in analyzing the theme of redemption in Charles Dickens’ novella. An extract from Stave Two is provided alongside the question: ‘How does Dickens present the theme of redemption in this extract and in the novella as a whole?’ This allows students to focus their analysis on specific text examples while linking back to the novella’s broader themes. Tailored for both classroom learning and independent study, the resource includes: Model Essay Response - A detailed and well-structured exemplar response that explores how Dickens presents redemption through vivid imagery, symbolism, and character development. The essay addresses the novella as a whole, focusing on the role of each Spirit in Scrooge’s transformation. Key Vocabulary and Analytical Phrases - A curated list of phrases such as “transformative power of redemption,” “motif of light as a symbol of enlightenment,” and “systemic inequalities of Victorian England.” This vocabulary aids students in developing high-quality responses. Storyboard summaries of Stave Two to provide visual and contextual support for the extract. Ideal for paired discussions and comprehension. Independent Extract Tasks - Another extract is provided to assess students’ understanding of text analysis and thematic understanding. This resource equips students with the tools to critically evaluate the text while ensuring they meet assessment objectives. Perfect for building analytical skills and boosting confidence for exam responses.

This GCSE, English Literature resource provides an extract and a comprehension from Chapter 2 of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”. The extract delves into Mr. Utterson’s troubled thoughts and the nightmarish visions that plague him as he grapples with the mystery surrounding Mr. Hyde. There is a set of 12 questions designed to test students’ understanding of the passage, focusing on the imagery, character descriptions, and thematic elements. Example questions include: What recurring images does the lawyer see in his dreams? How does the lawyer describe Mr. Hyde’s face? What does the lawyer hope to achieve by seeing Mr. Hyde’s face? An essay question prompts students to discuss how Stevenson presents the themes of duality and the nature of evil in this extract and throughout the novel. Guidance is provided for structuring the answer, including an introduction to the themes, analysis of the extract, comparison with other parts of the novel, and a concluding summary. This resource is ideal for GCSE students studying “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”. It encourages critical thinking and detailed analysis of key themes and characters in the novel. The comprehension questions and essay prompts help students engage with the text at a deeper level, fostering a better understanding of Stevenson’s literary techniques and thematic explorations. For more Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde resources, including a study guide, visit my Shop.

Ideal for preparation for GCSE English Language, AQA - Paper 2, Q4, this unit has two extracts, an exam question based on Q4 and a marking rubric. The rubric focuses on the use of narrative voice and tone to convey a message. The two texts are based on ‘Litter Picking’ - one from Victorian times and one modern. Having used the resource with my students, it has been successful and exploring the use of narrative voice.

This graded, GCSE, English Language unit uses a story and a picture as a way to help students understand some of the consequences of heavy traffic. The student uses these prompts to write a persuasive article about have a no car zone near school. There are also two model letters, one formal and one informal, to show students how they could structure a GCSE writing task. The resource is also useful for KS3 and KS2 English students.