‘A thesis-style introduction that demonstrates your understanding of the question can be a really helpful way of starting your answer. It shows that you are ‘in charge’ of your essay and that you know what you think. It can provide a strong foundation for the rest of the essay. Keep referring back to the introduction to create a coherent response.’ AQA examiner’s report 2022
Creating a thesis-style introduction is a challenge for many students but is essential in helping students to reach levels 4-6 in the mark scheme. I have produced a simple 3 point structure to help students quickly generate a thesis statement in timed exam conditions. There is an example of the 3 point structure being used and then students attempt to imitate the structure for 4 other exam-style questions.
6 revision cards containing detailed analysis of how Macbeth’s fears are presented across the play. Ideal preparation for both the 2022 and 2023 AQA exam questions about Macbeth’s fears and about how Macbeth changes during the play.
A sheet to help students plan a response to the following AQA 1-9 question on Romeo and Juliet which meets the criteria for A01, A02, A03:
How far do you think Shakespeare presents Capulet as a good father. (34)
Visual aid/revision sheet containing thoughtful comments on 10 key quotations for Mr Birling linking to both A02 and A03. Also contains a thesis-style introduction.
Also includes a blank version that I get students to fill in first before going through my answers.
Includes both a pdf and an editable word version.
A handy revision sheet to help students write a high level response on the character of Squealer in Animal Farm.
11 carefully selected quotations about Squealer are analysed in detail for authorial methods and authorial message which takes into account the wider historical context.
Revision sheet that explores 10 key Ralph quotations from Lord of the Flies. Each explanation strives to make thoughtful comments about how Golding utiliises the character as a conduit to explore bigger ideas.
Also includes a thesis-style introduction.
A Napoleon Animal Farm revision sheet ideal for preparing for a possible question on this character in the exam.
There is a thesis-style overview followed by thoughtful analysis of 11 key quotations with explicit reference to the impact of authorial methods (A02) and regular considerations of wider contextual ideas outside of the text (A03).
Character sheet which analyses and strives to make thoughtful comments about 10 key Jack quotations in Lord of the Flies. Also includes a thesis style introduction.
Character revision sheet for Simon in Lord of the Flies. Includes a thesis introduction and 10 key quotations with thoughtful and exploratory comments.
Revision sheet analysing and exploring 10 key Piggy quotations from Lord of the Flies. Each explanation strives to explore how Golding uses the character of Piggy of Piggy as a conduit to explore bigger ideas. Also includes a thesis-style introduction. Perfect revision for preparing for the possibility for a character question on Piggy in 2024.
Revise 64 carefully selected mini quotations for the closed book examinations.
Also includes a short summary of each scene to help students work out when each mini quotations is said.
I have kept the quotations as concise as possible to aid with memory.
Complete ready to teach lesson includes a differentiated starter, animated annotations covering the whole scene followed by comprehension questions to test students’ understanding of the scene.
A relaxing end of term quiz on Lord of the Flies. Students have to guess the quotation from the image. There are 40 images linking to 40 key quotations. Answer sheet is provided. If it’s the end of term, why not then let the students colour in the quotations.
A timeline that looks at 13 quotations across the play that link to the motif of fire. This is aimed at high level students to help them make thoughtful and perceptive points about the way Dickens uses the motif to explore various ideas.