This comprehensive guide is designed to help GCSE students excel in both the reading and descriptive writing sections of 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 psychological narrative set in the the early 21st Century. 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. Model Descriptive Paragraphs: High-quality example paragraphs that demonstrate effective use of descriptive techniques and language choices.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help GCSE students excel in both the reading and short story writing sections of the WJEC - Eduqas, English Language, Component 1 exam. A practice paper is provided based on a psychological story extract that focuses on the experiences of a mother who has recently separated from her husband. 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, mood shifts, thoughts and feelings, and evaluation and has notes on how the responses meet the assessment objectives. The unit also offers four creative short story prompts along with a model response. This can be shared with students to discuss successful features of the writing. An additional resource - a table to make notes to deepen analysis - is included. This resource gives students the tools and confidence they need to succeed in the reading comprehension section.

This booklet is designed to improve the use of verbs for analysing language - it is aimed at GCSE students with additional needs such as dyslexia. Students will leanr how to use verbs such as amplifies, suggests, conveys and connotes to write about an extract or picture prompt. In total twenty-nine verbs are presented which can be used to analyse language and structure. For students who struggle with reading fluency and spelling, it contains an activity to copy the targeted verb using colour coded syllables. This will aid visual memory and help to remember how to write the targeted verbs and use in their writing. This is followed by definitions and examples of each verb used in context. There is a picture prompt and an extract prompt which students have to use to practise their own use of the verbs. Finally, a separate, gap fill activity is provided to deepen their understanding of the verbs and how they can be used. For students with additional needs such as dyslexia, ADHD and autism, targeted and explicit language work is required to help develop academic language use. The booklet will improve students’ use of language to analyse the language used in an extract!

This unit is designed for GCSE, English Literature - Macbeth. It focuses on Act 1, Scene 2 and engages students who struggle with the content and language. There is a Macbeth, rap poem to summarise the plot, as well as a modern gangster version of the scene. The genre of a gangster scene has been successful in engaging reluctant students! After they read the modern version there are multiple choice quizzes to help students summarise the plot of the scene and understand the main characters. The second resource contains a key quotation, colouring activity to aid memory and the original version with comic book style illustrations. The second resources finishes with a comic strip of the Macbeth soliloquy. Students are required to write down what he said. Full of engaging images and content, the unit is an excellent way to engage SEN and ESL students and help them understand Act 2, Scene 1!

This unit is designed for GCSE, English Literature - Macbeth. It focuses on Act 1, Scene 2 and engages students who struggle with the content and language. There is a Macbeth, rap poem to summarise the plot, as well as a modern gangster version of the scene. The genre of a gangster scene has been successful in engaging reluctant students! After they read the modern version there are multiple choice quizzes to help students summarise the plot of the scene and understand the main characters. The second resource contains a key quotation, colouring activity to aid memory and the original version with comic book style illustrations. The second resources finishes with a comic strip of the sergeant approaching King Duncan. Students are required to write down what he said. Full of engaging images and content, the unit is an excellent way to engage SEN and ESL students and help them understand Act 1, Scene 2!

Metaphors in Shakespeare’s texts can be difficult for students to understand. This unit explains some of the key metaphors used in Macbeth and prepares students for their GCSE, English Literature exam. The unit includes a booklet to explain the key metaphors in depth and provides context to the quotations. To help students with additional needs, vocabulary lists are provided. The student can use these to identify meaning, and learn how to read/spell them. There is a key quotation list provided separately. Students can use this to learn them by rote. Finally, there is an assessment section using a short extract that includes one of the metaphors. This is accompanied with a marking rubric and sample answer.

The GCSE, Reading Response, English Language Unit supports students in understanding how to write an extended response to a question on the Reading Section. Dyslexic GCSE, English students have commented that the structure helps them see what they need to do to succeed in this type of question. The texts focus on a difficult relationship between two explorers. It scaffolds students response by providing a Vocabulary Bank to help write the topic sentences, a model answer and a marking rubric for an independent activity. The model essay sentence openers are coloured in blue so students understand the way they need to begin their own sentences. The unit finishes with an independent, reading response unit with a marking rubric. The unit is effective in supporting students who struggle to structure a reading response answer!

This unit prepares students for the AQA, GCSE, English Literature, Unseen Poetry Section. It includes poems by Thomas Hardy and Emily Dickinson, an analysis framework, exam question and model PEEL paragraphs. A practice question is also provided. The unit begins with ‘The Darkling Thrush’ by Thomas Hardy. Students complete a table about the features of the poem divided into Subject, Theme, Imagery, Language and Emotion. They then look at a typical question and compare their response to a model paragraph. Students then focus on the comparison with a poem by Emily Dickinson. Two model paragraphs are provided. A practice paper is included for students to practice these skills.

This comprehensive resource focuses on the theme of fear in A Christmas Carol, particularly through the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come in Stave 4. It provides an analytical, GCSE, English Literature essay designed to demonstrate high-level critical thinking and essay structure, alongside a simplified version for differentiation. Additionally, a storyboard summary task with a picture prompt is included, engaging students in visualizing the key moments of Stave 4 while reinforcing their understanding of the ghost’s symbolic role. Key Features: Detailed Model Essay -Explores how Dickens conveys fear through imagery, symbolism, and Scrooge’s physical reactions in the extract. -Links the ghost’s portrayal to wider themes in the novella, such as societal critique and personal transformation. -Examines role of fear as a catalyst for change, both for Scrooge and Dickens’s Victorian readers. -Simplified Essay Version (Written in accessible language for students requiring additional support). Storyboard Summary Task Visual activity using picture prompts to help students summarize the key events of Stave 4. Encourages creativity while ensuring comprehension of critical moments, such as Scrooge’s reaction to the ghost and the depiction of his grave.

Engage your students with a comprehensive analysis of violence in Macbeth, designed to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare’s language, themes, and character development. It is an ideal resource to prepare students for the GCSE, English Literature, Macbeth question. Two model essays are provided about the portrayal of violence in the play: Version One: A straightforward, student-friendly essay that explores how Shakespeare presents violence in Act 1, Scene 2, and throughout the play. Perfect for mid-level students, this version emphasizes the basics of thesis development, PEEL structure, and integrating evidence. Version Two: A more advanced essay, ideal for higher-achieving students. It offers a nuanced thesis and detailed analysis of Shakespeare’s use of language, imagery, and themes, with connections to ambition, tyranny, and moral decay. Targeted questions on content, structure, language, and style to support critical thinking and essay-writing skills are included to analyse the relevant essay. The questions will encourage students to identify thesis statements, evaluate the use of evidence, and assess how the essays connect ideas from the extract to the wider play. A Picture Sequence Resource is also included focusing on Act 1, Scene 2. It contains a sequence of key images representing the battle scene and Macbeth’s heroic violence, designed to help visual learners. These images are accompanied with questions about the plot. Equip your students with the tools they need to master the theme of violence in Macbeth. Perfect for class activities, homework assignments, or revision sessions!

These resources offer an in-depth exploration of the settings in Macbeth, helping GCSE, English Literature teachers guide their students through the significance of the locations in the play. The resource includes a detailed map of Scotland, marking key locations such as Duncan’s Castle at Forres, Macbeth’s Castle at Inverness, the Heath, and Dunsinane Hill. Each location is linked to its thematic importance and the events that unfold there, providing a clear structure for classroom discussions and essay planning. Each location is carefully explained in terms of its thematic role in the play. For example, King Duncan’s Castle at Forres is presented as a symbol of legitimacy and order, while Macbeth’s Castle at Inverness is associated with deception and treachery. These descriptions allow students to connect the physical settings with the play’s broader themes, such as kingship, ambition, and fate. Key Moments & Themes: Each location is linked to important scenes and moments in the play, helping students understand how the settings are woven into the narrative structure. For instance, Macbeth’s Castle is tied to Duncan’s murder, while Dunsinane Hill is connected to Macbeth’s downfall and the fulfillment of the witches’ prophecy. Themes like ambition, power, fate, and deception are highlighted in relation to specific settings, providing students with clear context for their analyses. PEEL Paragraph Guide: Teachers can use the included PEEL paragraph structure to help students craft clear, focused responses about the significance of each location. The resource includes an example PEEL paragraph for Macbeth’s Castle at Inverness, demonstrating how to analyze a setting in terms of its symbolic meaning, character development, and thematic relevance. Comprehension Questions: Thought-provoking comprehension questions are provided for each location, designed to encourage critical thinking and guide students towards deeper insights into the play. These questions help students explore the symbolic meanings of each setting and link them to character motivations and thematic concerns. Battle Locations Summary: The resource includes a comparison of the opening and final battles, highlighting how the two settings symbolize the rise and fall of Macbeth’s power. Teachers can use this to discuss the cyclical nature of violence and the conflict between loyalty and ambition, reinforcing the significance of battle scenes within the play’s larger narrative. Teaching Benefits: Engagement with Themes: Teachers can use the settings to engage students with the complex themes of Macbeth, making it easier for them to connect literary elements like setting with character development and plot progression.

This resource is designed for GCSE English Literature teachers looking to deepen their students’ understanding of key themes, character development, and dramatic techniques in J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls, particularly focusing on the themes of responsibility and generational conflict. It includes a comprehensive set of key vocabulary and phrases, a detailed essay analysing how Priestley explores these themes, and a range of discussion questions to encourage critical thinking and class debate. Key Features: Key Vocabulary and Phrases: A carefully curated list of essential terms, such as “responsibility,” “generational conflict,” and “moral failings,” alongside character traits and literary devices. These will help students grasp important concepts and enhance their analytical skills. Detailed Essay: A model essay exploring how An Inspector Calls critiques generational attitudes to responsibility, focusing on the contrasting perspectives of the older and younger characters. The essay discusses the dramatic techniques Priestley employs, including dramatic irony, foreshadowing, and cyclical structure, as well as the symbolic use of characters like Mr Birling, Sheila, Eric, and Mrs Birling. Key Phrases from the Play: A selection of notable quotes from the play, offering insight into the themes of responsibility, societal change, and moral conflict. Each quote is accompanied by a discussion question to help students analyze the significance and implications of the dialogue. Discussion Questions: Thought-provoking questions exploring the generational divide in the play, helping students to critically engage with the text. These questions focus on character development, moral responsibility, and Priestley’s social critique, offering opportunities for deeper analysis and class discussions. Reflection on Relevance Today: An exploration of how the generational conflict in An Inspector Calls mirrors societal attitudes during Priestley’s time and its continued relevance in today’s world, prompting students to consider the ongoing importance of social responsibility and change. An additional resource is provided which focuses on understanding the key moment when The Inspector leaves. Students have to write in speech bubbles about what each character would say in their disagreement.

Enhance students understanding of Charles Dickens’ timeless novella A Christmas Carol with this comprehensive resource, focusing on the role of the supernatural. This study guide is designed to support GCSE, English Literature students in exploring key themes, character analysis, and Dickens’ use of vivid imagery and symbolism. Key Features: Extract and Question: Includes two questions and extracts. Model Answers and Phrases: Step-by-step guidance and exemplar responses help students develop insightful answers, using evaluative language and subject-specific terminology. A list of phrases taken from the model answer is provided for students to familiarise themselves with the language used in a literary essay. Themes and Symbolism: Detailed exploration of the supernatural elements in each stave, including the moral and societal messages conveyed by the ghosts. Critical Questions: Thought-provoking questions for every supernatural event in each stave, encouraging deeper engagement with the themes, such as social inequality, reflection, and transformation. This resource equips students with the skills to analyse Dickens’ narrative techniques and effectively address exam questions, making it an essential tool for GCSE success.

These booklets provide a scaffolded approach to teaching A Christmas Carol Stave One, with a focus on making the material accessible and engaging for ESL and SEN students. The resources include: Stave One Summary and PEEL Activities -A clear and simplified summary of Stave One, broken into manageable sections. -Sentence openers to support students in constructing their understanding of the text. -A selection of key quotations for sequencing and comprehension activities. -Guided PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) paragraph writing exercises, with examples and prompts to help students analyze Scrooge’s character effectively. Picture Prompts and Visual Descriptions -Illustrated scenes and character images from Stave One, designed to promote visual learning. -Activities include labeling, descriptive sentence writing, and imaginative responses based on the pictures, encouraging creative engagement with the text. Character and Scene Analysis with Questions* -Focused questions on key figures like Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Fred, and Marley to develop comprehension and empathy. -Students are guided to describe appearances, feelings, and relationships, enabling a deeper connection to the story. Why This Resource? For ESL Students: The structured activities, visual aids, and simplified language make the material approachable for learners with varying levels of English proficiency. For SEN Students: The focus on visual and structured learning supports comprehension and engagement.

These booklets on A Christmas Carol provide a versatile, dyslexia-friendly resource set, tailored to support GCSE, English Literature teachers in engaging diverse learners effectively. Based on the theme of ‘The Spirit of Christmas’, there is a model essay, key quotations section and word list using key vocabulary from the essay Spelling and Vocabulary Guide: This booklet uses a color-coded method to help dyslexic students remember and spell key vocabulary. Each word relevant to The Spirit of Christmas, taken from the model essay, is divided into syllables and students are required to write each syllable in a different colour, enhancing visual memory and recall. This is particularly beneficial for students who struggle with traditional spelling approaches, as it leverages visual strengths and helps them build confidence with challenging terms related to the text. Key Quotations Explained: Quotations related to the theme of ‘The Spirit of Christmas’ are provided along with an explanation of each one. PEEL Essay Model and Vocabulary Activity: This booklet offers a PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) essay scaffold focused on The Spirit of Christmas. By breaking down essay construction, students can learn to analyze the text methodically, improving their critical thinking and reading response skills. A vocabulary activity reinforces key vocabulary, ensuring students grasp essential terms related to the theme. Each booklet integrates unique tools and structured exercises to cater to students with varying needs, from vocabulary building to critical analysis. This set is perfect for GCSE English Literature teachers aiming to make A Christmas Carol accessible, memorable, and engaging for all students.

This unit includes three unique booklets tailored for dyslexic students who are studying An Inspector Calls for GCSE, specifically focusing on the character of Eric. Each booklet integrates visual learning techniques and structured paragraph frameworks to support reading comprehension, spelling, and critical writing. Here is an outline of what each booklet offers: Colour-Code Booklet Focused on Eric, this booklet uses color-coding to help dyslexic students with spelling and memorization. Each key adjective, describing Eric’s complex character traits (e.g.,arrogant, charming), is colour-coded by syllable or spelling pattern, enhancing students’ recall through visual association. Activities include reading and rewriting each word using colours, reinforcing spelling and comprehension skills. Students fill in missing adjectives to complete sentences, solidifying their vocabulary and understanding of Eric’s character. Designed to improve memory through repetition, this booklet strengthens both comprehension and spelling retention. PEEL Paragraph Writing Guide This guide emphasizes the PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) structure to help students articulate the characterisation of Eric throughout An Inspector Calls. Example paragraphs and sentence starters are provided to model how Eric displays changing behaviour. This format supports dyslexic students in structuring their responses effectively, offering a clear, repeatable method for GCSE-level analysis. Reading Activity Extract Booklet This reading booklet complements the PEEL paragraph activity by providing key extracts in the play. Students have to read the extracts and complete a quiz. These booklets, used together, provide a comprehensive toolkit that builds memory, supports structured writing, and enhances understanding of character analysis, making them invaluable resources for teachers of dyslexic GCSE students.

These resources are designed to support GCSE English Literature students in developing a deeper understanding of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, with a specific focus on Lady Macbeth’s character. Tailored for the classroom, these materials will help students of varying abilities analyze key extracts, refine their writing skills, and build confidence in essay responses. Booklets: Lady Macbeth Extract Workbook A comprehensive workbook focusing on pivotal extracts from Macbeth, analyzing Lady Macbeth’s complex character across the play. Includes contextual analysis, thematic discussions (e.g., guilt, ambition, and gender roles), and structured discussion questions to encourage critical thinking. PEEL Paragraph Writing Guide Step-by-step guidance for constructing analytical paragraphs using the PEEL framework (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link). Features partially completed tasks to encourage active engagement and practice. Topics explore Lady Macbeth’s manipulation, ambition, and eventual downfall. Spelling and Vocabulary Activity Engaging activities to build vocabulary linked to Lady Macbeth’s character traits, such as “manipulative,” “tragic,” and “resilient.” Students identify syllables to reinforce understanding of complex words. Key Features: Aligned with GCSE assessment objectives to develop skills in AO1 (understanding), AO2 (language/structure analysis), and AO3 (context). Accessible for diverse learners, including those who benefit from scaffolded writing tasks and creative vocabulary exercises. Focused on improving essay writing by integrating textual evidence, analysis, and evaluative skills. Perfect for educators seeking ready-to-use resources that engage students while strengthening their critical and analytical responses to Shakespeare’s Macbeth. These tools support progress across multiple grade boundaries, helping students achieve their potential!

This unit includes three unique booklets tailored for dyslexic students who are studying An Inspector Calls for GCSE, specifically focusing on the character of Gerald. Each booklet integrates visual learning techniques and structured paragraph frameworks to support reading comprehension, spelling, and critical writing. Here is an outline of what each booklet offers: Colour-Code Booklet Focused on Gerald, this booklet uses color-coding to help dyslexic students with spelling and memorization. Each key adjective, describing Gerald’s complex character traits (e.g.,arrogant, charming), is color-coded by syllable or spelling pattern, enhancing students’ recall through visual association. Activities include reading and rewriting each word using colours, reinforcing spelling and comprehension skills. Students fill in missing adjectives to complete sentences, solidifying their vocabulary and understanding of Gerald’s character. Designed to improve memory through repetition, this booklet strengthens both comprehension and spelling retention. PEEL Paragraph Writing Guide This guide emphasizes the PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) structure to help students articulate the characterisation of Gerald throughout An Inspector Calls. Example paragraphs and sentence starters are provided to model how Gerald displays a capitalistic and arrogant mindset. This format supports dyslexic students in structuring their responses effectively, offering a clear, repeatable method for GCSE-level analysis. Reading Activity Extract Booklet This reading booklet complements the PEEL paragraph activity by providing key extracts in the play. Students have to read the extracts and complete a quiz. These booklets, used together, provide a comprehensive toolkit that builds memory, supports structured writing, and enhances understanding of character analysis, making them invaluable resources for teachers of dyslexic GCSE students.

This unit includes three unique booklets tailored for dyslexic students who are studying An Inspector Calls for GCSE, specifically focusing on the character of Arthur Birling. Each booklet integrates visual learning techniques and structured paragraph frameworks to support reading comprehension, spelling, and critical writing. Here is an outline of what each booklet offers: Colour-Code Booklet Focused on Arthur Birling, this booklet uses color-coding to help dyslexic students with spelling and memorization. Each key adjective, describing Birling’s complex character traits (e.g.,arrogant, pompous), is color-coded by syllable or spelling pattern, enhancing students’ recall through visual association. Activities include reading and rewriting each word using colours, reinforcing spelling and comprehension skills. Students fill in missing adjectives to complete sentences, solidifying their vocabulary and understanding of Birling’s character. Designed to improve memory through repetition, this booklet strengthens both comprehension and spelling retention. PEEL Paragraph Writing Guide This guide emphasizes the PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) structure to help students articulate the characterisation of Birling throughout An Inspector Calls. Example paragraphs and sentence starters are provided to model how Birling displays a capitalistic and arrogant mindset. This format supports dyslexic students in structuring their responses effectively, offering a clear, repeatable method for GCSE-level analysis. Reading Activity Booklet This reading booklet complements the PEEL paragraph activity by summarising the role of Birling in the play. Students have to read captions and paragraphs fluently. A table is provided to time the student and record errors. These booklets, used together, provide a comprehensive toolkit that builds memory, supports structured writing, and enhances understanding of character analysis, making them invaluable resources for teachers of dyslexic GCSE students.

This unit includes three unique booklets tailored for dyslexic students who are studying An Inspector Calls for GCSE, specifically focusing on the character of Sheila. Each booklet integrates visual learning techniques and structured paragraph frameworks to support reading comprehension, spelling, and critical writing. Here’s an outline of what each booklet offers: Colour-Code Booklet Focused on Sheila Birling, this booklet uses color-coding to help dyslexic students with spelling and memorization. Each key adjective, describing Sheila’s complex character traits (e.g., naïve, empathetic, assertive), is color-coded by syllable or spelling pattern, enhancing students’ recall through visual association. Activities include reading and rewriting each word using colours, reinforcing spelling and comprehension skills. Students fill in missing adjectives to complete sentences, solidifying their vocabulary and understanding of Sheila’s character. Designed to improve memory through repetition, this booklet strengthens both comprehension and spelling retention. PEEL Paragraph Writing Guide This guide emphasizes the PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) structure to help students articulate Sheila’s development throughout An Inspector Calls. Example paragraphs and sentence starters are provided to model how Sheila grows from a naive character to someone who takes responsibility. This format supports dyslexic students in structuring their responses effectively, offering a clear, repeatable method for GCSE-level analysis. Reading Activity Booklet This reading booklet complements the PEEL paragraph activity by summarising the role of Sheila in the play. Students have to read captions and paragraphs fluently. A table is provided to time the student and record errors. These booklets, used together, provide a comprehensive toolkit that builds memory, supports structured writing, and enhances understanding of character analysis, making them invaluable resources for teachers of dyslexic GCSE students.