GCSE, AQA, English Language, Paper 1: Picture Prompt - Students with Additional Needs

This pack is designed to support students in preparing for the picture prompt question in AQA GCSE English Language Paper 1. It contains two key components:
Descriptive Writing Model Unit
Descriptive Writing Plan
Together, these resources provide a structured approach for students to improve their descriptive writing skills and achieve higher marks in the exam. It is particularly useful for students with additional needs such as dyslexia.

1. Descriptive Writing Model Unit
   The Descriptive Writing Model offers an example response to a picture prompt. It showcases advanced vocabulary, sentence structures, and literary techniques. Students can use this model to understand the expectations of the exam, focusing on how to create vivid, atmospheric descriptions. The model is broken down into key components, such as:
   Targeted Vocabulary Practice: The resource highlights challenging words and phrases from the model response, divided into syllables, to help students improve their spelling, pronunciation, and reading fluency. This section encourages active engagement with complex language, enhancing students’ confidence in using sophisticated vocabulary in their writing.
   Sentence Openers: Students are also provided with a set of sentence starters to inspire their own descriptions. By practicing these openers, they can develop more varied and creative introductions to their descriptive passages.

The short unit finishes with an Independent Writing Task based on a picture of a desert.

1. Descriptive Writing Plan
   The Descriptive Writing Plan helps students structure their response to a picture prompt by dividing the scene into distinct sections. These sections include:

Foreground
Middle Ground
Background
Weather/Lighting
Characters/People

For each section, students are prompted to think about key sensory details (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste), language techniques (similes, metaphors, personification), and the mood or tone they wish to convey. This clear, structured approach helps students organize their ideas, ensuring that all elements of the picture are described in a cohesive, engaging manner.

Practical and Flexible Use
This resource is designed for use both in and out of the classroom, enabling students to practice independently or with teacher guidance. The combination of a high-quality model and a structured planning tool helps students develop their descriptive writing skills with confidence. It is versatile enough to be adapted to any picture prompt, making it ideal for exam practice.

By using these resources, students can enhance their descriptive writing abilities, ensuring their responses are detailed, well-organized, and rich in language techniques, which are essential for success in AQA, GCSE English Language Paper 1.