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 1990s. 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 texts that demonstrate effective use of descriptive techniques and language choices.
An additional resource which contains a template on how to deepen analysis for the reading paper has been provided.
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 comprehensive activity booklet is designed to help GCSE, English Literature teachers deepen students’ understanding of A Christmas Carol by focusing on the pivotal events and character development in Stave 2. Structured to support critical analysis and empathy-building, this resource enhances students’ comprehension, analytical skills, and ability to express nuanced responses.
Why Choose This Booklet?
Targeted Learning Objectives: Each activity aligns with key, GCSE outcomes, ensuring students gain a solid grasp of Dickens’s themes, characterisation, and stylistic choices.
Flexible Structure: Activities can be tailored for both individual work and collaborative group tasks, providing flexibility in the classroom and catering to various learning styles.
Engaging Format: The booklet uses a mix of comprehension exercises, role-play, creative writing, and structured analytical tasks that help students immerse themselves in the text, making Dickens’s work accessible and relatable.
Exam Skills Focus: Built-in exercises sharpen skills needed for GCSE success, such as writing effective topic sentences, quoting accurately, and interpreting symbolism.
What’s Inside?
Comprehension and Summary Activities: Students gain a clear understanding of the plot and thematic elements through gap-fills and targeted summaries.
Character Analysis Exercises: Through descriptive activities and reflective writing, students analyse Scrooge’s journey, emotions, and memories with increasing depth.
Empathy and Perspective Tasks: Activities such as diary entries from Scrooge’s point of view and reflective monologues from Belle’s perspective allow students to step into the characters’ shoes.
Creative Engagement: Freeze frame and hot seating tasks provide interactive ways for students to explore character relationships and interpret Dickens’s portrayal of Scrooge’s emotional evolution.
GCSE-Style Analytical Writing: Clear guidance on writing topic sentences and analysing textual details helps students develop responses that meet exam board standards.
Ideal for GCSE Teachers Who Want to:
Ensure students connect with the emotional core of A Christmas Carol.
Facilitate in-depth discussions on character transformation and moral themes.
Prepare students for higher-order exam questions with targeted analytical practice.
This booklet provides a structured, engaging pathway for students to fully explore Stave 2, equipping them with critical skills for GCSE English Literature.
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 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 teaching resource focuses on Stave Three of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol - a set text for GCSE, English Literature. It includes various engaging activities designed to deepen students’ understanding of character analysis, themes, and narrative elements in the novella. It is particularly suitable for students who struggle with comprehension.
The following are included -
Summary Activity: Students look at whether a statement is TRUE OR FALSE after reading a summary of Stave Three, 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 during Stave Three. An extension task requires students to create sentences using these adjectives, promoting vocabulary development and critical thinking.
Character Reflections: A thought-expressing activity allows students to explore the thoughts of Tiny Tim highlighting the issue of poverty in Victorian society.
Diary Entry: Students take on the role of Scrooge and write a diary entry reflecting on his journey, providing insights into his character and while practicing narrative writing skills.
Topic Sentences: Students create topic sentences that highlight different portrayals of Scrooge, strengthening their ability to write cohesive paragraphs.
Quiz: A quiz is provided to test understanding of Stave Three.
Conscience Alley: This activity helps understand the transformation of Scrooge during this key Stave.
Extension Activity: A PEEL paragraph is provided about the importance of Stave Three in the novella.
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.
Ideal for student’s with additional needs or for those who struggle to structure their ideas, this Inspector Calls, GCSE, English Literature unit supports teaching essay skills.
The pack provides an essay question about the experiences of women in the play. It provides useful quotations and a scaffold to write an essay. I have used the scaffold to jointly construct an essay with the student and have found their confidence and skills improve as a result.
A model essay is provided based on the scaffold which can be used to demonstrate the features of a successful response.
Also included, is a multiple choice quiz on the role of women in the play. It serves as an excellent starter activity to introduce this topic.
This unit will ensure those students with additional needs are supported in writing successful essays!
Ideal for student’s with additional needs or for those who struggle to structure their ideas, A Christmas Carol, GCSE, English Literature unit supports the teaching of essay skills.
The pack provides an essay question about moral decay in the novella. It provides useful quotations and a scaffold to write an essay. I have used the scaffold to jointly construct an essay with students and have found their confidence and skills improve as a result.
A model essay is provided based on the scaffold which can be used to demonstrate the features of a successful response.
Also included, is a multiple choice quiz on moral decay in the novella. It serves as an excellent starter activity to introduce this topic.
This unit will ensure those students with additional needs are supported in writing successful essays!
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.
The Practice Paper for GCSE English Language ,Paper Two (Lighthouses) 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 visiting a lighthouse — one contemporary and the other from the 1880s. 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 an argumentative essay about preserving our beaches, allowing them to practice argumentative writing and structuring arguments effectively.
Marking Support: 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.There is also a guidance section which teachers can share with students for writing.
For students with additional difficulties, a colour coded activity is given with words used from the model writing response. A list of key phrases is also provided to read and improve fluency.
This paper will be invaluable for AQA teachers, offering realistic practice and clear guidance aligned with curriculum expectations.
Aimed at students who struggle to write GCSE, English Literature essays, this short unit provides an essay scaffold and model essay on the importance of setting in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
An essay prompt and extract, taken from Chapter Eight, is provided which focuses on a description of Victorian London. The question requires comparison with the wider novella.
To support students with this task, an essay scaffold is included. It provides paragraph and sentence openers to help structure their ideas and analysis.
After writing their own response, students read a model essay based on this scaffold. They can compare their own work with this piece of writing.
To assist with vocabulary, students can use an adjective sheet to write sentences about Victorian London.
The resource is invaluable in demonstrating the features of a successful essay and will give them the confidence to write their own response!
This comprehensive, GCSE, English Literature, teaching resource focuses on Stave Five 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 particularly suitable for students who struggle with comprehension.
Summary Activity: Students look at whether a statement is TRUE OR FALSE after reading a summary of Stave Five, 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 during Stave Five. An extension task requires students to create sentences using these adjectives, promoting vocabulary development and critical thinking.
Character Reflections: A thought-expressing activity allows students to explore the thoughts of the child who buys a turkey for Scrooge.
Diary Entry: Students take on the role of Scrooge and write a letter to his nephew Fred.
Topic Sentences: Students create topic sentences that highlight different portrayals of Scrooge, strengthening their ability to write cohesive paragraphs.
Comprehension: A comprehension is provided to test understanding of Stave Five.
Play Script: This activity involves writing and performing a play script of Stave Five.
Extension Activity: A key quotation activity is provided.
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.
This comprehensive, GCSE, English Literature, teaching resource focuses on Stave Four 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 particularly suitable for students who struggle with comprehension.
Summary Activity: Students look at whether a statement is TRUE OR FALSE after reading a summary of Stave Four, 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 during Stave Four. An extension task requires students to create sentences using these adjectives, promoting vocabulary development and critical thinking.
Character Reflections: A thought-expressing activity allows students to explore the thoughts of one of the gentleman who sells Scrooge’s items, highlighting the disdain with which Scrooge was viewed.
Diary Entry: Students take on the role of Scrooge and write a diary entry reflecting on his journey, providing insights into his character.
Topic Sentences: Students create topic sentences that highlight different portrayals of Scrooge, strengthening their ability to write cohesive paragraphs.
Quiz: A quiz is provided to test understanding of Stave Four.
Conscience Alley: This activity helps understand the regret and terror of Scrooge during this key Stave.
Extension Activity: A crossword puzzle is provided to deepen students’ understanding of this stave.
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.
Aimed at students who struggle to write coherent reading response answers, this unit contains an extract, a 20 mark question, typically found on Paper One, a reading response scaffold and a model answer.
The sample text is based on a problematic relationship between a mother and her daughter, followed by a typical question four prompt about who the reader feels sympathy for - the mother or daughter.
This question is very challenging for students with additional needs. The scaffold will help students structure a response and learn the way to begin sentences and analyse phrases.
A model response based on the scaffold follows. Students can discuss the successful features of an essay.
The unit also contains a glossary of evaluative words used in the model response with examples in use.
These resources will help students with additional needs respond to Paper 1, Question 4!
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 mid 20th 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.
An additional resource which contains a template on how to use adjective sentence openers in descriptive or narrative writing is provided. This will help students write engaging, creative writing pieces. Also, there is a selected literary terms word search.
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 unique resource explores Paper 1, Question 4 of the GCSE, AQA, English Language paper. It contains activities and texts to explore how to write about nuanced emotions in a successful way.
The workbook follows a step by step explanation of how to approach this question and provides short extracts questions typical of question 4.
An additional booklet explains the word nuanced and associated adjectives such as conflicted, nostalgic and bittersweet. Students then complete activities to test their understanding of this language. To achieve success in question 4, having more complex vocabulary is essential and this booklet will help in this regard.
The final booklet provides a list of discussion question designed to support students in reflecting on times they have felt different emotions at once.
The pack provides students with resources to improve their language and critical thinking skills necessary to ace Question 4!
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 mid 20th 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.
An additional resource which contains a template on how to respond to Paper 1: 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 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 young adult, Ewan, who is struggling with his past.
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. These can be shared with students to discuss successful features of the writing.
An additional resource is provided to explain the PEEL paragraph by using the analogy of a pizza!
This resource gives students the tools and confidence they need to succeed in both the reading comprehension and writing sections.
This comprehensive guide is designed to help GCSE students excel in both the reading and writing sections of the AQA Paper One exam.
A practice paper is provided based on a psychological story extract that focuses on the experiences of a young adult, Ewan who is struggling with his past.
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 a picture prompt and a narrative writing 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 the PEEL paragraph by using the analogy of a pizza!
This resource gives students the tools and confidence they need to succeed in both the reading comprehension and writing sections.
This comprehensive guide is designed to help GCSE students excel in both the reading and writing sections of the AQA Paper One exam.
A practice paper is provided based on a psychological story extract that focuses on the experiences of Mr Harrington, who is captivated by a woman’s beauty.
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 a picture prompt and a narrative writing prompts along with model responses. These can be shared with students to discuss successful features of the writing.
An additional resource is provided which provides phrase to used to describe a woman’s face along with a picture prompt.
This resource gives students the tools and confidence they need to succeed in both the reading comprehension and writing sections.
This An Inspector Calls, GCSE, English Literature unit contains key extracts, an essay scaffold prompt, a model essay and glossary of key terms related to the role of Eva Smith. It is designed to support students who find difficulty structuring their ideas in an essay.
Short extracts involving Eva Smith, with brief explanations, are provided. After reading these extracts students consider an essay title about the importance of Eva Smith in the play.
A scaffold is included which contains paragraph and sentence openers to support students with writing their essay. The scaffold is particularly useful for SEN and EAL students.
When the students have written their essay on the role of Eva Smith, they can read the model essay and reflect on the features of a successful response.
Finally, there is an additional, glossary resource which explains the meaning and usage of key words in the model essay.
This unit is invaluable in helping students understand how to write an essay about key themes and characters in the play!