Chinese Cinderella - Edexcel iGCSE English Language Anthology

Lesson Summary: Chinese Cinderella

This lesson explores an extract from Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah, focusing on her experiences growing up in a wealthy yet emotionally neglectful family in 1950s Hong Kong. The lesson guides students through the analysis of how the author uses language and imagery to convey her feelings of isolation, fear, and hope. Through discussion and structured activities, students will deepen their understanding of autobiographical writing and the historical and cultural context of the narrative.

Lesson Objectives:

• Analyse how Adeline Yen Mah uses literary devices and imagery to convey her emotions and experiences.
• Understand the cultural and familial context influencing the author’s upbringing.
• Engage with autobiographical writing to identify its typical features and explore its purpose.

Activities:

• Group discussions exploring students’ own experiences and cultural perspectives on family expectations and education.
• Guided reading focusing on identifying and interpreting language techniques such as metaphors, similes, and allusions.
• Creative writing task where students compose a diary entry from Adeline’s perspective, capturing her emotions after learning she will study abroad.

Skills Developed:

• Analytical reading and interpretation of autobiographical texts, focusing on language and structure.
• Empathy and cultural awareness through examining familial dynamics and societal expectations.
• Creative expression through writing tasks that encourage personal engagement with the text.