A pack of notes and guidelines for students to write a Dystopian narrative essay. It is particularly suited for South African students in the F.E.T. phase, who study the IEB curriculum. It was designed for use during the national Coronavirus lockdown, but will work as a ‘normal’ class assignment. Recommendation: Stacey Lloyd, a TPT seller, has a superb pack on various writing tasks. This essay topic was inspired by her amazing work.

A different method for novel study. Each student (or pair of students) receives an A5 envelope with instructions pasted on the outside. Inside the envelope are 4 x A5 index cards, on which the students record all information, according to the instructions. At the end of the novel study, the students share their knowledge. This can be done in groups or as a presentation. This approach allows the students to focus on specific themes / characters etc as they work through the novel. There are instructions for 26 envelopes. I have included the A4 pages on which the procedure / explanation is typed for each student. This will lead to a summative assessment - a literary essay on the topic given on the envelope. Credit: the idea for this task came from Letitia Hughes of Kentucky, USA.

A list of video links for every English HL poem prescribed by the IEB (the South African Independent Examinations Board) for 2020.

Students watch the TED talk in which William Kamkwamba is interviewed about his innovative method to produce power for his vilage in Malawi. They are then assessed on their listening skills.

Students are allocated a contemporary poet. They have to select one poem and design a 30-minute lesson in which they teach their classmates about the poet and the poem.

Students select a film to study and analyse. They are required to write guided notes on the chosen film, analyse a key scene, design a ‘one pager’ that illustrates their understanding of the film and write a formal movie review.

Using the art work of Jeff Hong, students are challenged to write an essay in which the usual Disney fairy tale endings are subverted.

Inspired by the popular ‘This I believe’ American radio broadcasts, students are asked to reflect on the core beliefs that underpin their lives. There are pre-writing and drafting activities, leading to the writing of a 500 - 600 word essay on the topic. Links to suitable video clips are provided. There is a rubric for assessing the final essays.

A realistic writing assignment that asks students to investigate an area of their high school which needs improvement and write seven business-related pieces in connection with their chosen area. The task includes the instructions and format for formal letters, interviews, blogs and proposals. A rubric is included for assessing the pieces.

A worksheet that challenges students to write detailed notes from a diagrammatic representation of attempts to pilot a submarine to the deepest point of the ocean.

Two worksheets that encourage close reading of the labels and packaging of everyday products (in this case, Milo chocolate drink & Pronutro breakfast cereal).

Three reading texts based on the tradition of April Fool pranks. General reading comprehension questions as well as language and grammar. Can be used as a worksheet or a formal assessment.

Three worksheets that introduce the students to the 'back stories' of Andy Capp, Hagar the Horrible and Redeye, while revising visual literacy, humour and general language knowledge (such as punctuation).

Students analyse a newspaper article and photograph (showing the rivalry / bad sportsmanship between Arsene Wenger & Jose Mourinho). They are tasked with writing a letter, advising on how the conflict can be resolved.

A page of advice for students to assist them in preparing for a prepared speech / oral assignment

An assignment for senior pupils, who undertake a week-long job shadowing / work experience assignment.

An oral activity in which pupils discuss the relevance of Holocaust literature and film study. Although the topics are for South African teens, they can be easily adapted. 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' and 'Schindler's List' are referenced.

Pupils select three related transactional writing tasks. They may choose any event that happened in the past, on the day of their birthday.

A middle school oral & writing assignment. Pupils are asked to design their ideal school (oral activity). Afterwards, they write the agenda & minutes of a meeting in which their plans are discussed by stakeholders in the process.

An investigative task - in which pupils explore the challenges of teen pregnancies. Although created for the South African context, it can be adapted for any community. A selection of group work discussions and a written assessment. Assessment is done by the pupil, peers and the teacher. Rubrics provided.