Aimed at middle-upper ability GCSE groups, this PowerPoint teaches the layout and language of a formal letter. It is oriented towards AQA 8700/2/Question 5 but could be adapted for other boards. In order, the PowerPoint contents are: A multiple-choice entry task AQA advice on features of format A sample AQA-style question. Students identify PAF and reflect on the importance of being mindful of PAF in relation to Question 5. Extension task included. The layout of a formal letter, which students copy. Extension questions included. Notes regarding the formal greeting and formal sign-off A re-cap on the features of formal and informal language. Students cut the features out, organise them under two headings and stick them into their books. An example response to the given question. Students read and identify different features (differentiated) An opportunity for independent writing, with success criteria provided. Peer assessment and self-reflection. These files were last saved in Office 2010.

A lesson for lower ability KS3. It covers: A short punctuation starter Paired discussion: what is the difference between a sentence and a group of words? What is a subject and a verb? Learners then read and identify ten statements and identify the sentences. Making simple sentences interesting using adverbs and adjectives. Learners use a table of words to create a range of sentences with suggested structures (increasing difficulty). Review Estimated time: 1 hour. NB: These lessons increase in demand through the series.

A series of seven tasks promoting revision of Act One of 'Macbeth'. It includes: 1) Place the following events from Act One in order, numbering them from 1-12 2) In relation to Act One, suggest the significance of the following images: a crown, a baby, a sun, a pig, a serpent and a bell. (images provided) 3) Match the quotation to the speaker and then its significance. 4) Read Lady Macbeth's soliloquy (Act 1, 5) and complete the following tasks - identify the missing words - explain what is meant by the phrases in bold - identify the techniques that Shakespeare has used in the words/phrases that have been underlined. Suggest why Shakespeare may have used them. What do they bring to the play? 5) By the end of Act One, identify 2-3 things we have learnt about: - Duncan -Lady Macbeth - Banquo - Lady Macbeth 6) Complete the following table in relation to the 3 Witches (students should identify the scenes in which they appear, what we learn about them and whether Shakespeare presents them as good, evil or both. 7) Read this extract from Act One, Scene 5. How does Shakespeare present the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth? There is an answer sheet included which could be presented on an interactive whiteboard so that sample answers can be annotated/scrutinised against the literature mark scheme (this is available on the AQA website). The exemplar responses are aimed at middle-upper attaining students. These tasks could be set as homework to promote revision of some of the key moments in Act One.

Mark schemes for all sections of the AQA 8702 English Literature papers translated into more accessible English.

This is the full text of Stave Three, annotated as a PDF file. The annotations are not always as dense as you see in the cover image but I’ve aimed for a higher level of detail. This may benefit anyone with a top set group or a learner who may need to read the text independently of the rest of the class. If you purchase this resource, ensure that you open it in a PDF reader. Opening it in a browser tends to distort the appearance. I also find that a magnification of over 150% makes viewing the comment boxes easier. I’d like to think there are no typos in the file but should you find one, please contact me using my shop’s email found on the store front. If you do come across a genuine error you can select another resource under the value of £5 for free. These files may be updated periodically, so please check the resource listing to ensure that you have the most up-to-date file.

A simple worksheet for lower ability students on the subject of social class. Students read the information on the first side and then respond to the tasks that follow. Slide one: print single sided Slides two and three: print back to back This could be used as cover with a class already familiar with the plot. There are some sample answers for those unfamiliar with the play.

This resource contains a series of worksheets, one for each Act of ‘Macbeth’. Each worksheet contains a summary of the Act and an AO1-based task. Suggested answers are included.

This is an annotated copy of Chapter Ten of ‘Jekyll and Hyde’. The annotations cover some of the more complex terms and historical and biblical references. In order to view the annotations, you will need to ensure that your version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is fully up-to-date. Hover your mouse over the ‘speech bubbles’ to display the annotations. Additionally, ensure that you display the files from Adobe Reader or similar and not your browser.

A useful word classification table that can be blown up and used as a large wall display or laminated and made into a learning mat.

A worksheet that encourages students to plan their short stories. Suitable for KS3 and KS4 groups, NB A newer version of this worksheet should be available here: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/short-story-planning-flow-chart-2-12001454

An extended lesson on writing a discursive essay, aimed at middle-upper-ability GCSE. It covers: The assessment objectives for writing (learners should put these in their own words) What is a discursive essay? Planning in full and planning in the exam A planning activity to carry out in pairs, followed by feedback The structure of a discursive essay Different ways to start a discursive essay An example introduction, internal paragraph and conclusion The importance of linking paragraphs The importance of using evidence and different forms of evidence A final writing task Self-reflection The whole powerpoint is likely to last over an hour. The sample paragraphs are also included on a separate sheet so learners can annotate them. There is reference to AQA 8700/2/Question 5 but it could be adapted to other boards. These files were last saved in Office 2016.

A 30-slide PowerPoint that aims to teach the concept of structure in fiction and how to respond to Paper 1, Question 3 (AQA 8700). The PowerPoint covers: An entry task based on a quotation from Stephen King The meaning of structure in fiction texts The difference between language and structure Key structural devices including: dialogue, repetition, first sentence/last sentence/narrative standpoint, sequence of events, focus, foreshadowing, foregrounding, analepsis, prolepsis, motif, zoom in, zoom out, cyclical structure, cohesion, symbolism and internal/external contrast. Students cut up a grid of terms and match the terms to their explanations. Some of these are self-explanatory. This activity should be done in pairs, although students should have their own copies for revision purposes. A sample response in relation to a Question 3 focusing on an extract from ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’. Success criteria included. Freytag’s Pyramid of Dramatic Structure. Students add detail to a relevant diagram. Application of Freytag’s Pyramind in relation to the story of Little Red Riding Hood Application of Freytag’s Pyramid in relation to Paper 1, Question 3 Sample questions for students to complete. Two extracts provided are from ‘A Christmas Carol’ and ‘Jekyll and Hyde’. Sample responses to the Jekyll/Carol questions. Student read and judge against the success critera. An opportunity for peer assessment of their own responses Self-reflection. Given the emphasis on clear explanation of structural features, students should be working at or towards level 3 on the relevantAQA mark scheme. These files were last saved in Office 2016.

A 124-slide PowerPoint that provides the full text of ‘Macbeth’, Act One, translated and annotated. The PPT uses layered text boxes with translations appearing first in blue, followed by analysis and critical commentary in different colours. The annotations include: AO3 detailed contextual background information and its relationship with the text (e.g. features of Greek tragedy, biblical allusions, cultural expectations of women, fear of witches etc.) Analysis of writer’s methods Analysis of effects of structural devices. There are a series of comprehension and analysis activities to work through and the PPT will indicate when these should be undertaken. With the appropriate school licence, this could be uploaded onto a network and accessed by students for revision. NB: on the cover image, the translations may be hidden under additional text boxes. However, they do exist! UPDATE: Guide to Meter replaced with more straightforward explanation.

A 9-10 week unit of work aimed at upper ability Year 8 learners. The activities are based on a range of extracts that focus on popular female literary characters. Links are provided to the relevant extracts which are from: ‘Great Expectations’ (sample answer included) ‘The Hunger Games’ ‘Gone With the Wind’ (sample answer included) ‘Wuthering Heights’ There are also activities that focus on Roald Dahl’s Miss Trunchbull (from ‘Matilda’) and Mrs Pratchett (From ‘Boy’). Lastly, learners read and explore ‘The Lady of Shalott’ (Tennyson). The assessment tasks focus on two different extracts from ‘The Hunger Games’. This unit of work uses AQA 8700/1-style questions but could be adapted with other exam boards in mind.

A 57-slide PPT that provides a walk-through of Section A only for both papers for 8700/1 + 8700/2. Paper 1 focuses on an extract from ‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini (ISBN 978-1408824856). Please ensure that you can obtain a copy of the ‘The Kite Runner’ before purchasing this resource. Paper 2 focuses on two extracts: an article from ‘The Guardian’ on Ian Mikardo High School (link provided) and an extract from a Dickens’ article on a London pauper school (provided). There are sample answers for each paper and guidance for each question. Please also be aware that some of the resources are sold separately on SD English: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/aqa-8700-paper-2-schools-comparison-11880097 https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/word-classification-table-11746996

This lesson provides an alternative to : https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/my-last-duchess-11887073 In this lesson: Learners use a context notes sheet and its accompanying worksheet to generate a collection of ideas about the historical context of the poem. There are links to two different video clips in which the poem is recited. Learners then discuss their answers to a series of comprehension questions on the poem. Teacher answers provided. Learners go on to annotate the poem using the context sheet and a prompt sheet. Learners will need their own copy of the poem. Slide 7 provides a glossary of the more unfamiliar terms in the poem. The final slide presents 4 different long-answer questions which can be explored in groups and used a basis for group presentations.

A highly simplifed re-writing of Act Five of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in modern English. There are just over 5 pages at font size 14. Written for a Year 9 nurture group

A full lesson on the extract from ‘The Prelude’ in the AQA Power and Conflict Anthology. The entry task is a short multiple choice quiz entitled ‘How Romantic Are You?’. The aim of this is for students to identify how closely their own ideas tie-in with those of the Romantic poets. Students then use a detailed context sheet to create a mind map of contextual influences on the poet Wordsworth. This is followed by an annotated copy of the extract and two questions on the poem: one just on the extract itself and one comparison question. I have provided a WAGOLL for the question on the poem itself. Finally, students peer assess their responses using success criteria. The whole PPT is likely to take more than an hour - probably more like 2 - and it aimed at higher ability learners.