Four moderately differentiated homework booklets for the study of ‘Macbeth’. Each booklet includes: A brief guide to the AQA 8700/8702 Language and Literature exams; The 8702 assessment objectives, translated into simpler English. A sample Macbeth question 11 extracts from the play, with similar activities for each (cover image gives an indication). At the end of each booklet is a brief revision and consolidation section. Booklet 5A is largely in font size 14 with line-spacing at 1.5. In the first section, you may need to edit the information about the Literature exam if your group is not studying ‘A Christmas Carol’. These booklets were last saved using Word 2016. UPDATE: this resource is now being sold with the accompanying answer booklet for the extract-based questions. The exemplar responses in this booklet are aimed at higher-achieving learners.

This is the full text of Stave Five, 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 straightforward introduction to speech writing for lower-middle ability KS3. It covers: Starter task (see cover image) What is a speech and who makes a speech? AFOREST features used in a WAGOLL. Learners label the features used in the WAGOLL. There are two provided, one for lower ability and another providing some reading challenge. Learners then write their own persuasive statements based on the AFOREST features. Review. This lesson is likely to take around an hour.

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

An extended lesson that follows on from this introduction to speech writing for KS3: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/an-introduction-to-speech-writing-for-ks3-12049010 This lesson can stand alone but assumes some pre-teaching of AFOREST. A starter tasks invites learners to examine a range of images relating to plastic waste (see cover image). They then examine a list of keywords and attempt to match them to the correct definition. This is accompanied by a challenge task for more able learners, in which learners attempt to make connections between the keywords. The answers to the definitions tasks are provided. After this, learners discuss in pairs whether there is a need to ban plastics in the UK. A YouTube video link on the ‘plastic problem’ is also provided but optional. Learners then read the arguments for and against a plastic ban and transform these onto a summary sheet of six boxes. The aim is for each box to contain one point, one relevant image and one piece of evidence. They go on to thinking about how they could apply their knowledge of AFOREST to this debate. There is a sample GCSE question (AQA style) with a WAGOLL for annotation according to 5 success criteria. Learners then write their own speech in relation to the plastics debate. The lesson ends with learners peer assessing each other’s work. The material is aimed at middle-ability KS3 but could be used with KS4 with some tailoring.

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.

A fully-resourced unit of work for SEN students who need a general understanding of the play before approaching the original text in KS4. The unit includes an adapted script in modern English. The PPT is just over 140 slides long and is intended to provide 8-10 weeks’ worth of work for low ability and SEN students. It guides students through the adapted Acts 1-5 and provides a range of comprehension and vocab exercises. It culminates in an assessment that makes use of both short-answer questions and one long-answer question on Romeo as a tragic hero. Suitable for teachers and non-specialists with a low ability KS3 group. If you would prefer to buy the adapted script separately, it is available here: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/romeo-and-juliet-sen-script-11892212 NB. On slide 128, I’ve discovered that the multi-coloured text boxes look slightly out of place on different computers. If this is the case, it is simply a question of adjusting them slightly to put them back over the appropriate squares. UPDATE: Core PPT tweaked and 2 new starters added. Please email me with any queries.

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 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

A 25-slide PPT that enables an exploration of Tennyson’s ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’. It covers the contextual background and the concept of dactylic dimeter. A series of questions are provided to prompt annotation of the poem. Suggested answers to the questions are included for those that may be unfamiliar with the poem.

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.

A mind map for AQA English Language Paper 2. Black and White version also included.