Analytical Writing Framework (KS3)

Help KS3 students analyse literature with confidence using this comprehensive set of analytical writing support mats, designed to scaffold every stage of the writing process — from identifying language devices to constructing well-structured paragraphs.

This pack gives English teachers a ready-to-use toolkit of reference mats that students can return to independently throughout a unit of work. Each mat targets a distinct analytical skill, building students’ ability to identify techniques, discuss meaning, use precise vocabulary, and write with accuracy. The resources are visually clear and classroom-ready, making them equally effective as desk resources, display materials, or guided writing aids.

What’s Included
A 7-page PDF (no cover) containing the following:

• Figurative Language Analysis Mat (Part 1) – Introduces five key figurative devices: metaphor, simile, personification, pathetic fallacy, and symbolism.
• Figurative Language Analysis Mat (Part 2) – Extends the figurative language toolkit with imagery, connotation, juxtaposition, hyperbole, and irony.
• KS3 Analytical Paragraph Support Mat – A detailed reference mat structured around the PEEL framework (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link).
• KS3 Analytical Writing Framework – A full-page framework mat consolidating PEEL paragraph structure alongside reference sections for theme, character, setting, and relationships.
• KS3 Analytical Vocabulary Support Mat 1 – A visually engaging word wheel presenting analytical verbs organised into four categories: Character, Structure, Theme, and Language.
• KS3 Analytical Vocabulary Support Mat 2 – A second word wheel focusing on Mood, Meaning, Reader, and Purpose. Supports students in moving beyond description towards analysis of writer’s intent and effect on the reader — a key skill at KS3 and beyond.
• KS3 Editing Support Mat – Punctuation – A clear, student-friendly reference guide covering nine punctuation marks: full stops, commas, question marks, exclamation marks, quotation marks, apostrophes, colons, semicolons, and hyphens.

How to Use
These mats work equally well as desk resources for individual students or as projected references during whole-class teaching. English teachers can introduce individual mats at the start of a new unit and build up students’ full set across the year, or use selected mats for targeted intervention and guided writing sessions.

Grade Levels: KS3

File Format: PDF (printable and projectable)

Note: This is a digital download only.