A complete lesson looking at Gothic conventions, with particular focus on conventions of setting. Pupils identify techniques used in a range of example gothic setting descriptive sentences linked to a given gothic setting image. Using lesson knowledge so far, pupils create their own description of a gothic setting using a choice or combination of given gothic setting images.

There are 3 Q2 style summary questions (English Language Paper 2) that ask pupils to read two short sources linked by a theme and then answer the summary question that follows. The themes are: New York, Australia and UK holidaying and each source for all topics uses perspectives from different centuries. Suitable for upper KS3 and KS4. Please see other mini tasks available.

This resource contains 3 x mini question 2 worksheets featuring two short extracts on linked topics. The topics are: UKs coasts and seas, Natural Disaster relief based on the 2013 Oaklahoma tornado and the Puerto Rico hurricane & the Indian Ocean. Easily adaptable, printable, email(able!)

This lessons allows students to examine a couple of example city guides, written by students, to understand the type of information used in writing one and also to look at the persuasive techniques used. Using given information about the city of Sheffield, students can work individually or in pairs to produce their own city guide.

Two female poems looking at the use of Nature in poetry of WW1 to contrast perspective. Falling Leaves looks at the futility of war and A Girl’s Song looks at how difficult it can be to accept a loved one has died. Both poets deliver these ideas by personifying nature. Starter is a fill in the blanks activity then looking at Cole’s actual language choices. Then, look at A Girl’s Song using a table to infer how natural imagery shows the poets ideas. Plenary is a paragraph comparing their use of nature to show attitudes towards death in war.

A positive view on the consequences of war, through Kathryn Tynan’s poem ‘The Broken Soldier’ and Agnes Herbertson’s 'The Seed Merchant’s son. Aimed at middle to high ability, there is some focus on structure and rhyme, along with general poetic techniques to build towards some analysis. Example TEAL paragraph given (Technique, Evidence, Analysis & Link to question) before students asked to write their own analytical paragraph. This could be adapted to fit a different structure. Plenary asks students to compare the two views of war presented in both poems.

Aimed at middle to low ability KS3, this lesson looks at the context of Victorian England, giving a range of information about life in the workhouse and looking at the difference between the lives of the rich and poor. There is also an extract from Berlie Doherty’s ‘The Street Child’ to analyse. Perfect for introducing any Victorian novel, but with A Christmas Carol in mind. Could be useful as re-capping context prior to exam.

White Fang - AQA English Language Paper 1 Reading style tasks and questions. Extract provided with a list of techniques for students to identify. Followed by group discussion and feedback of the effects of these techniques. Exam style question given, with help sheet provided if needed. Final task is a further extract which can be used as an extension of class work or homework task.

This booklet uses a variety of extracts (easily available on the internet) which, in some cases have been simplified e.g. the Dickens Great Expectations extract, and short structured comprehension and written tasks that are linked to the extracts. Each extract and set of tasks aim to focus on a particular technique including vocabulary choices, considering connotations, simile, pathetic fallacy, personification. There is also some focus on sentence variety including using lists and varying sentence openers. The final task asks pupils to try to use all the skills covered in the activities. Would suggest aimed at low ability for KS4 students. Easily adaptable.

This complete lesson takes your students through this question step by step. it is useful to break down this question since may students do least well on this question in the exam. The lesson starts by asking students to answer questions which clarify understanding of key structural terms such as ‘climax’ and ‘flashback’. Students are given tips on how to approach the extract to provide themselves with a quick summary of what happens, where and when (a key mantra for this question). They use the Tales of Terror extract (see linked language lessons that can precede this lesson) to practise the advice. They are given examples of what structural features might be selected in the given extract and tips of what key phrases to include in their written response. This is demonstrated in an example paragraph response and then students have the option to answer the question themselves, using their notes and ideas.

TWO COMPLETE LESSONS THAT YOU COULD USE TO INTRODUCE DYSTOPIAN FICTION TO A KS3 OR 4 CLASS. USES FILM TRAILERS AND PLOT SUMMARIES FROM MODERN OLDER CHILDREN'S DYSTOPIAN FICTION.

STEP BY STEP THROUGH AN EXAM QUESTION ON SCROOGE'S CHANGING CHARACTER. KEY QUOTES ARE PROVIDED FOR EACH STAGE OF THE STORY, FOR USE IN ANSWERING THE QUESTION. ENABLES STUDENTS TO WRITE A COMPLETE ANSWER WITH MINIMAL HELP FROM THE TEACHER.

This is a made up specimen descriptive writing question, with a sample response to facilitate student discussion.

Students have a drawing starter activity to consider the importance of precise description. Then students look at short examples of beach descriptions and consider the most effective. Following this, there is a guided question task, where pupils write down answers to some questions designed to get them thinking about beaches. After this, a mind map encourages pupils to visualise their ideas for the final task which would be to describe a beach. Extension tasks include asking students to identify where there is potential to use the senses to describe, and also to consider vocabulary choices.

Aimed at mid to low ability, this resource contains 4 separate worksheets which challenge students to find the answers in the given extract or extracts. Activities based on Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Treasure Island, Buddy and the planet Mercury. Could be used as homework or to support low ability KS4 students prepare for the English Language papers.

A resource to consider some pros and cons of zoos and an opportunity to create a speech that includes a range of persuasive writing skills. Could be a useful revision lesson. Self Assessment opportunity.

This lesson recaps what a metaphor is and uses the Northern Lights to create some direct comparisons. Students are given a range of light related images to create a ten line metaphor poem on the theme of light. Focus on selecting the best verbs and adjectives too.

A group work based project which could be useful for the end of term. This is a series of activities requiring students to research an animal charity of their choice and create an advertising campaign to promote awareness and funds for it. There are four main tasks: create a poster, a radio advert, a leaflet and a presentation. Supporting resources are included. Should last a couple of weeks or so.

Lesson on Medusa by Carol Ann Duffy. Includes set of questions and discussion points. Copy of poem provided.

THIS COMPLETE LESSON LOOKS AT PERSONIFICATION, MOOD AND RHYME SCHEME. INCLUDES POEM. AIMED AT HA KS3.