A six page workbook that looks at the six main structural techniques (Narrative voice, flashback, perspective shift, cliffhangers, change of focus and paragraphing) used in the AQA GCSE English language exam. A technique is discussed, students are shown an example and asked to write their own (Q5 practice) and then analyse it (Q3 practice)

I made a question 4 paper 2 resource on two very different viewpoints on MMA. The texts are small with a lot of different techniques to write about. There is also a tick box of all the necessary things that I believe you must have in a question 5 answer. We are always told ‘quality over quantity’ so I produced five things that students can mark themselves against as they write. Either use it as self assessment or as a planning tool. There is also a sheet on identifying the specific effect of language techniques. All three took my class over an hour to complete I have used it for revision or last minuet practice before exams. Photo by Davide Cantelli on Unsplash

A full lesson on question 3 paper 1 (two hours approx) A resource staring with matching structural techniques with their definitions , moving onto using structural techniques within creative writing to showing students how to analyse a text in terms of question 3 paper 1, I provide the text and then show where the techniques would be identified on the answer sheet then I provide a sample answer selecting one of the quotes I have found in the text and give students a chance to complete their own PEACE paragraph with a peer marking table at the end.

A functional skills lesson going over purpose and audience that suits the new spec.

A text I wrote based on personal opinions about going to university with questions to suit the level 1 functional skills reading exam for 2019 Photo by Nong Vang on Unsplash

A reading and writing lesson based on wilderness survival, students have to make decisions on what they should do if they crashed in a desert and then respond to an web forum. Students should learn how to use information from a text and how to argue in a web forum, combined with a Bear Grylls video it can be pretty enjoyable. Photo by Arto Marttinen on Unsplash

Persuasive and analytical writing. Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

A lesson designed to help students become more clear and concise in their writing. Looks at how to make a text more persuasive and is a nice introduction into using persuasive language techniques (direct address, rule of three, powerful adjectives and rhetorical questions). Goes into how techniques would be used for certain text types. It should last approximately two hours. Fully differentiated with extension activities. KS2 adaptable

A recap of paper 1 looking at dystopian fiction. Recaps question 2, 3, 4 and 5. Extension activities included, writing frames for all questions.

A full lesson on comparing texts based on theme of Police power. Task 1 - using quotes Task 2 - A Padlet debate on in class debate depending on home learning or in school. Task 3 - Comparing texts comprehension questions Task 4 - spelling patterns explanation and tasks looking at ‘tion and sion’ patterns, suffixes that end in Y and plural suffixes. Task 5 - Plenary students choose one of three options in order to express their opinion on police powers. Answers included and all worksheets have been put on one editable document so that it can be used for home learning or in the class. I made this for level 1 functional skills but it can be applied to different year groups.

A great quiz to do just before your students break up for the Christmas holidays questions are broken down into different styles to keep it interesting and are as follows: Emoji round - Students guess what Christmas phrase is being hinted at and they are given a clue as to how many words this contains - three questions in total using this style. Anagrams - Students are given a mixed up word and have to decode it - Three questions in total for this. Other celebrations - questions focused on different religious holidays to make the quiz more inclusive, great for equality and diversity. 2 questions but in two parts as the second one is a picture based question. Christmas songs - match up the lyrics and match up the band. 4 different song lyrics and 4 different bands. Christmas films - student’s look at pictures and try and guess the film that is being referred to 4 photos in total. Answers - I will also include a link to watch this on Youtube should that be the format you wish to use when delivering this quiz. The powerpoint is entirely editable but should take around twenty five mins to complete depending on the age of your students.

A lesson on AO1 based on Coventry. The lesson looks at AO1 with skill building for question 5, it introduces the use of techniques, lesson should last around an hour and a half. Techniques: Metaphors, Similes, Personification, Group of 3, Powerful Adjectives and Sensory Language. A good introduction for Creative writing.

A lesson on growth mindset where students learn about the benefits of positive thinking and that most things can be achieved through hard work and dedication. Students also learn about a fixed mindset way of thinking which can be a barrier to success. Activities include Growth or fixed mindset quiz - to see if students are too ridgid in their thought process. Case study of two individuals facing adversity - students select which one is growth and which one is fixed and try to explain why this is. Speaking and listening activity - Students watch a video on growth mindset and fill in a worksheet to see what information they understood, the questions are red, amber and green for differentiation and for students to take on a challenge. Writing to advise activity - students look at a few scenarios of where people with a fixed mindset are asking for help. For more activities please check out my youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-JQchhF9CJakm2Al271olw

A resource called: To what extent? Task 1 - students to think of statements that have some value for debates and they have to explain to what extent they agree with it. Task 2: Students have to provide a counter argument for the first task (to show that complex ideas have more than one side of them (question 5 paper 2) Task 3: Students identify structural and language techniques in a text and then are shown where the techniques are on the next page. Task 4: Sort the techniques into a table of for or against the statement. Task: 5 Students write a PEACE paragraph using a writing frame that is provided. Self evaluation is included in the form of a tick box and students are encouraged to write a target based on this or the lesson objectives that can be ticked off from the first page of the worksheet. Please review and let me know what you think and I will make improvements if required, thanks

Editable Exam question practice with Mark Scheme A paper 1 exam with a very small text for students who don’t like to read lengthy texts - I’ve used this when my students motivation is low, it has tips on how to answer the questions and writing frames for students to follow the aim of this is simply to make students practice how to answer these questions properly and include everything they need to, to get over a level 5 or below. I also re-wrote the AQA Paper 1 Mark Scheme in as simple language as I could - in the hope that students would be able to help themselves by using the writing frames and then hopefully get an idea of what grade they would achieve. The techniques in the source are relatively easy to spot and have both language and structural techniques. This is aimed at students who already have the skills and want something straight forward to practice with.

A lesson looking at the basics of language analysis. In particular question 3 paper 2. I’ve made this lesson with a strong focus on target setting, the students have an option to choose between three SMART targets to be reviewed at the end of the lesson. The lesson focuses on the basics of language analysis, focusing first on students being able to identify language techniques using scanning, then looks at re writing common similes and metaphors. Students are then introduced to PEA paragraphs and those who want to push themselves PEACE paragraphs. There is a self/peer marking slide with a brief explanation as to how it is marked in the exam. My idea was to be for this to be an introduction into into language analysis for grade 3/4 students although I’ve included activities for those who wish to achieve grade 5 and above.

A quick listening test activity for anyone on a course that requires speaking and listening. Aimed at functional skills and ESOL learners.

A powerpoint and sample resource of how to write a formal letter, with a video I made for home learning.

A video, power point and resource on common mistakes to avoid for anyone about to do the level 1 functional skills exams. Originally intended as home learning but it can be adapted to suit a face to face lesson. Activity 1 is looking at an article I wrote on ‘Fortnight’ and identifying the labeled layout techniques. Activity 2 answers a question about the common mistakes people make in these exams. Answers included and Youtube version is available on my channel.