This resource guides students through the final part of AQA Literature paper 2, exploring the unseen poetry and working through how to access the skills of the writer and then make meaningful, point-scoring comparisons in the time available. The resource provides two unseen poems - copyright free - from which students can work, and guidance about how to use relevant terminology in order to target meaningful areas for comment and comparison.

This poster, reprintable for the classroom and students’ files covers the main areas of contextual information relevant to examination questions. Topics: Stevenson the writer and his previous works, The Victorian Gentleman, phrenology and physiognomy, London’s poor (and Booth’s maps), Darwin and the gothic genre.

This seven-page resource guides the student through the novella’s key revision points, provides them with a short extract (glossed) and detailed notes targeting the writer’s methods as well as the novella’s context as they relate to the examination question. The resources closes with a set of 10 topic sentences to scaffold students to a full written response to the practice question.

This resource guides the student through the process of thinking about and composing a response to a selected extract from the text. Prior to the extract reminders of key events, ideas and contextual matters are provided. The extract is highlighted to assist with analysis (with challenging language explained) and followed by extensive guidance points, directing students to textual and contextual issues relevant to the theme task in the question. A sample examination question is given, followed by prompts and a sequence of topic sentence starters to scaffold students towards a confident response of their own.

A guided worksheet including a full extract, highlighted examination guidance, examination-style question, revision prompts and guided topic sentences. Everything you need for tackling chapter 8 as a central segment for extract work at GCSE.

This PowerPoint lesson guides the class through two important scenes, Act 2 scenes 8 and 9, recounting the distress of Shylock and his likely vengeance and then observing the attempt of Arragon to choose the correct casket. Both figures are made to look fools. Time is spent considering the dramatic impact of reporting Shylock’s distress (as opposed to observing it on stage) and the possible bias as well as linking the probable vengeance against Antonio to Shylock’s earlier animosity. Context is key to understanding the mockery in the characterisation of Arragon. The discussion of characters ends with some consideration of Bassanio: romantic ‘ambassador of love’ or ambitious man on the make? The lesson closes with a series of exam-style questions (one in each of the styles suitable for GCSE with AQA, OCR and Edexcel) on the presentation of Shylock so far. Ideal for students of GCSE using the following exam boards: AQA, Edexcel, OCR or for able KS3 classes.

This PowerPoint lesson introduces the class to the play and the opening exchanges of Act 1 scene 1, touching on the setting of Venice as a centre of trade, on the situation of the Jews within the city and contextualising the business acumen and friendship of Antonio. The class are also guided through their first attempts at understanding Shakespearian dialogue as well as considering the freighted language of finance/credit/ the body that establishes the themes of the dramatic heart of the play. 26 slides. Suitable for AQA, Edexcel and OCR GCSE classes.

This resource guides students through Romeo and Juliet Act 4 scenes 2 and 3 where the Capulets are preparing for the wedding and Juliet is preparing to take the Friar’s potion and fake her own death. The lesson focuses on the language which shows that Juliet is clever, determined, fearful yet brave. Discussion considers the power of the fears that she articulates as she imagines what could go wrong with the Friar’s plan and her desperate act in taking the potion. Juliet’s character is understood to be increasingly isolated and having to act without the support of family or nurse. Foreshadowing, dramatic irony and tragic inevitability are features. The lesson closes with exam style questions (one AQA and one EDEXCEL with some suggestions for areas of focus in the answers (including context points).

This PowerPoint lesson guides the class through Act 2 scene 3 of Macbeth and the aftermath of the murder. The language associated with hell and the role of the porter speaking accidental truths is considered to begin with, then followed by the references to portents that signify unnatural deeds taking place. The discovery of the murder, the rash actions of Macbeth and his grief-stricken outbursts are also studied along with the other characters’ reactions to them. Duplicity and equivocation play a key part in this scene, with some of the language spoken by Macbeth in earnest also taking on more sinister import through the dramatic awareness of the audience. The lesson asks students to consider the references that link nature and the king (as well as the contextual idea of the divine right of kingship); they then explore Macbeth’s actions in this scene in the context of Lady Macbeth’s advice in previous scenes. The lesson closes with three exam-style questions suitable for students undertaking GCSE courses with AQA, OCR and Edexcel examination boards. 16 slides.

This PowerPoint resource guides the class through the important scene that is the first to feature Macbeth as king. The imagery of chaos and apocolypse is considered in a recap of the previous scene, followed by a focus on the short soliloquy of Banquo, the extended soliloquy of Macbeth and his plotting with the murderers. Parallels are made between Macbeth’s persuasive techniques and Lady Macbeth’s highlighting his cunning, a ‘progression’ from his earlier self doubt. Context is considered, especially in the light of the repeated references to the descendants of Banquo, the penalties for regicide and the position of James I of England, James VI of Scotland as patron of Shakespeare’s players. The lesson concludes with a comparison of the killings carried out/ planned by Macbeth so far to understand how his character appears to be changing. To consolidate learning, students are provided with exam-style questions suitable for AQA, Edexcel and OCR GCSE courses. 23 slides.

This PowerPoint lesson guides the class through the pivotal banqueting scene. Close focus is devoted to the language used to describe the death of Banquo and the inner anguish of Macbeth as he is confronted by the ghost. Comparisons are made between the scheming of Macbeth in the previous scenes as well as his fears regarding the ‘snake’ and the damage done to his mental state when he learns of Fleance’s escape. Students are asked to consider the staging of the scene, discussing the different impacts achieved with or without the ghost actually present. This leads on to some consideration of the methods used by Shakespeare to forge links of understanding between the audience and Macbeth even though Macbeth seems to be further mired in sin than ever. The lesson closes with a set of discussion tasks comparing Macbeth and Lady Macbeth after Duncan’s murder and then again after Banquo’s murder. Three exam-style questions are added to allow students to practise writing about the play (and hints/reminders are provided for each). Ideal for candidates taking GCSE courses with AQA, Edexcel and OCR examination boards. 30+ slides.

This PowerPoint lesson provides extensive coverage of Act 5 scene 1 to guide the class through the revelations of Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking speeches. Connections and contrasts are made between the troubled character of this scene and her confident, controlling presence in earlier scenes. Contextual notes are provided to ensure an understanding of the concept of conscience to the early 17th century audience as well as the divine right of kingship which makes what the doctor witnesses evidence of the ‘unnatural’ crime he fears has taken place. The class is encouraged to consider how Shakespeare is playing to audience sensibilities in presenting a more sympathetic Lady Macbeth in her vulnerability; they are also invited to place themselves in the shoes of the doctor witnessing the breakdown of the queen. The lesson closes with three exam-style questions suitable for students taking GCSE courses with AQA, Edexcel or OCR examination boards. 26 slides.

Romeo and Juliet Act 3 scene 3. Romeo is banished. This lesson presentation takes students through the scene, focusing on language patterns, the concepts of purgatory and hell, Romeo’s reactions and the Friar’s persusasion and exposition. It closes with an essay task and trigger prompts to ensure that language, character and context are included in responses.

A set of resources and lesson plans for all key scenes in Act 1. Activities include group work, acting, language work, exercises to understand characterization, writing tasks, imaginative tasks and notes to ensure background understanding. Key scenes and speeches are provided with a modern English translation to ensure accessibility.

This powerpoint lesson guides students through the entirety of Act 2 scene 1, exploring the setting, portents, Macbeth’s frame of mind and the conventions of the soliloquy. It provides a whole-class activity which examines the soliloquy in detail for meaning, depth of imagery and aural/oral impact. It closes with an explanation of the theatrical conventions of the time surrounding regicide on stage. Suitable for AQA /Edexcel GCSE students and upper KS3.

This PowerPoint lesson guides the class through two key scenes in the final act, Act 5 scenes 2 and 3, showing the converging of the Scottish rebels and English on the castle of Macbeth. The language of tyranny, sickness and regret is explored, linking the two scenes. Macbeth’s characterisation is a focus - both as he is talked about by the rebel thane s and how he is presented with the messenger and the doctor. This is contrasted with his inner thoughts as presented in soliloquy. The lesson closes with a set of examination-style questions suitable for students taking GCSE courses with AQA, Edexcel and OCR. 17 slides.

Romeo and Juliet context poster - can be displayed as a handy reference and revision summary of key points of context: religion, honour, parents & children, fate and tragedy, courtly love.

This powerpoint lesson takes students through a study of Macbeth Act 1 scenes 6 and 7 with particular focus on Lady Macbeth’s persuasive speech as well as the moral awareness of both characters as they plot to kill their king. Questions are asked in order to focus understanding of the writer’s craft in creating drama and intensity as well as creating a relationship between characters and audience.