zip, 723.82 KB
zip, 723.82 KB

Encourage deeper analysis and critical thinking with this set of 15 essay prompts for Shirley Jackson’s unsettling short story The Possibility of Evil. These questions guide students to explore themes of morality, secrecy, hypocrisy, and the divide between public image and private behaviour, while developing confidence in structuring and expressing analytical ideas.

Ideal for KS4 English Literature, this resource works well for class discussion, independent essay writing, timed assessments, or homework tasks.

What’s included:
★ A complete list of all 15 essay prompts
★ Individual printable handouts for each question with planning/writing space
★ Editable Google Slides version for digital use or classroom display

Sample questions include:
➤ How does Shirley Jackson use setting to create a false sense of security?
➤ Explore the role of secrets and hidden behaviour in the story. What does Jackson suggest about human nature?
➤ To what extent is Miss Strangeworth a reliable narrator of her own life and intentions?

Key features:
✔ Text-focused, accessible prompts for close analysis
✔ Supports exploration of narrative voice, symbolism, structure, and theme
✔ Editable for differentiation and classroom flexibility
✔ Perfect for short story study, thematic analysis, or assessment preparation

Download today to help students move beyond surface understanding and engage critically with one of Jackson’s most chilling and morally complex works.

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A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

Bundle

The Possibility of Evil Activities and Teaching Resources Bundle

Support your students in exploring the moral complexity and unsettling atmosphere of Shirley Jackson’s The Possibility of Evil with this all-in-one teaching bundle. Designed to promote close reading, critical thinking, and creative engagement, this resource pack offers a wide range of interactive and analytical activities to help students examine the story’s tone, characterisation, and lasting impact. Packed with revision tools, discussion prompts, and imaginative tasks, this bundle deepens students’ understanding of key themes including hidden malice, the façade of respectability, secrecy, hypocrisy, and the tension between public image and private behaviour. This bundle includes: ✔ The Possibility of Evil Creative Writing Prompts – Encourage imaginative and analytical responses linked to the story’s central ideas ✔ The Possibility of Evil Word Search – Reinforce key vocabulary in an accessible, engaging way ✔ The Possibility of Evil Crossword Puzzle – Consolidate knowledge through clue-based revision ✔ The Possibility of Evil Creative Post-Reading Tasks – A choice of nine activities, from podcast scripts to symbolic collages ✔ The Possibility of Evil Roll the Dice Discussion Board – Promote thoughtful classroom dialogue through student-led questions ✔ The Possibility of Evil Bingo Revision Game – A fast-paced, interactive way to review character, theme, and symbolism ✔ The Possibility of Evil Essay Questions – 15 analytical prompts exploring narrative technique, context, and deeper meaning Why choose this bundle? ✔ Versatile – Suitable for introducing, exploring, or revising the text ✔ Engaging – A variety of tasks to suit different learning styles and abilities ✔ Time-Saving – Ready-to-use printables requiring minimal preparation Perfect for: ✔ KS4 English Literature ✔ American short story study or gothic elements ✔ Cover lessons or homework ✔ Revision and exam preparation Download today and guide your students through one of Shirley Jackson’s most morally complex and quietly disturbing short stories.

£3.00

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