GCSE L1-5

This is a large multi-page resource (12 pages, plus a shorter document with 2 sets of matching cards and a self-assessment checklist). Aimed at L1-L2 Functional English but also useful for GCSE. 

The main document includes:

A look at the use of sarcasm in Britain.  Many people, especially where English is not their first language, struggle to understand this uniquely British method of communication.  

The resource contains many examples and explanations with a number of varied activities. This resource is useful for general English and ESOL learners.  It includes a discussion, examples and activities. 

Editor's notes

A 15 minute play based on Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.  The script follows the plot of the original play (with a few minor changes) and is written in the style of a pantomime.

Ideal for use as an introduction to the play or as an end of term activity.  Can also be used to enhance acting skills.

Editor's notes

Three resources based on the differences between these two variations of English.  

1. A PowerPoint Quiz
2. A discussion resource for Speaking and Listening (with extra quizzes).
3. Paper-based Quiz  (same questions as PPT - with answers and explanations

The resources work together to support a range of learners and learning styles within ESOL, FS and GCSE.

Editor's notes

Continuing with the theme “A celebration of British fruit”, this reading comprehension resource is about the delightful medlar fruit. At Levels 1 and 2 there are additional punctuation and grammar questions, spelling, and fact and opinion. There is also a speaking and listening group discussion/ presentation task. At Entry 3 there is a revised text with questions and discussion ideas. The final text is simplified for Entry 1 and 2 with some appropriate questions.

Editor's notes

This activity uses the prologue of The Secret History (Donna Tartt, 1992) to examine structure, language features and basic inference skills.

Editor's notes

Cleverly constructed questions and clear layout creates a super, very accessible and useful resource. :)

I attach an annotated version of the resource ‘Education - a sorry story’.  I’ve found all the resources around this text / story really useful for my FS L2 classes and have led into good discussions and onto some useful comparisons with other related texts. 

Editor's notes

A selection of  reading (inference) tasks and creative writing prompts on the opening lines of Young Adult novels. 

Editor's Notes

Written for GCSE learners. Another highly original and engaging resource from Steph :) 

Covers opening lines from seven YA novels including John Green (Paper Towns), Rin Chupeco (The Never Tilting World) and Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me).

A collection of 14 screenshots from films and tv series and brief prompt questions. This resource can be used as an introduction to inference as a skill, and scaffolded with further questions. 

Popular films and TV series used such as Barbie, Bridgerton and The Avengers.

Editor's note

An extract from Phoenix by SF Said with AQA exam-style questions (Q1-Q4) for GCSE English Language Paper One. 

Editor's notes

Another fab set of GCSE reading question from Matthew Ruddle with, as usual, a marvellous choice of text. Each question includes useful hints making this resource ideal for revision, practice or private study / homework. 

Phoenix is SF Said's third book.  All three books have been awarded or shortlisted for various children's literature awards.