This mock-style exam paper is designed to mirror the skills tested in a real GCSE English Language exam. Using an extract from The Book Thief, it challenges students to: Identify and interpret key information from the text Analyse the writer’s use of language and its effects Explore how structural choices shape meaning and engage the reader Develop and organise ideas in extended responses To support progress, this resource also includes: ✅ A bonus student success criteria checklist to help learners understand what examiners are looking for ✅ A clear, user-friendly mark scheme for self-assessment or teacher feedback Perfect for revision, exam preparation, or as a classroom/homework activity.
A focused, practical checklist designed by a GCSE English examiner to help students use February half-term strategically. Includes key terminology, 5 days of structured practice, and a Grade 9 self-audit.
This examiner-led masterclass is designed to help students confidently compare writers’ viewpoints and perspectives — one of the most challenging questions on the IGCSE/GCSE English Language paper. In this focused session, I guide students step-by-step through how to compare attitudes towards healthcare in the 19th century and present day, beginning with image analysis to build inference skills and link ideas to written texts. Students will learn how to: infer ideas and attitudes from visual sources compare writers’ feelings and perspectives clearly use precise adjectives to describe attitudes select the most effective quotations zoom in on language and structural methods analyse how methods shape meaning structure a strong comparative response understand what examiners are looking for I also model how to write a high-level response, with a full example answer included in the workbook. What’s Included Full recording of the live April 2026 masterclass Student workbook with both extracts included Full model response Example comparative answer from Edexcel IGCSE June 2019 Relevant mark scheme Additional practice questions for independent revision Perfect for students aiming to improve confidence, technique and marks.
This focused, student-friendly PowerPoint is designed to break down one of the most challenging questions on Paper 1: Question 3. This resource guides students step-by-step through: - What structure actually means in the exam - A clear range of structural devices (e.g. shifts in focus, zooming in/out, cyclical structure, juxtaposition) - How to analyse structure using precise sentence stems - The effects of structural choices using ambitious vocabulary - Reader response vocabulary to elevate answers - The What? How? Why? framework to structure high-level responses - How to bring everything together into a strong, exam-ready paragraph Perfect for: - GCSE English Language students (AQA, but transferable across boards) - Parents supporting revision at home This is a practical, no-nonsense resource.
GCSE English Language Mock Exam – Paper 1: Reading and Writing (based on The Woman in Black by Susan Hill) This complete mock exam paper is designed to help GCSE students practise and build confidence in both reading and writing skills for English Language Paper 1. Section A focuses on reading and includes questions that test: How the writer uses language How the writer uses structure A 20-mark evaluate question, requiring students to explore how successfully the writer achieves specific effects All reading questions are based on a carefully chosen extract from The Woman in Black by Susan Hill – a rich, atmospheric text ideal for practising analytical and evaluative skills. Section B offers a choice of two creative writing prompts, encouraging students to either write a narrative or describe a scene inspired by the reading extract. A handy student-friendly marking guide is included, enabling learners to self-assess their work, set clear targets for improvement, and reflect on their progress. Perfect for independent revision, tutor-led sessions, or classroom use.
In this engaging and focused session, students will master the comparison question that so many find tricky in Paper 2. Whether they struggle to understand how to structure their answer or how to identify the writers' viewpoints and perspectives, this masterclass will break it down step by step.
If your child is reading extracts but not knowing what to do with them, this masterclass will transform how they approach the exam. In this examiner-led masterclass, I teach students exactly how to annotate effectively under exam conditions. This is a key skill that directly impacts their ability to analyse, select evidence, and write high-level responses. This is not about passive highlighting. This is about thinking like an examiner. What this masterclass covers: ✔️ The difference between highlighting and annotating and why most students are doing it wrong ✔️ A clear, step-by-step method for annotating unseen extracts in the exam ✔️ How to highlight strategically so students focus only on what matters ✔️ How to break down the question so they know exactly what to look for ✔️ Live modelling using: • An extract from the IGCSE Non-Fiction Anthology • A real AQA GCSE English Language past paper These extracts are also ideal practice for all exam boards, as they function as unseen texts. What students will be able to do after this session: • Approach any unseen extract with confidence • Identify key words, methods, and structural features quickly • Avoid over-highlighting and instead annotate with purpose • Link their annotations directly to exam questions • Build stronger, more focused analytical responses What’s included: • Full recording of the live masterclass • A structured student workbook to follow along • Built-in pause points for independent practice • Bonus revision material on: • Language techniques • Structural methods • Space for students to annotate, reflect, and revise independently
Creative Writing Masterclass – originally held on 4th January 2025 This engaging Masterclass is designed to prepare students for the creative writing section of the GCSE exam. During the session, we covered: How to structure a narrative effectively. The differences between linear and non-linear narratives. Techniques for crafting an engaging opening. Examples of Grade 8/9 answers to inspire and guide students. By purchasing this Masterclass, your child will also receive the unique benefit of having their work marked by me, with detailed feedback to help them improve and refine their writing skills.
Are you stuck at using Point–Evidence–Explanation and wondering why it’s not enough to reach the top grades? This masterclass takes you step-by-step through what examiners are really looking for – and how to push your analysis to the next level. Using an extract from The Book Thief, I model a high-level response and break down the mark scheme so students can see exactly what’s needed to hit the higher bands. Students then produce their own independent work, which is personally marked by me – a GCSE examiner – with clear, actionable feedback. What’s included: A workbook packed with tasks and tips The full PowerPoint used in the session The recorded Zoom masterclass (recorded in summer) A checklist for high-level analysis to use in future work By the end, students will understand precisely how to move beyond PEE and write analysis that really impresses the examiner.
GCSE English Language Paper 2, Question 5 Masterclass 📚 Master Persuasive Writing with Confidence