Welcome to my TES shop! I bring over 10 years of experience as an English teacher, Lead Practitioner, Literacy Lead, and now Head of English, working in both British and international schools. With an MSc in Teaching and Learning from Oxford, my resources are crafted to enhance student understanding and boost grades.
Simplify complex concepts for GCSE, IGCSE, and KS3 English Literature and Language.
Save teachers time by reducing workload with ready to use materials.
Welcome to my TES shop! I bring over 10 years of experience as an English teacher, Lead Practitioner, Literacy Lead, and now Head of English, working in both British and international schools. With an MSc in Teaching and Learning from Oxford, my resources are crafted to enhance student understanding and boost grades.
Simplify complex concepts for GCSE, IGCSE, and KS3 English Literature and Language.
Save teachers time by reducing workload with ready to use materials.
/teaching-resources/shop/englishexcels
What’s Included?
George & Lennie – Friendship, power, and the failure of the American Dream.
Curley’s Wife – Gender roles, isolation, and the struggle for agency.
Candy – Age, disability, and the fear of becoming obsolete.
Crooks – Racism, segregation, and the impact of the Jim Crow laws.
The American Dream
Key Features:
Concise Key Quotes with Analysis
Historical Context (1930s America, The Great Depression, Social Inequality)
Thematic Exploration (Power, Loneliness, Dreams, and Social Hierarchy)
Literary & Structural Techniques (Symbolism, Juxtaposition, Dialogue, Foreshadowing)
Exam-Focused Insights to Improve Essay Writing
This comprehensive revision guide provides an in-depth analysis of Sonnet 116 by William Shakespeare, exploring its themes, language, structure, and poetic techniques. Designed for IGCSE and GCSE English Literature, this resource helps students develop a strong analytical understanding of the poem.
What’s Included?
Detailed Summary – A clear explanation of the poem’s meaning and Shakespeare’s perspective on true love.
Contextual Analysis – Insight into the Elizabethan concept of love, Platonism, and Renaissance ideals.
Themes & Key Ideas – Covering love’s constancy, love vs. time, and love as a guiding force.
Language & Structure – Examination of enjambment, polyptoton, religious and legal imagery, and metaphors such as the “ever-fixed mark” and “wandering bark.”
Comparative Links – Connections with Remember by Christina Rossetti, exploring contrasting perspectives on love and time.
Key Literary Features – Analysis of rhyme scheme, caesura, volta, and the final rhyming couplet to highlight Shakespeare’s certainty about love.
Exam-Style Questions – Practice prompts to help students develop exam-ready responses.
This Poetry Comparison Grid is an essential resource for Edexcel IGCSE English Literature students studying the Poetry Anthology. It provides a structured framework for comparing key poems across thematic links, making it an invaluable revision tool.
Key Features:
Covers major themes such as resilience, fear, identity, childhood, memory, isolation, love, betrayal, suffering, mortality, love and loss, power, and control
Organizes poems thematically to aid comparative analysis
Includes key anthology poems such as Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night, War Photographer, My Last Duchess, La Belle Dame sans Merci, and more
Supports students in structuring comparative essay responses for Edexcel IGCSE English Literature Paper 1
Ideal for use in lessons, independent study, or revision sessions
This grid helps students identify common themes, develop detailed comparisons, and strengthen their analytical skills for the Edexcel IGCSE exam.
his comprehensive revision guide provides an in-depth analysis of Poem at Thirty-Nine by Alice Walker, exploring its themes, language, structure, and poetic techniques. Designed for IGCSE and GCSE English Literature, this resource helps students develop a strong analytical understanding of the poem.
What’s Included?
Detailed Summary – A clear explanation of the poem’s meaning and the speaker’s reflections on her father’s influence.
Contextual Analysis – Insight into Walker’s personal background and themes of parental influence, memory, and nostalgia.
Themes & Key Ideas – Covering parental influence, memory, fear, powerlessness, and reflection on childhood.
Language & Structure – Examination of free verse, irregular stanza lengths, enjambment, repetition, and conversational tone to reflect personal memories and emotions.
Comparative Links – Connections with Piano by D.H. Lawrence, exploring memory, nostalgia, and parental relationships.
Key Literary Features – Analysis of contrasts between hardship and warmth, extended metaphors of cooking, and the shift in tone from regret to appreciation.
Exam-Style Questions – Practice prompts to help students develop exam-ready responses.
This resource is designed to support students in preparing for Question 5 of the Edexcel IGCSE English Language Paper 1, which focuses on comparing writers’ perspectives and ideas. It provides:
Perspectives and ideas breakdown for ** ALL anthology texts**
A clear breakdown of what the question is asking
A student-friendly explanation of what “perspective” means
Sentence starters and comparison connectives
A model response for scaffolded learning
A vocabulary bank and key tone words
This carefully structured revision booklet is designed to prepare students for the Progress Test in English (PTE) reading assessment. Aligned with the key skills tested by GL Assessment, the pack uses rich literary extracts to develop students’ confidence and accuracy in reading comprehension.
High-quality extracts from classic texts (Bleak House, David Copperfield, The Fellowship of the Ring, 1984, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and more)
**What is included? **
6 skill-focused sections per extract:
Vocabulary in Context (MCQs)
Inference and Character
Analysing Language and Mood
Theme and Writer’s Purpose
Perspective and Bias
Comprehension and Analysis (10 MCQs)
Clearly formatted student revision tasks (no need for prior text knowledge)
Complete teacher mark schemes with suggested answers, explanations, and textual references
Ready-to-use for classroom, homework or intervention
This student-friendly mark scheme is designed to support learners preparing for the Edexcel IGCSE English Literature Paper 1. It breaks down the assessment objectives and levels into clear, accessible language across the three key components:
Unseen Poetry – AO2 is explained in straightforward terms, with level-by-level guidance to help students understand how to analyse language, form, and structure effectively.
Anthology Poetry Comparison – Covers both AO2 and AO3. Students are guided on how to analyse writers’ methods and compare ideas and perspectives across poems, with a clear progression through the levels.
Prose Text (e.g. Of Mice and Men) – Includes a student-friendly breakdown of AO1 and AO4, helping students link their understanding of the text to its context while developing a thoughtful personal response.
This resource is ideal for:
Self and peer assessment
Target setting and tracking progress
Building student confidence in exam expectations
Supporting focused and structured analytical writing
This comprehensive revision guide provides an in-depth analysis of Half-Caste by John Agard, exploring its themes, language, structure, and poetic techniques. Designed for IGCSE and GCSE English Literature, this resource helps students develop a strong analytical understanding of the poem.
This non ficiton pack is an essential resource for students preparing for non-fiction writing tasks, particularly argumentative, persuasive, and discursive writing.
Designed to support GCSE and IGCSE English Language, this resource provides structured guidance on writing effective paragraph types, developing sophisticated vocabulary, and achieving high marks.
**
Why Use This Resource?**
Exam-Focused – Supports IGCSE Edexcel, Cambridge, and AQA GCSE English Language papers.
Engaging & Accessible – Clear, structured, and student-friendly.
Ideal for Independent or Classroom Study – Perfect for revision, writing practice, and exam preparation.
This comprehensive Of Mice and Men revision guide is designed for high-attaining students aiming for Grade 9 in English Literature. It provides a structured and detailed exploration of Steinbeck’s key themes and contextual ideas, supporting students in making insightful links between character, setting, and historical background.
Key Features:
Thought-provoking “Big Questions” to encourage higher-level critical thinking.
Concise contextual overviews that connect directly to character experiences.
Thematic focus on core ideas such as friendship, the American Dream, isolation, power, and setting.
Detailed character studies with embedded quotations and high-level commentary.
Structured to support top-band responses across AO1 and AO4
Suitable for exam preparation, classroom teaching, and independent revision.
Benefits for Students and Teachers:
Encourages deeper engagement with characters, context, and theme.
Supports structured and evaluative essay writing.
Clear layout and accessible academic language throughout.
Ideal for targeted intervention, whole-class study, or independent learning.
This detailed and user-friendly resource is specifically designed for students studying the IGCSE Edexcel English Language course. It focuses on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s The Danger of a Single Story and provides an accessible summary of the key elements required for exam success.
Key Features:
Concise Summary: A clear and comprehensive summary of the text, perfect for revision.
Key Themes: Exploration of central ideas, such as stereotypes, identity, and diverse perspectives.
Key Vocabulary: Definitions and explanations of essential terms (e.g., stereotype, dehumanise, perspective).
Language and Structure Analysis: Insights into rhetorical devices and narrative techniques used by Adichie, such as repetition, juxtaposition, rhetorical questions, and chronological reflection.
Writer’s Perspective: Highlights Adichie’s views on the formation and impact of stereotypes and the importance of embracing diverse stories.
Exam-Focused: Provides a cohesive breakdown of language and structure to support students in understanding and analysing the text effectively.
Ideal For:
IGCSE Edexcel English Language Students: Perfect for use in lessons, homework, or independent revision.
Teachers: A ready-made, time-saving resource for preparing lessons or revision sessions.
This detailed and engaging resource is specifically created for IGCSE Edexcel English Language students, focusing on Steven Morris’s Explorers or Boys Messing About? Either Way, Taxpayer Gets Rescue Bill. It provides a comprehensive breakdown of the article to support students in developing their analytical skills and understanding key themes and techniques.
Key Features:
Concise Summary: A clear overview of Steven Morris’s critical article, which examines the reckless actions of two explorers, their financial impact on taxpayers, and the questionable necessity of their expedition.
Key Themes: Exploration of themes such as recklessness and responsibility in exploration, public accountability, and the tension between adventure and practicality.
Key Vocabulary: Definitions and explanations of important terms such as mocking to enhance students’ critical vocabulary.
Language and Structure Analysis:
Language Techniques: Analysis of Morris’s use of irony, humorous language, and infantilised descriptions to critique the explorers’ decisions and portray them as irresponsible.
Structural Features: Examination of the chronological structure, use of expert opinions, and cause-and-effect relationships to highlight the consequences of the explorers’ actions.
Writer’s Perspective: Highlights Morris’s mocking tone and critical stance towards the explorers, questioning their judgement and responsibility while emphasising the unnecessary burden placed on public resources.
Exam-Focused: Designed to help students effectively analyse language, structure, and writer’s perspective, preparing them for top marks in their exams.
Ideal For:
IGCSE Edexcel English Language Students: Ideal for classroom lessons, homework, and revision.
Teachers: A ready-to-use, time-saving resource for lesson planning, providing insightful analysis and engaging material for students.
This comprehensive resource is tailored for IGCSE Edexcel English Language students, focusing on Benjamin Zephaniah’s Young and Dyslexic? You’ve Got It Going On. It provides a detailed and accessible breakdown of the text, enabling students to enhance their analytical skills and deepen their understanding of its key themes and techniques.
Key Features:
Concise Summary: A clear overview of Benjamin Zephaniah’s reflections on growing up with dyslexia, highlighting his journey from overcoming societal stereotypes to achieving success as a poet and professor.
Key Themes: Exploration of resilience, challenging stereotypes about dyslexia, and empowering individuals to view dyslexia as a strength rather than a setback.
Key Vocabulary: Definitions and explanations of terms such as resilience, empowerment, and stereotypes, to support students in writing analytically.
Language and Structure Analysis:
Language Techniques: Analysis of Zephaniah’s use of anecdotes, personal pronouns, and first-person narrative to create an inclusive tone, inspire readers, and share his experiences authentically.
Structural Features: Examination of chronological reflection, contrasting past struggles with later success, and direct address to engage and encourage the audience.
Writer’s Perspective: Highlights Zephaniah’s empowering perspective, celebrating creativity and individuality while rejecting societal stereotypes about dyslexia.
Exam-Focused: Designed to help students effectively analyse language, structure, and perspective, preparing them to achieve top marks.
Ideal For:
IGCSE Edexcel English Language Students: Perfect for classroom lessons, independent study, or revision.
Teachers: A ready-made, time-saving resource to enhance lesson planning and provide engaging material for students.
An 11 page resource designed to support students in analysing language and structure for Question 4 of the Edexcel IGCSE English Language Exam. It provides a structured approach for recording key ideas, making it ideal for both ongoing study and revision.
**Templates included: **
From The Danger of a Single Story
From A Passage to Africa
From The Explorer’s Daughter, Kari Herbert
Explorers or boys messing about? Either way, taxpayer gets rescue bill,
From Between a Rock and a Hard Place,
Young and dyslexic? You’ve got it going on
From A Game of Polo with a Headless Goat
From Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into Bhutan
From H is for Hawk
From Chinese Cinderella
How to Use This Resource:
During Analysis of texts: Use the templates as students work through each Anthology text, enabling them to organise and record their insights systematically.
For Revision: Provide this resource as a review tool for students to revisit their notes and refine their understanding of key language and structure techniques.
This expertly designed resource is tailored for IGCSE Edexcel English Language students, focusing on Emma Levine’s From A Game of Polo with a Headless Goat. It provides a detailed and accessible breakdown of the text, supporting students in mastering their analysis and developing a deeper understanding of its key themes and techniques.
Key Features:
Concise Summary: A clear overview of Emma Levine’s engaging account of a donkey race in Karachi, blending humour, cultural insight, and vivid descriptions of chaos and tradition.
Key Themes: Exploration of chaos and unpredictability in sports and society, cultural diversity and traditions, and humour in the face of disorder.
Key Vocabulary: Definitions and explanations of essential terms such as chaos, anarchy, and juxtaposition, aiding students in developing precise analytical responses.
Language and Structure Analysis:
Language Techniques: Analysis of Levine’s use of imagery, metaphor, sarcasm, and juxtaposition to convey the excitement, chaos, and cultural uniqueness of the event.
Structural Features: Exploration of the chronological narrative structure, shifts in tone from excitement to unease, and the use of complex sentences to reflect the chaotic nature of the race.
Writer’s Perspective: Highlights Levine’s amused yet respectful tone, her appreciation for the cultural uniqueness of the event, and her reflective observations on the inherent chaos and risks involved.
Exam-Focused: Designed to help students effectively analyse language, structure, and perspective, preparing them to achieve top marks.
Ideal For:
IGCSE Edexcel English Language Students: Perfect for lessons, independent study, or revision.
Teachers: A ready-made, time-saving resource to enhance lesson planning and provide engaging material for students.
This expertly designed resource is tailored for IGCSE Edexcel English Language students, focusing on George Alagiah’s A Passage to Africa. It offers a comprehensive breakdown of the text, covering all essential aspects to support students in mastering analysis and exam preparation.
Concise Summary: A clear overview of George Alagiah’s reflections on human suffering and the ethical challenges of journalism during the Somali Civil War.
Key Themes: Exploration of central ideas, including human suffering and resilience, the ethics of journalism, and the relationship between observer and observed.
Key Vocabulary: Definitions of vital terms such as empathy, pathos, and ethics, aiding students in articulating nuanced analysis.
Language and Structure Analysis:
Language Devices: Analysis of graphic imagery, juxtaposition, metaphor, and alliteration, showcasing how Alagiah evokes emotion and reinforces his narrative.
Structural Features: Examination of techniques such as one-sentence paragraphs, juxtaposition within the narrative, chronological reflection, and cyclical structure, ensuring a deeper understanding of how the text is organised.
Writer’s Perspective: Highlights Alagiah’s empathy and the ethical dilemmas he faces as a journalist, providing valuable insights into his personal and professional reflections.
Ideal For:
IGCSE Edexcel English Language Students: Perfect for lessons, homework, or independent revision.
Teachers: A time-saving, ready-to-use resource to aid in lesson planning and student engagement.
This meticulously designed resource is tailored for IGCSE Edexcel English Language students and focuses on Aron Ralston’s 127 Hours: Between a Rock and a Hard Place. It offers an in-depth yet accessible breakdown of the text, enabling students to master their analysis and enhance their understanding of the themes and techniques.
Key Features:
Concise Summary: A clear overview of Aron Ralston’s gripping account of survival and resilience after being trapped by a boulder, exploring the physical and emotional challenges he faced.
Key Themes: Examination of human resilience and survival, the consequences of risk-taking, and the fragility of life in the face of nature’s unpredictability.
Key Vocabulary: Definitions and explanations of essential terms such as resilience, tension, and isolation, supporting students in developing precise analytical responses.
Language and Structure Analysis:
Language Techniques: Analysis of Ralston’s use of graphic imagery, metaphor, and active and passive voice to vividly convey his experience and emotional state.
Structural Features: Exploration of the chronological narrative, the use of short fragmented sentences to build tension, and the shift in focus from physical to mental strength, reflecting the progression of his struggle.
Writer’s Perspective: Highlights Ralston’s raw honesty as he balances regret for his decisions with determination to survive, showcasing his mental and emotional resilience.
Exam-Focused: Provides students with tools to analyse language, structure, and perspective effectively, preparing them to achieve top marks.
Ideal For:
IGCSE Edexcel English Language Students: Perfect for lessons, independent study, or revision.
Teachers: A time-saving resource that provides engaging, exam-focused content to support student learning and classroom instruction.
This meticulously crafted resource is tailored for IGCSE Edexcel English Language students, focusing on Helen Macdonald’s From H is for Hawk. It provides an accessible breakdown of the text, helping students deepen their understanding of its themes, techniques, and emotional resonance.
Key Features:
Concise Summary: A clear overview of Helen Macdonald’s moving narrative about meeting her goshawk for the first time and the complex interplay between grief, nature, and healing.
Key Themes: Examination of grief and emotional healing, the power of nature and animals to connect with human emotions, and the tension between control and wildness.
Key Vocabulary: Definitions of critical terms such as grief, majestic, and tension, enabling students to articulate nuanced analysis in their responses.
Language and Structure Analysis:
Language Techniques: Analysis of first-person narrative, metaphors, allusions, and vivid imagery to convey Macdonald’s emotional vulnerability and awe for the hawk.
Structural Features: Exploration of contrasts between awe and grief, escalating tension and its resolution, and the use of one-sentence paragraphs to convey sudden emotional shifts.
Writer’s Perspective: Highlights Macdonald’s respect for the hawk’s magnificence and her use of it as a symbol of her grief and quest for healing, offering profound insights into her emotional journey.
Exam-Focused: Designed to help students analyse language, structure, and perspective effectively, equipping them to achieve high marks in their exams.
Ideal For:
IGCSE Edexcel English Language Students: Perfect for lessons, independent study, or revision.
Teachers: A ready-to-use, time-saving resource for engaging and effective lesson planning.