Key Stage 4

EnglishIn this pack you will find work for English for the next

four weeks.

For the next four weeks we will focus on some key elements of your language and literature papers.

If you complete a piece of work that you are proud of take a and share it with us, you can do this via:

Remember to send your work to the teacher of that subject if you can.You can complete your work on paper or in a separate word document.

Monday 1st June English Language Paper 11. Katherine Mansfield: An indiscreet journey' The extract tells of the beginning of a young girl's journey across France during the First World War to meet some relatives whom she has not met before.

Q1: List four things about the old woman from lines 5-10 in the extract.

An old woman sat opposite, her skirt turned back over her knees, a bonnet of black lace on her head. In her fat hands, adorned with a wedding and two mourning rings, she held a letter. Slowly, slowly she sipped a sentence, and then looked up and out of the window, her lips trembling a little, and then another sentence, and again the old face turned to the light, tasting it ...

Q2: Look in detail at this extract, from lines 1-22 of the story: How does the author use language here to describe the view from outside the train carriage?

You should include the author's choice of: • words and phrases • language techniques • sentence types

Practice Activity: Sample answer analysis

Here is a sample answer scoring 7/8. Write a short analysis of why this answer scores 7/8.

Katherine Mansfield uses many different language techniques to describe the view from the train. She starts the passage with two short sentences to give a dramatic effect, e.g. `Ah! The train had begun to move'. In the third sentence she repeats the word 'passing' three times which reflects the rhythm of the train as well as the assonance of the 'S' sound. The effect of these techniques is to reflect both the rhythm and the sound of the steam train. The writer's choice of adjectives has the effect of bringing the scene to life; for example, the 'blind' houses, the 'red-fingered' pools and the 'dark' woods. She uses colours extensively such as the 'white' stems of the birch and ash and rives 'green and blue', all of which literally add colour and help Feed the reader's imagination.

The personification of the sun makes the scene more vivid for the reader: 'the sun told we to take off the Burberry'. She also uses similes, which have the same effect of making the scene easier to imagine, to describe the wooden sheds — they are like 'rigged-up dancing halls or seaside pavilions'. She brings contrast into the passage by contrasting the dark woods with the white stems of the birch and ash tree, and by using the adverb 'mysteriously' she adds some intrigue. This follows the rhetorical question 'is there really such a thing as war?' This has the effect of giving the reader a sense of foreboding and incredulity — the war cannot be imagined, and yet it is happening. This is also reflected by the apparent image of cemeteries full of cornflowers, poppies and daisies, but this happy image is shattered — they are not flowers — they are bunches of ribbons tied on to the soldiers' graves. The short sentence 'Out they are not flowers at all' has the effect of adding intensity to the gruesome reality. One final image is that of the little French soldier — the negative language, shown in the writer's choice of adjectives used to describe him as 'forlorn' and 'desolate', both of which ensure the reader reflects on the reality and futility of war. in this way this soldier acts as a symbol For all soldiers caught up in the

Question 3 (8 Marks): Revision and Practice Question 3 is about structure, and you will need to look at the whole text to answer this question.

This is to comply with A02: `Explain, comment on and analyse how writers use language and structure to

achieve effects and influence readers, using relevant subject terminology to support their views.'

A typical question will look like this:

How has the writer used structure in this extract to gain the interest of the reader?

You could examine:

• what the writer focuses on at the beginning • whether there is any change of focus within the story and, if so, how and why the writer does this • whether there are any other structural features that interest you Command words:

The first bullet point is quite straightforward and you have to mention what is presented at the beginning of the extract, but you must also consider the effect on the reader.

You need to look for a change in focus in the story and what impact it has. (There will always be a change of focus — so it is good practice to look out for this in any extracts you read.)

The last bullet point is the most challenging — it is open-ended, with no right or wrong answer. Look at this as an opportunity to show off your knowledge and ability. An effective answer to this bullet point could get you into the top mark band!

What are the examiners looking for?

This question is NOT about language (this is covered in Question 2), so it is JUST about structure. But what do we mean by 'structure'?

3. Here are some useful phrases, favoured by examiners, about structure. Have a look at them and then decide whether they would be more suitable for writing about the beginning, middle or end of the extract. (Some of the phrases could go into more than one column so fill in the table below with these phrases.)

Useful phrases: we notice a circular structure the writer leaves the reader on a cliffhanger foreshadows the focus changes

the author withholds information the author sets the scene the writer creates suspense by... flashback is introduced another character is introduced poses a mystery gives the reader a glimpse of in the final line...

the writer takes us back to the beginning

there is a shift in time there is a pivotal moment dialogue is introduced

creates a [mysterious] atmosphere prepares the reader tension is increased

catches the reader's attention/imagination introduces an unanswered question the author zooms in from something big to something much smaller the writer zooms out from something small to something much bigger external actions are combined with internal thoughts switches between differing points of view points of view are expanded on or repeated for extra emphasis key sentences are placed in particular positions for greater impact

Beginning Middle End

In the beginning the writer: In the middle: At the end of the extract:

4. Effects on you, the reader

When answering this question you need to make sure that you are writing about the effects on the reader. Remember that all writers need to keep the reader interested and keen to know what happens next—you are unlikely to gain any marks for using generalised comments such as this.

So, what should you do?

Make your answer specific to the extract in front of you.

And how do you do this?

Always give specific examples from the text to support your points.

(The examiners will be looking for direct quotations — so make sure you include some, and they must be appropriate!)

Examiner's tip: The way to gain marks is to comment on the IMPACT of the structural features you have noticed. Consider Where?, What?, How? and ask yourself how your reading about this at this particular point adds to your understanding of the whole text.

How then might you link any structural features to effect on the reader? The key is to have some useful phrases up your sleeve. Some ideas are given below — you might also have some of your own that you might wish to add. Come back to this list once you have tried the sample questions and add a few more if you are able to.

Effects of using a particular structural feature might include:

• Giving the reader a better picture of... • Enabling the reader to feel empathy for... • Making you feel as if you were there and, therefore, more involved • Creating atmosphere • Enabling the reader to feel sympathy for... • Emphasising... • Establishing... • Reflecting the mood • Highlighting the contrast between... • Showing the reader, rather than telling them • Creating suspense Further ideas: Examiner's tip: For full marks you MUST have a sense of an overview as well as specific examples.

Text 1: Katherine Mansfield: 'An Indiscreet Journey' Practice Activity 1:

i) Looking at the whole extract make a timeline of the events in the story: See if you can fill in 10 slots.

ii) When you have finished your timeline can you say whether the story is told in chronological

order or not? Is the structure linear or non-linear? iii) What else could you say about the structure in this story? Clue: think where there might be a

pivotal point. iv) What phrase in the extract most makes you want to know what happens next?

v) Is there anything else that interests you?

Question 4 (20 marks): Revision and Practice Question 4 needs to comply with A04: 'Evaluate texts critically and support this with appropriate textual references.'

What are the examiners looking for?

Question 4 presents a statement and asks you to write an essay as to whether you agree with the statement or not. in the essay they will expect you to show a good understanding of the text by looking at the writer's methods and the effect on you as a reader. While doing this you will need to be able to focus on the question throughout.

As with Question 3, before tackling specific questions, take a look at the mark scheme and list significant words.

You will not be able to get the highest marks UNLESS there is evaluation of both ideas AND methods. Text 1 Katherine Mansfield A reader said ‘ I think the countryside in this extract seems like a happy place.’ To what extent do you agree?

Look at the two sample answers below. The second one is clearly better choose some phrases from the second answer and analyse why they make such a good answer.

methods.The 'how' part of the question is asking you to analyse and comment on the writer's

Making notes would be a good idea.attempting to write your answer. ether or not you agree before if you could come to a decision as to whwould be helpful

Question 4 will be asking to what extent you agree or not with to a given statement. It Examiner's tips on how to answer this type of question:

quotations) from the extract.(nions with references When answering the question, you should support your opi

evaluate how the writer presents the countryside to the reader •

consider your own impressions of the countryside • In your answer, you could:

Do you agree with this statement?

ems a happy place.'A reader said: 'I think the countryside in the story se

Now look at this sample question:

Practice Activity 1: Text 1: K Mansfield: 'An Indiscreet Journey'

Tuesday 2nd June An Inspector Calls

How does Priestly present a dramatic moment?Use the following colour coding to structure your answer.

Consider the use of silences vs sound to create drama

Consider how the family members interact to create drama

Consider how slow/fast movement is used to create drama

Consider how death is presented

Consider how the use of ellipses (……) are used to create drama

An Inspector Calls In this extract the Birling family and Gerald continue to disagree about the importance of the Inspector’s visit, their disagreement is interrupted by a telephone call from the police. Eric: And I agree with Sheila. It frightens me too. Birling: Well, go to bed then, and don't stand there being hysterical. Mrs Birling: They're over-tired. In the morning they'll be as amused as we are. Gerald: Everything's all right now, Sheila. (Holds up the ring.) What about this ring? Sheila: No, not yet. It's too soon. I must think. Birling: (pointing to Eric and Sheila) Now look at the pair of them – the famous younger generation who know it all. And they can't even take a joke- // The telephone rings sharply. There is a moment's complete silence. Birling goes to answer it.// Yes?. . . .Mr Birling speaking. . . .What? - here- //But obviously the other person has rung off. He puts the telephone down slowly and looks in a panic stricken fashion at the others.// Birling: That was the police. disinfectant. And a police inspector is on his way here // As they stare guiltily and dumbfounded, the curtain falls.//

A girl has just died – on her way to the Infirmary – after swallowing some – to ask some – questions -----

Wednesday 3rd June Power and Conflict poetry- RemainsRemember this line from Remains by Simon Armitage:

“I see every bullet as it rips through his life”

Write a paragraph addressing the following aspects (focus on what, how and why):

The use of personal perspective Sensory imagery- sight The verb ‘rip’ The use of metaphor ‘through his life’ The anonymity of ‘his’ life

Challenge: What is the impact with following this line with

“I see broad daylight on the other side”

How does the imagery engage the reader? What might ‘broad daylight symbolize?How does it enhance or contrast with the previous line? Why repeat ‘I see’?

Thursday 4th June A Christmas Carol

Bob trembled, and got a little nearer to the ruler. He had a momentary idea of knocking Scrooge down with it, holding him, and calling to the people in the court for help and a strait-waistcoat.

"A merry Christmas, Bob," said Scrooge, with an earnestness that could not be mistaken, as he clapped him on the back. "A merrier Christmas, Bob, my good fellow, than I have given you for many a year. I'll raise your salary, and endeavour to assist your struggling family, and we will discuss your affairs this very afternoon, over a Christmas bowl of smoking bishop, Bob. Make up the fires, and buy another coal-scuttle before you dot another i, Bob Cratchit!"

Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world. Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them; for he was wise enough to know that nothing ever happened on this globe, for good, at which some people did not have their fill of laughter in the outset; and knowing that such as these would be blind anyway, he thought it quite as well that they should wrinkle up their eyes in grins, as have the malady in less attractive forms. His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him.

He had no further intercourse with Spirits, but lived upon the Total Abstinence Principle, ever afterwards; and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God Bless Us, Every One!

Starting with this extract, how does Dickens present Scrooge as a transformed man?

Write about:

• how Dickens presents Scrooge in this extract

• how Dickens presents Scrooge as a transformed man in the novel as a whole.

[30 marks]

Read this extract from Stave Five and then answer the question. In this extract, Scrooge promises to help Bob and his family at the very end of the text.

Friday 5th Transactional WritingSection B: Transactional Writing

Answer ONE question.

You should spend about 45 minutes on this section.

EITHER

Your school is arranging a trip to Australia. Write a leaflet giving information about some of the dangers found in wildlife in Australia.

You could write about: • the different types of dangerous wildlife found in Australia• what students should do if they come across any dangerous spiders • what students can do to avoid being bitten by spiders as well as any other ideas you might have.

*Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar. (Total 40 marks)

OR

Write a letter to a local wildlife centre applying for a Saturday job in the gift shop or working with the animals. In the letter you could:

• state why you are interested in the post • describe the experiences and skills that would make you a good candidate • explain why you think you are well suited to the post as well as any other ideas you might have.

*Your response will be marked for the accurate and appropriate use of vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar. (Total 40 marks)

Monday 8th June English Language Paper 1John Buchan: 'The Loathly Opposite' The narrator has arranged to meet a doctor in the hope of a cure for his illness; he is delighted to meet up with an old friend having treatment in the same clinic.

1) List four things about Dr Christoph from lines 9-14 in the extract.

I felt still better when I saw Dr Christoph. He was a small man with a grizzled beard, a high forehead, and a limp, rather like what I imagine the Apostle Paul must have been. He looked wise, as wise as an old owl. His English was atrocious, but even when he found that I talked German fairly well he didn't expand in speech. He would deliver no opinion of any kind until he had me at least a week under observation; but somehow I felt comforted, for I concluded that a first-class mind had got to work on me.

2) Look in detail at this extract, from lines 15-24 of the story.

How does the author use language here to describe the doctor (Dr Christoph) and his patient (Channell)? You should include the author's choice of: • words and phrases • language techniques • sentence types

3) Practice Activity: Re-read the extract and complete the table.

4. A reader said: 'I think Dr Christoph is a good doctor and will cure the men.' To what extent do you agree with this statement?

In your answer, you could: • consider your own impressions of Dr Christoph • evaluate how the writer presents Dr Christoph to the reader

Tuesday 9th June An Inspector CallsMany people think the extract below is the most dramatic moment in the play. To what extent do you agree with this? Aim to use 8 quotes to support your answer. Eric: (to Mrs Birling) She told you? Did she come here – but then she couldn't have done, she didn't even know I lived here. What happened? //Mrs Birling, distressed, shakes her head bout does not reply.// Come on, don't just look like that. Tell me – tell me – what happened? Inspector: (with calm authority) I'll tell you. She went to your mother's committee for help, after she'd done with you. Your mother refused that help. Eric: (nearly at breaking point) Then – you killed her. She came to you to protect me – and you turned her away – yes, and you killed her – and the child she'd have had too – my child – your own grandchild – you killed them both – damn you, damn you- Mrs Birling: (very distressed now) No – Eric – please – I didn't know – I didn't understand- Eric: (almost threatening her) You don't understand anything. You never did. You never even tried – you - Sheila: (frightened) Eric, don't – don't- Birling: (furious, intervening) Why, you hysterical young fool – get back – or I'll-

Wednesday 10th June Power and Conflict poetry- OzymandiasRemember this line from Ozymandias

“I am Ozymandias King of Kings, look on my works all mighty and despair”

Write a paragraph addressing the following aspects (focus on what, how and why):

This is the only time we ‘hear’ Ozymandias’ own voice in the entire poem

What might ‘king of kings’ be a metaphor for? How Ozymandias is being presented in this reference

Challenge: What is the impact with following this line with

“nothing beside remains”

How does the imagery engage the reader? How does it enhance or contrast with the previous line? How does this change the audiences’ perception of Ozymandias?

Thursday 11th June A Christmas Carol

"Oh! captive, bound, and double-ironed," cried the phantom, "not to know, that ages of incessant labour, by immortal creatures, for this earth must pass into eternity before the good of which it is susceptible is all developed. Not to know that any Christian spirit working kindly in its little sphere, whatever it may be, will find its mortal life too short for its vast means of usefulness. Not to know that no space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunity misused! Yet such was I! Oh! such was I!"

"But you were always a good man of business, Jacob," faltered Scrooge, who now began to apply this to himself.

"Business!" cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. "Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!"

It held up its chain at arm's length, as if that were the cause of all its unavailing grief, and flung it heavily upon the ground again.

"At this time of the rolling year," the spectre said "I suffer most. Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode! Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me!"

Scrooge was very much dismayed to hear the spectre going on at this rate, and began to quake exceedingly.

"Hear me!" cried the Ghost. "My time is nearly gone."

"I will," said Scrooge. "But don't be hard upon me! Don't be flowery, Jacob! Pray!"

"How it is that I appear before you in a shape that you can see, I may not tell. I have sat invisible beside you many and many a day."

It was not an agreeable idea. Scrooge shivered, and wiped the perspiration from his brow.

"That is no light part of my penance," pursued the Ghost. "I am here to-night to warn you, that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate. A chance and hope of my procuring, Ebenezer."

Read this extract from Stave One and then answer the question. In this extract, Marley’s Ghost haunts Scrooge and reveals to him his terrible fate.

Starting with this extract, how does Dickens uses Marley’s Ghost to explore the issue of poverty:

• how Dickens presents poverty in this extract

• how Dickens presents poverty in the novel as a whole.

[30 marks]

Friday 12th Creative writing

Write a description or narrative, inspired by the below image using one of the techniques listed here:

-Extended Metaphor-Adverbial start-Sensory imagery

Monday 15th June English Language Paper 12. Hugh Walpole: 'Nobody' Claribel, the youngest daughter in a large family, had always hero worshipped her cousin Torn. She is the only one of the family who notices that something had changed in him on his return from the war.

Q1) List four things about Claribel from lines 1-7 in the extract.

The only one of them all who perceived anything like the truth was young Claribel. Claribel (how she hated that absurd name!) had a splendid opportunity for observing everything in life, simply because she was so universally neglected. All the relations considered her of no importance at all.

She did not mind this: she took it entirely for granted, as she did her plainness, her slowness of speech,

her shyness in company, her tendency to heat spots, her bad figure, and all the other things with which an undoubtedly all-wise God had seen fit to endow her.

Q2) Answer this practice question: set a time limit of 10 minutes maximum

How does the author use language here to describe the family's views of Tom?

You should include the author's choice of:

• words and phrases • language techniques •sentence forms

Q3) You now need to read the whole extract again. The extract is from the beginning of a short story. How has the author structured the beginning to interest the reader?

You may write about:

• what the writer focuses on at the beginning and how he interests the reader • whether the writer has changed the focus during the extract, and if so, how and why he does this • anything else related to structure that you find of interest Practice Activity : Answer analysis

Read the answer below, the answer would have gained 7/8. List key phrases to show what makes this a top answer and suggest any improvements that could be made.

At the beginning of the short story the writer uses short paragraphs to introduce the character of Claribel. The first paragraph is a one-sentence paragraph which hints how the story might develop: The only one of them all who perceived anything like the truth was young Claribef.' The structural device of the one-sentence paragraph right at the beginning heightens the dramatic introduction of the main character in the story and emphasises their importance. It is as if she is appearing on the stage. A longer paragraph with more sentences would not have had quite the same impact.

In the second paragraph the writer uses the structure of a fist to enumerate many of Claribet's characteristics, For example, 'her bad figure, her tendency to heat spots, her shyness'. The effect is that the reader starts to Feet some empathy For Claribel. The opening paragraphs set the scene and then the focus changes to Claribel’s cousin Tom. The effect on the reader is that we begin to realise that there is going to be some important interaction between these two characters. A feature that interests us is that the writer breaks up the text with some dialogue; not direct dialogue, but imagined dialogue: "'It's quite wonderful", they all said, "to see the way dear Torn has come back From the war just as he went into it...'". The immediate effect on the reader is that we begin to suspect straight away that Tom will NOT be the same before and after the war.

The writer then develops the plot by giving the reader an insight into Claribel's adoration of Tom and again he uses a list to make the reader aware of many of Tom's many positive characteristics: `his tight, shining hair, his Fine, open brow, his slim, straight body, his breeding and distinction and nobility'. The use of a list serves to emphasise the many good Features of Tom.

Another structural feature which interests we is that the author uses the technique of foreshadowing to create some suspense. At the end of the paragraph he writes 'It was much later than this that she was to realize her gifts'. We immediately want to know how and when this happens. The writer is manipulating the reader by withholding information at this point.

Finally, the passage ends on. a kind of cliffhanger when the author writes that 'To aff of this was suddenly added wealth.' The effect on the reader is to wonder what Torn will do with all this wealth and whether he will use it wisely or not.

Q4) A reader said: 'I think Claribel really enjoys going to parties.' To what extent do you agree with this statement?

In your answer, you could: • consider your own impressions of Claribel's attitudes to parties

• evaluate how the writer presents Claribel to the reader

Tuesday 16th June An Inspector CallsHow does Priestly create sympathy for the young woman involved.

Use the following colour coding to structure your answer.

Consider the different styles of questions and how they create sympathy for both women

Consider the use of negative language

Consider the tones used in relation to the young women

Consider the lack of a voice that each of the young women is given

Compare how the young women is presented

An Inspector Calls In this extract the Inspector interrogates Mrs Birling over her involvement with Eva Smith. Mrs Birling: (rather cowed) She said that the father was only a youngster – silly and wild and drinking too much. There couldn't be any question of marrying him – it would be wrong for them both. He had given her money but she didn't want to take any more money from him. Inspector: Why didn't she want to take and more money from him? Mrs Birling: All a lot of nonsense – I didn't believe a word of it. Inspector: I'm not asking you if you believed it. I want to know what she said. Why didn't she want to take any more money from this boy? Mrs Birling: Oh – she had some fancy reason. As if a girl of that sort would ever refuse money! Inspector: ( sternly) I warn you, you're making in worse for yourself. What reason did she give for not taking any more money? Mrs Birling: Her story was – that he'd said something one night, when he was drunk, that gave her the idea that it wasn't his money. Inspector: where had he got it from then? Mrs Birling: He'd stolen it. Inspector: So she'd come to you for assistance because she didn't want to take stolen money? Mrs Birling:That's the story she finally told, after I’d refused to believe her original story – that she was a married woman who'd been deserted by her husband. I didn't see any reason to believe that one story should be any truer than the other. Therefore, you're quite wrong to suppose I shall regret what I did.

Wednesday 17th June Power and Conflict poetry- My Last Duchess

Remember this line from My Last Duchess by Robert Browning:

“That’s my last duchess on the wall”

Write a paragraph addressing the following aspects (focus on what, how and why):

The use of the duke’s personal perspective The possessive pronoun ‘my’ The implications of the word ‘last’ The placement of the duchess ‘on the wall’

Challenge: What is the impact with following this line with

“Looking as though she were alive”

How does the use of past tense engage the reader? What might this suggest about the duchess and the painting? Why is he drawing his guests attention to this painting? What does it tell us about the duke?

Thursday 18th June A Christmas Carol

"Christmas a humbug, uncle!" said Scrooge's nephew. "You don't mean that, I am sure."

"I do," said Scrooge. "Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to be merry? You're poor enough."

"Come, then," returned the nephew gaily. "What right have you to be dismal? What reason have you to be morose? You're rich enough."

Scrooge having no better answer ready on the spur of the moment, said "Bah!" again; and followed it up with "Humbug."

"Don't be cross, uncle!" said the nephew.

"What else can I be," returned the uncle, "when I live in such a world of fools as this? Merry Christmas! Out upon merry Christmas! What's Christmas time to you but a time for paying bills without money; a time for finding yourself a year older, but not an hour richer; a time for balancing your books and having every item in 'em through a round dozen of months presented dead against you? If I could work my will," said Scrooge indignantly, "every idiot who goes about with 'Merry Christmas' on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart. He should!"

"Uncle!" pleaded the nephew.

"Nephew!" returned the uncle, sternly, "keep Christmas in your own way, and let me keep it in mine."

"Keep it!" repeated Scrooge's nephew. "But you don't keep it."

"Let me leave it alone, then," said Scrooge. "Much good may it do you! Much good it has ever done you!"

"There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited, I dare say," returned the nephew. "Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round -- apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that -- as a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!"

Starting with this extract, how does Dickens uses Fred to explore the importance of Christmas:

• how Dickens presents Fred in this extract

• how Dickens presents Fred in the novel as a whole.

[30 marks]

Read this extract from Stave One and then answer the question. In this extract, Scrooge’s nephew Fred talks to Scrooge about the Christmas spirit.

Friday19th June Creative WritingWrite your own description of Macbeth, focus on capturing the duality of his nature- his sense of honor, yet his ability to turn his back on this honor. You should aim to write a page.

Monday 22nd June English Language Paper 13. Henry Cyril McNeile: 'Private Meyrick - Company idiot' Meyrick is a young soldier who is in trouble. He is charged with being late for a parade and the Sergeant -Major brings him in to his Commanding Officer to be disciplined.

1) List four things about Private Meyrick from lines 7-12 in the extract.

'No. 8469, Private Meyrick - you are charged with being late on the 8 a.m. parade this morning. Sergeant Major, what do you know about it?' 'Sir, on the 8 a.m. parade this morning, Private Meyrick came running on 'alf a minute after the bugle sounded. is puttees* were not put on tidily. I'd like to say, sir, that it's not the first time this man has been late falling in. `E seems to me to be always a-dreaming, somehow – not properly awake like. I warned 'im for office.'

2. Look in detail at this extract, from lines 13-25 of the story:

How does the author use language here to describe Private Meyrick?

You should include the author's choice of:

• words and phrases • language techniques • sentence types Look at the sample answer on the next page, which has the makings of a top grade answer, copy the answer and fill in the blanks.

3. The extract is from the beginning of a short story. How has the author structured the beginning to interest the reader?

You may write about:

• what the writer focuses on at the beginning and how he interests the reader • whether the writer has changed the focus during the extract, and if so, how and why he does this • anything else related to structure that you find of interest

4. A reader said 'I think the officer will punish Private Meyrick and I think he is right to do so.' To what extent do you agree with this statement?

In your answer, you could:

• consider your own impressions of Private Meyrick • evaluate how the writer shows the attitude of both the officer and the Sergeant Major

Tuesday 23rd June An Inspector CallsCreate a detailed essay plan for each of the below characters and how they are presented in the play:

Wednesday 24th June Power and Conflict poetry- Storm on the Island

Remember this line from Storm on the Island:

“We are prepared”

Write a paragraph addressing the following aspects (focus on what, how and why):

The use of the collective pronoun The fact this is the start of the poem The implications of the word ‘prepared’ The use of the short, declarative sentence.

Challenge: What is the impact by contrasting this with the final line

“It is a huge nothing that we fear’

What is the implication of ending the poem with the word ‘fear’?How does this contrast with the notion of ‘preparation’

Thursday 25th June A Christmas Carol

"Have I ever sought release?"

"In words? No. Never."

"In what, then?"

"In a changed nature; in an altered spirit; in another atmosphere of life; another Hope as its great end. In everything that made my love of any worth or value in your sight. If this had never been between us," said the girl, looking mildly, but with steadiness, upon him; "tell me, would you seek me out and try to win me now? Ah, no!"

He seemed to yield to the justice of this supposition, in spite of himself. But he said with a struggle," You think not?"

"I would gladly think otherwise if I could," she answered, "Heaven knows. When I have learned a Truth like this, I know how strong and irresistible it must be. But if you were free to-day, to-morrow, yesterday, can even I believe that you would choose a dowerless girl -- you who, in your very confidence with her, weigh everything by Gain: or, choosing her, if for a moment you were false enough to your one guiding principle to do so, do I not know that your repentance and regret would surely follow? I do; and I release you. With a full heart, for the love of him you once were."

He was about to speak; but with her head turned from him, she resumed.

"You may -- the memory of what is past half makes me hope you will -- have pain in this. A very, very brief time, and you will dismiss the recollection of it, gladly, as an unprofitable dream, from which it happened well that you awoke. May you be happy in the life you have chosen."

She left him, and they parted.

"Spirit!" said Scrooge, "show me no more! Conduct me home. Why do you delight to torture me?"

"One shadow more!" exclaimed the Ghost.

"No more!" cried Scrooge! "No more, I don't wish to see it! Show me no more!"

Starting with this extract, how does Dickens uses Belle to explore the theme of greed:

• how Dickens presents greed in this extract

• how Dickens presents greed in the novel as a whole.

[30 marks]

Read this extract from Stave Two and then answer the question. In this extract, Scrooge witnesses his younger self leaving his fiancée Belle.

Friday 27th Creative writing

Write a description or narrative, inspired by the below image using one of the techniques listed here:

-Cyclic structure-Flashback/ flash forward -Embedded clauses