Tweakits | It's an English thing!

Whilst a PDF resource can be a life-saver for a cover lesson or a homework, access to a Word version allows Teachit members endless creative scope. Our tweakits are a way of capturing some of that creativity. We're putting in print ideas that have traditionally been handed on in snatched conversations through mouthfuls of chocolate biscuits (if you're lucky), about how a resource works best who with, and when - and above all, what you can do with it. A tweakit is classroom wisdom, essentially - in a cover sheet.

All the resources that have tweakits are listed here. Like everything else on Teachit, this collection will grow. If you're interested in writing some tweakits of your own (and earning royalties for them) please email contribute@teachit.co.uk to find out how.

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	Magazine match up
	Great for revision or as a starter activity. Pupils match key terms and definitions relating to magazine covers. Answer: A)3, B)5, C)6, D)4, E)2, F)1, G)8, H)7 this resource includes a Tweakit.
	KS3 KS4 | Print media    Published: 18/12/2008
	More information...
	From the resource collection: Magazines

	Finding words in a dictionary
	Matching exercise and find the odd-one-out. Tests pupils' ability to use guide words in order to find words in a dictionary. Worksheet is based on Oxford Junior Dictionary (OUP 2007).
	KS3 | Skills    Published: 15/02/2008
	More information...
	From the resource collection: Dictionary and thesaurus skills

	Introducing Caliban Act 1 scene 2
	An activity and questions to introduce Caliban.
	KS3 | Plays    Published: 03/01/2008
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	From the resource collection: The Tempest - Act 1

	Cuboid story prompt
	Help students to develop their own creativity and individuality in their creative writing.
	KS4 | Skills    Published: 30/11/2007
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Creative writing (KS4)

	Critical viewpoints diamond ranking
	Get your students thinking in a critical way with these twelve brief viewpoints on Tennyson.
	KS5 | Poetry    Published: 16/11/2007
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Tennyson

	Fact or opinion - which is it?
	Interactive multiple choice resource. Test your students' understanding of fact and opinion by getting them to categorise the statements accordingly.
	KS3 KS4 | Non-fiction & media    Published: 26/10/2007
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	From the resource collection: Media and non-fiction trail | Non-fiction and media basics (KS3/4)

	Hinges, bolts and sealers
	A handy checklist of words for making comparisons, building arguments and summing up.
	KS4 | Skills    Published: 20/07/2007
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Essay writing

	Achieve your dream
	An enticing stimulus for a persuasive letter writing task - apply to have your dream come true.
	KS3 KS4 | Skills    Published: 18/06/2007
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Writing to argue, persuade, advise

	The Da Vinci Code - the opening
	Focus on the writer's use of language with this cloze activity and accompanying questions. Great for Y9.
	KS3 | Skills    Published: 13/06/2007
	♥  (2) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Reading skills

	Checklist for English Paper 1
	A handy checklist for students to use when practising for the exam. Could easily be tweaked for other specifications.
	KS4     Published: 18/05/2007
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	From the resource collection: Pre-2010 GCSE specification resources: AQA A

	15 adverts 'crunched' in Teachit's Cruncher
	Texts taken from a range of sources - the activity is to identify the origin through analysis of the lexis, and explain the thinking brought to bear on the task. (Answers are included at the end.)
	KS3 KS4 | Non-fiction & media    Published: 22/03/2007
	♥  (4) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Persuasive writing trail | Print advertising

	Performing Act 1 Scene 1
	Instructions and line cards for whole class ensemble acting of the shipwreck scene.
	KS3 | Plays    Published: 02/01/2007
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: The Tempest - Act 1

	Diamond ranking template
	A diamond ranking grid for students to place the definitions cards on. Available in B&W and colour versions; the colour one lets you monitor student progress at a glance. The accompanying Tweakit explains how diamond ranking works and suggests some variations.
	KS5 | Language Change    Published: 30/11/2006
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	Poet laureate quiz
	A short multiple choice quiz on the laureate's role, responsibilities and remuneration. Good for induction and open evenings!
	KS5 | Poetry    Published: 03/11/2006
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Advanced poetry essentials

	Similes in The World's Wife
	Pre or post-reading activity focusing on similes. Identify the missing word and correct poem.
	KS5 | Poetry    Published: 06/10/2006
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	From the resource collection: Carol Ann Duffy - The World's Wife

	Blockbusters revisited
	A handy template for creating a game of Blockbusters on your IWB. This resource links to an idea described in the Teachit/NATE book The Full English and can be used with any text.
	KS3 KS4 KS5 | Teaching tools    Published: 22/09/2006
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Resource templates

	Comparing headlines
	Compare the headlines that followed the death of Gordon Brown's baby daughter on 8th January 2002. See the Word Kitchen for further activities on newspapers and headlines.
	KS3 | Non-fiction & media    Published: 13/09/2006
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Newspapers

	Group work role cards
	A flexible friend for groups of four: gives each member a role within the group.
	KS3 KS4 | Skills    Published: 14/07/2006
	♥  (2) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Thinking and discussion skills

	Persuasive writing skills - a set of worksheets covering (nearly) everything!
	A set of worksheets showing students how to use rhetorical questions, comparatives and superlatives. Also available as a Promethean flipchart.
	KS3 KS4 | Non-fiction & media    Published: 07/07/2006
	♥  (6) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Persuasive writing trail | Print advertising

	Original writing - People you meet in heaven
	Coursework / exam prep based on Mitch Albom's novel.
	KS4 | Skills    Published: 07/07/2006
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Creative writing (KS4)

	Witch Child - trial
	Using character cards, with choices, students write witness statements and use role play to explore the dilemmas facing participants in the trial.
	KS3 | Prose    Published: 07/07/2006
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	From the resource collection: Witch Child by Celia Rees

	Glossary of media terms
	Task sheet enabling students to learn what print media terms mean by producing a poster.
	KS4 | Non-fiction & media    Published: 30/06/2006
	More information...
	From the resource collection: Media and non-fiction trail | Non-fiction and media basics (KS3/4)

	A comprehensive pack
	At least one sheet on each section of the novel with questions and extension tasks. Particularly useful for revision and homework.
	KS4 | Prose    Published: 16/06/2006
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	From the resource collection: Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck | Of Mice and Men trail

	Showing and telling
	Detailed plans and guidance on examining Sachar's simple, 'telling' style of writing.
	KS3 | Prose    Published: 19/05/2006
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Holes by Louis Sachar

	Making effective comparisons and connections between poems
	Identify the ingredients of a good response. The resource uses a model paragraph with a numbered key.
	KS4     Published: 21/04/2006
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Pre-2010 AQA Anthology - Poems from different cultures - further resources

	GCSE revision tasks and timetable (AQA A)
	A fantastic set of revision tasks, hints and a timetable for both English and English Literature. Designed for AQA A but could be adapted for other GCSE specifications.
	KS4     Published: 10/03/2006
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Pre-2010 AQA A exam preparation

	An investigation
	A detective-style investigation designed to reinforce PEE methods with grid to fill in.
	KS3 KS4 | Poetry    Published: 10/03/2006
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	From the resource collection: Robert Browning

	An introduction to writers and their times - teaching notes
	A sequence of lessons designed to help students develop an understanding of the changing face of literature.
	KS5 | Skills    Published: 27/02/2006
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: An introduction to writers and their times

	Literary terminology
	Match up the literary terms with their definitions. Available as a whizzy matching activity.
	KS3 KS4 | Skills    Published: 17/02/2006
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	From the resource collection: Lesson starters

	Hanging on the telephone
	A complete mini-unit on telephones for language and technology.
	KS5 | Social contexts    Published: 10/02/2006
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	From the resource collection: Language and technology

	Three ghosts visit Macbeth
	Two lessons which develop the drama skill of 'conscience alley' and reinforce the study of Macbeth.
	KS3 KS4 | Plays    Published: 03/02/2006
	♥  (2) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Macbeth - Act 3

	Wild week creative story writing - a booklet
	Describe and recount a weird and wonderful week at school. A fun resource to help develop writing skills in different genres.
	KS3 | Skills    Published: 27/01/2006
	♥  (2) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Creative writing (KS3) | Original writing trail

	Compare two film versions of Romeo and Juliet
	A comparison grid and essay frame focusing on the fight scene in Act 1 Scene 1. Might work well as a media task.
	KS3 KS4 | Plays    Published: 02/12/2005
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	From the resource collection: Romeo and Juliet

	Using clues to predict a story
	The opening of Graham Greene's 'The Case for the Defence' is a focus for developing students' skills.
	KS3 | Skills    Published: 11/11/2005
	♥  (1) | More information...

	Improve your grades
	Student-friendly criteria for AQA A English Literature exam with useful teaching ideas.
	KS4     Published: 21/10/2005
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	From the resource collection: Pre-2010 AQA A exam preparation

	Toilet postcard revision activity
	A fun and interesting method of of learning and recalling quotes. A particularly handy revision idea.
	KS3 KS4     Published: 27/09/2005
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Heaney, Clarke and pre-1914 trail

	Chaucer - The Wife of Bath translation activity
	Match the lines from Chaucer's description of the Wife of Bath with their modern translation. Also available as an interactive matching activity.
	KS3 | Poetry    Published: 23/09/2005
	♥  (2) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Canterbury Tales

	Instructions and questions for online lesson activities on war poetry
	Instructions to help students complete online lesson activities on war poetry, either on screen or on paper. Three activities use Teachit resources and then a general internet search for students to complete.
	KS4 | Poetry    Published: 19/07/2005
	♥  (2) | More information...
	From the resource collection: War poetry

	Whose theme is it anyway?
	An activity to explore key themes in any text and how discussion contributes to the creation of knowledge.
	KS4 | Skills    Published: 08/07/2005
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Reading skills

	No joy in a dry sausage
	A progress test on word classes and stylistic impact. Uses an entertaining extract on sausages by Nigel Slater.
	KS5 | Introduction to language study    Published: 06/07/2005
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	From the resource collection: Descriptions of language

	A novel idea
	A list of modern novels with descriptions and recommendations. Suggestion for presentation at end. Compelling reading - and useful too!
	KS5 | Prose    Published: 01/07/2005
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Prose essentials

	Semantics - inferred meanings
	Synonyms, denotation and conotation, with a great activity on car names.
	KS5 | Introduction to language study    Published: 01/07/2005
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	From the resource collection: Descriptions of language

	PEE Mobile
	Create mobiles highlighting how a PEE chain works.
	KS3 KS4 | Skills    Published: 24/06/2005
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Reading skills

	Analysing a leaflet
	A useful guide to analysing presentation and language. Hint: blow this up to A3 and laminate!
	KS3 KS4 | Non-fiction & media    Published: 17/06/2005
	♥  (2) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Leaflets

	Poetry thought for today
	Slides for discussion of the nature of poetry, or for classroom display.
	KS5 | Poetry    Published: 08/06/2005
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Advanced poetry essentials

	Doing brilliantly
	PowerPoint of revision materials for AQA A English Language - Paper 1 'Media'.
	KS4 | Skills    Published: 31/05/2005
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Media and non-fiction trail | Revision skills & exam preparation

	Critical readings of Iago
	Comments made by critics about the character of Iago, for group discussion.
	KS5 | Plays    Published: 03/05/2005
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	From the resource collection: Othello

	English out in the world - an introduction to language change
	An exploration of the global role of English and the influence of other languages on the English lexicon. Additional resource needed: OED online.
	KS5 | Language Change    Published: 30/04/2005
	More information...
	From the resource collection: Language change over time

	Explorative strategies
	A handy matching activity: match the explorative strategy to its definition. Teacher's copy available.
	KS4 | Key Drama terms and theory    Published: 07/02/2005
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	From the resource collection: Key terms for Drama

	Bishop Hatto
	A copy of the poem, a short quiz and story board to complete.
	KS3 | Poetry    Published: 16/12/2004
	♥  (5) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Classic poetry

	GCSE Drama terminology
	Select the correct word to complete each definition. (Teacher's copy available.) Includes drag'n'drop Notebook cloze activity.
	KS4 | Key Drama terms and theory    Published: 02/12/2004
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Key terms for Drama

	A drama-based summary activity
	Use the summary and key quotations to create a whole class dramatisation. Versatile and interesting. Adaptable for key scenes.
	KS3 | Plays    Published: 02/12/2004
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	From the resource collection: Much Ado About Nothing (KS3)

	Main and subordinate clauses PowerPoint
	User-friendly introductory activities which ask pupils to create sentences using main and subordinate clauses.
	KS3 | Skills    Published: 16/11/2004
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	From the resource collection: Grammar and punctuation PowerPoints

	The possessive apostrophe PowerPoint
	More effective activities, this time focusing on the tricky area of the possessive apostrophe.
	KS3 | Skills    Published: 16/11/2004
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	From the resource collection: Grammar and punctuation PowerPoints

	Proper nouns powerpoint
	A useful powerpoint presentation engaging the children to find the Proper nouns.
	KS3 | Skills    Published: 16/11/2004
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	From the resource collection: Grammar and punctuation PowerPoints

	Close reading techniques: descriptive writing extracts
	A focus on close reading and language, using extracts from a range of texts. Useful.
	KS3 KS4 | Skills    Published: 09/11/2004
	♥  (2) | Comments (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Reading skills

	Introducing Chaucer (NLS Y7, Y8 & Y9)
	Detailed, interesting activities organised into framework friendly sections for years 7, 8 & 9. Additional resources needed: videos (BBC Animated Tales, 1998).
	KS3 | Poetry    Published: 18/05/2004
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	From the resource collection: Canterbury Tales

	Opening worlds activities
	A range of tasks for 'The Winter Oak' by Yuri Nagiban, 'The Pieces of Silver' by Karl Sealy, 'Games at Twilight' by Anita Desai and 'Leela's Friend' by R K Narayan.
	KS4     Published: 18/05/2004
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	From the resource collection: OCR short story anthology: Opening Worlds

	A study pack
	A series of eclectic activities and tasks for classroom use.
	KS5 | Prose    Published: 20/04/2004
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	From the resource collection: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

	Purpose, audience, format
	A detailed and lively lesson plan and resources to prepare students to adapt their writing to purpose, audience and format.
	KS3 | Skills    Published: 13/01/2004
	♥  (3) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Writing for audience and purpose

	Apostrophe wars!
	Fill in the missing apostrophes.
	KS3 KS4 | Skills    Published: 05/11/2003
	♥  (4) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Punctuation

	Chocolate: an advertising project
	Advice and resources to help students market their own chocolate product. The original resource is followed by a differentiated version for use with students with SEN.
	KS3 KS4 | Non-fiction & media    Published: 11/06/2003
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Print advertising | Speaking and listening trail

	The past tense
	Change the verbs in these ghost and horror stories from present to past tense. Differentiated, write-on-the-sheet version also available.
	KS3 | Skills    Published: 25/03/2003
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Exploring tense

	Exploring the writing triplets
	Decide which of the triplets each writing task is addressing. Originally intended as preparation for SATs.
	KS3 | Skills    Published: 17/02/2003
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	From the resource collection: Writing for audience and purpose

	Figurative language and sentence structure in ghost story writing
	A focused pack, including lesson plan and resources.
	KS3 | Skills    Published: 20/01/2003
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Creative writing - mystery, murder and suspense

	A comprehensive lesson pack
	With a focus on sentence construction and punctuation (Y7 NLS SLW 1, Y8 SLW 1) this scheme covers essential skills such as avoiding 'and' and 'but', alternatives to 'if', relative pronouns and participles.
	KS3 | Skills    Published: 09/10/2002
	♥  (2) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Sentence construction

	Direct speech, mood and characterisation (NLS Y7)
	A complete resource which uses extracts from Oliver Twist to explore these concepts.
	KS3 | Skills    Published: 02/09/2002
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Punctuation

	Language variety - Magna Carta & SMS messaging (NLS Y8)
	From Magna Carta to text-speak! A full scheme of work that includes detailed plans and user friendly classroom materials.
	KS3 | Skills    Published: 12/06/2002
	♥  (2) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Knowledge about language

	Persuasive techniques bingo
	Lovely bingo style game, including techniques card, definitions and instructions. Also available as Teachit Interactive matching exercises.
	KS3 KS4 | Skills    Published: 12/06/2002
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Lesson starters | Persuasive writing trail

	Comparing 'Slough' by John Betjeman with 'Belfast Confetti' by Ciaran Carson
	KS4 | Poetry    Published: 20/05/2002
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	From the resource collection: War poetry

	Preparing for narrative writing
	Looking at planning, story shape, character and vocabulary.
	KS4 | Skills    Published: 20/05/2002
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Creative writing (KS4) | Original writing trail

	Language change and issues quiz
	A handy and amusing multiple choice quiz. Answers are included.
	KS5 | Language Change    Published: 20/05/2002
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Exam preparation (Language change)

	Three tableau activities
	The Christmas pudding arrives | The family toast | The toast to Scrooge.
	KS3 | Prose    Published: 11/05/2002
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	From the resource collection: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

	Writing a short story
	Exploring openings, endings and cliff-hangers …
	KS4 | Skills    Published: 06/04/2002
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	From the resource collection: Creative writing (KS4) | Original writing trail

	Writing for different audiences and purposes
	Adapt texts to suit different purposes.
	KS3 | Skills    Published: 03/03/2002
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	From the resource collection: Writing for audience and purpose

	Shrek - essay guide
	How do the makers reverse tradition?
	KS3 KS4 | Non-fiction & media    Published: 03/03/2002
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Films

	Video shop activity
	Interesting activity to focus students on film genre.
	KS5 | Media essentials    Published: 01/01/2002
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Key media concepts

	Extract 5: Pip in the Churchyard
	Pip's encounter with the convict.
	KS3 | Prose    Published: 01/12/2001
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	From the resource collection: Introducing Dickens

	The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb
	A lovely pre-teaching exercise - build up the story using a series of clues.
	KS3 KS4 | Prose    Published: 01/10/2001
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	From the resource collection: Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

	Speaking and listening assignment: radio broadcast
	KS4 | Non-fiction & media    Published: 01/10/2001
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Let Him Have It!

	Pre-teaching / creative writing exercise
	The opening sequence: Using the opening sequence of the novel, together with another from a Terry Pratchett text, students create their own introduction to a novel, and explore the setting and characters in Of Mice and Men.
	KS4 | Prose    Published: 01/09/2001
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck | Of Mice and Men trail

	Chat show: who is to blame?
	A great speaking and listening activity in which students debate 'chat show style' about who is to blame.
	KS4 | Plays    Published: 01/09/2001
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	From the resource collection: An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley

	Theme dominoes cut out cards
	Match the theme to the quote.
	KS3 KS4 | Plays    Published: 01/08/2001
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	From the resource collection: Romeo and Juliet

	Board game
	Design a board game and write the instructions.
	KS3 | Prose    Published: 01/08/2001
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	From the resource collection: Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

	From story to script
	Script the famous scene where Oliver asks for more. Includes the extract. (Forms links with Introducing Mr Dickens scheme of work)
	KS3 | Prose    Published: 01/08/2001
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	From the resource collection: Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

	Magazine scheme of work
	A great scheme of work and related resources that will take students through initial analysis and research tasks through to production of their own publication. This resource includes a Tweakit.
	KS3 KS4 | Non-fiction & media    Published: 01/07/2001
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	From the resource collection: Investigating magazines

	Murder, murder!
	A set of prompts to guide students through the elements of a classic murder mystery and lead to the creation of several pieces of original writing. This resource includes a Tweakit.
	KS3 | Skills    Published: 01/05/2001
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	From the resource collection: Creative writing - mystery, murder and suspense

	Sherbet lemon game
	A fun way to teach aspects of descriptive writing that will cost you a bag of sherbet lemons.
	KS3 | Skills    Published: 01/12/2000
	♥  (3) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Creative writing (KS3) | Descriptive writing trail

	Limericks
	Read amusing examples, work out the patterns and create your own limerick.
	KS3 | Poetry    Published: 01/11/2000
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: An introduction to poetry

	Approaching an unseen prose extract - essay writing
	Question based on extract from Iris Murdoch's The Sea, The Sea.
	KS4 KS5 | Skills    Published: 01/11/2000
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Essay writing

	The Assassin
	This structured task asks pupils to consider and create detailed characters and settings in the context of a given plot. Includes a checklist for effective writing and a paragraph plan (3 pages). [WARNING: THIS TASK HAS BECOME VERY POPULAR FOR GCSE COURSEWORK AND EXAM BOARDS HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT IT.]
	KS4 | Skills    Published: 01/11/2000
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	From the resource collection: Creative writing (KS4)

	Role play situations
	Six useful cut out cards for when you really can't think of another role play situation!
	KS3 | Exploring and devising for Drama    Published: 01/10/2000
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	From the resource collection: Stimulus for devised Drama

	Introduction - discuss the story of George and the Dragon
	Draw pictures and make notes on conventional representations.
	KS4 | Poetry    Published: 01/09/2000
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	From the resource collection: Speaking and listening trail | Voices & readings - introducing poetry

	Planning the first episode of your soap
	Make preparatory notes on location, characters and storyline. The Tweakit for 'Creating a title sequence' would also work well with this resource.
	KS3 | Moving image    Published: 01/09/2000
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	Scheme of work- Kidnap!
	Effective and interesting GCSE scheme which uses stimulus materials from 'The Child in Time' by Ian McEwan (additional resource required: extract from Chapter 10, The Child in Time). 4 or 5 lessons, 4 pages
	KS4 | Exploring and devising for Drama    Published: 01/08/2000
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	From the resource collection: Devised Drama workshops

	The Survival Game - objects
	Consider and select essential objects for survival.
	KS3 | Prose    Published: 01/08/2000
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	From the resource collection: Brother in the Land by Robert Swindells

	The dating game
	Put the extracts into chronological order!
	KS5 | Skills    Published: 01/02/2000
	♥  (1) | More information...
	From the resource collection: Introductory activities