This book can be used alongside any mainstream resources for AQA/A GCSE English and English Literature - and many of the activities can be used for other specifications, too. The book is divided into the main areas of study - novels and poems, drama, writing original narrative, non-fiction and media texts, and writing non-fiction texts. For each area of study there is a skills chapter with stepped activities progressing students through the assessment criteria from G to E, providing lots of support and guidance. Each skills chapter has a matching practice chapter to put learning into action, and for teachers to check understanding. A quick activities section is ideal for assessing students, or for revision. Stimulating interest and enthusiasm is critical with lower-ability students, and the authors have chosen text extracts carefully (from set texts where appropriate) with this in mind. To ensure that this has been achieved, all chapters have been trialled in both mainstream and special schools. So whether you are using film posters to learn about genre, staging a Ricki Lake show, deciding what reading material would appeal most to teenage boys or to grandmas, you can be sure your low ability students will be given the best chance to fulfil their potential.

Joanna Crewe

`The comments I had back from students showed that they'd liked doing the tasks and had enjoyed the build up of difficulty. Some actually commented on that. I think they are so used to being confronted with work that is aimed way above their heads or too long-winded that they were pleased to be given short "punchy" things to attempt. The author's done brilliantly to make it so accessible and "friendly" sounding!' Trial teacher