English
The non-fiction anthology texts for GCSE English Language, each one annotated in full. Click any highlighted phrase to see what the writer is doing and why it matters.
Non-fiction anthology
10 textsSpeeches, memoir, travel writing, autobiography and journalism. Every text has the full extract with highlighted phrases, an overall analysis and the harder vocabulary explained.
TED talkThe Danger of a Single StoryChimamanda Ngozi AdichieA TED talk about how stereotypes are made and kept alive. Adichie uses her own stories to challenge the assumptions we make about other people.MemoirA Passage to AfricaGeorge AlagiahWar reporting from Somalia that questions the ethics of journalism and confronts uncomfortable truths about watching human suffering.Travel writingThe Explorer's DaughterKari HerbertWatching a narwhal hunt in Greenland, Herbert weighs childhood memories against an adult understanding of Arctic survival.Newspaper articleExplorers or boys messing about?Steven MorrisA news article about a costly helicopter rescue in Antarctica. Morris uses irony and scepticism to ask whether these men are really explorers.AutobiographyBetween a Rock and a Hard PlaceAron RalstonThe true story of the moment a boulder trapped Ralston’s arm in a remote canyon, told with mounting tension.Newspaper articleYoung and dyslexic? You've got it going onBenjamin ZephaniahAn article about overcoming prejudice at school and seeing dyslexia as a creative advantage, built on personal anecdote and humour.Travel writingA Game of Polo with a Headless GoatEmma LevineA chaotic and funny account of a donkey race in Karachi. Vivid description captures the thrilling anarchy of the event.Travel writingBeyond the Sky and the EarthJamie ZeppaA young Canadian teacher’s first impressions of Bhutan’s overwhelming landscape, written with wonder and poetic language.MemoirH is for HawkHelen MacdonaldA grieving woman meets her goshawk for the first time. Mythical imagery and physical description capture a life-changing moment.AutobiographyChinese CinderellaAdeline Yen MahA neglected daughter finally wins her father’s approval through success at school in 1950s Hong Kong.
All textsin anthology order
1The Danger of a Single StoryChimamanda Ngozi Adichie · TED talk · 65 annotationsLive2A Passage to AfricaGeorge Alagiah · Memoir · 55 annotationsLive3The Explorer's DaughterKari Herbert · Travel writing · 42 annotationsLive4Explorers or boys messing about?Steven Morris · Newspaper article · 44 annotationsLive5Between a Rock and a Hard PlaceAron Ralston · Autobiography · 52 annotationsLive6Young and dyslexic? You've got it going onBenjamin Zephaniah · Newspaper article · 62 annotationsLive7A Game of Polo with a Headless GoatEmma Levine · Travel writing · 56 annotationsLive8Beyond the Sky and the EarthJamie Zeppa · Travel writing · 58 annotationsLive9H is for HawkHelen Macdonald · Memoir · 65 annotationsLive10Chinese CinderellaAdeline Yen Mah · Autobiography · 47 annotationsLive