To Kill a Mockingbird: An Abridged Text

Subject: English as an Additional Language
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 11 - 14
Order Number: 5257

Classic texts can be very difficult to understand for students not fully conversant with the English language, or with special learning needs. However, the difficulty of the language that these texts have been written in can be mitigated against by an abridged version that seeks to communicate the essential meanings, themes and symbolism of the texts. Moreover, characterisations can be clarified and illuminated so that students can more easily relate to and empathise with what motivates their actions.

Accompanying the texts are stimulating exercises to enhance language acquisition. These work alongside each act, encouraging students to recognise the personality traits of the main characters in an attempt to understand why they act as they do. Students are also asked to think about turning points in the story and how characters change as a result of the actions of others.

The texts chosen have been widely used in English and special needs classrooms and promote the development of reading, writing and listening skills.