Introduction
Plot & Action
Plot summary: what happens in To Kill a Mockingbird?
Revision activity, Part One (1), Part One (2), Part One (3), Part Two (1), Part Two (2), Part Two (3)Part One, Chapter 1: When it all began
Summary, Why is this important?, Narrative voice and perspective, The theme of racial prejudice, Examiner's tip: Writing about the Finch family backgroundPart One, Chapters 2–3: An education begins?
Summary, Why is this important?, Knowledge of the Maycomb community, Scout and Jem's relationship, Examiner's tip: Writing about educationPart One, Chapters 4–6: The fascination continues
Summary, Why is this important?, The narrator's naivety and its purpose, The characters of Atticus and Miss Maudie, Examiner's tip: Writing about language – The Radley PlacePart One, Chapters 7–8: Everyone to help
Summary, Why is this important?, Doing the right thing – and bird imagery, Maycomb's small community, Examiner's tip: Writing about Jem's characterPart One, Chapters 9–11: A sin to kill a mockingbird
Summary, Why is this important?, Tom Robinson and the black community, Atticus and the 'Southern gentleman' stereotype, Examiner's tip: Writing about fighting for your beliefsPart Two, Chapters 12–14: 'Fine folks'
Summary, Why is this important?, The black community, Traditional family background, Examiner's tip: Writing about Jem growing upPart Two, Chapters 15–17: Calming the mob & The trial begins
Summary, Why is this important?, Dill and the characters of Maycomb, Racial segregation, Examiner's tip: Writing about questioning Robert EwellPart Two, Chapters 18–19: Mayella versus Tom
Summary, Why is this important?, Tom's version of events against Mayella's, 'You felt sorry for her', Examiner's tip: Writing about characters' languagePart Two, Chapters 20–1: The verdict
Summary, Why is this important?, The innocence of children, The outcome of the trial, Examiner's tip: Writing about meeting Dolphus RaymondPart Two, Chapters 22–3: Following the trial
Summary, Why is this important?, The reaction to the verdict, Growing up, Examiner's tip: Writing about Atticus's views on the trialPart Two, Chapters 24–6: Tom's death
Summary, Why is this important?, Maycomb women, Messengers of bad news, Examiner's tip: Writing about the theme of hypocrisyPart Two, Chapters 27–9: Acts of revenge
Summary, Why is this important?, Maycomb returns to normality, The development of Aunt Alexandra's character, Examiner's tip: Writing about dramatic tension and suspenseCharacters
Atticus
Who is Atticus?, What does Atticus do in the novel?, How is Atticus described and what does it mean?, Examiner's tip: Writing about AtticusKey Contexts & Themes
Language & Structure
Language
Useful terms, Examiner's tip: Writing about narrative style, The language characters speak, Dialect, Examiner's tip: Writing about changes in language over time, Different purposes of languageGrade Booster
Understanding the question
Decoding the question, Understand exam language, `Break down' the question, Know your literary language!Sitting the examination
Exam technique, Before you start, Writing your responses, `Key words' are the key!