A detailed, annotated extract from George Alagiah’s A Passage to Africa, tailored for IGCSE English students. The annotations focus on key literary techniques, language features, and structural elements to help students analyse the text effectively. Each annotation explains how Alagiah uses emotive language, vivid imagery, and personal reflection to convey the harsh realities of war-torn Somalia and his experiences as a journalist. The page also includes questions to prompt deeper analysis, tips for writing exam responses, and connections to common IGCSE themes such as empathy, suffering, and the power of storytelling.
SMILE: Structure, Meaning, Imagery, Language, Emotion
Use these notes to support your or your students’ understanding of this key English Language Anthology text. Followed with supportive analysis videos to guide your independent revision.
Revision Support Videos
Looking for more Non-Fiction Lesson Resources?
Download: Non-Fiction Lesson Plan Bundle
Lesson plans based on the following extracts. These are perfect for any GCSE unseen non-fiction unit and fit perfectly into the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Non-Fiction unit for Language.
H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald – Explore themes of grief, nature, and resilience.
A Passage to Africa by George Alagiah – Analyze powerful journalism and the ethics of storytelling.
The Explorer’s Daughter by Kari Herbert – Delve into cultural identity and environmental challenges.
Explorers or Boys Messing About? by Steven Morris – Unpick bias and humour in reportage.
Awaken English 
Normally I don’t learn post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very compelled me to check out and do so! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thanks, very nice article.
LikeLike