In this lesson, pupils explore how Russell uses dialogue, timing and characterisation to create humour in Educating Rita. Learners examine how moments of contrast reveal differences in class, education and ambition, and analyse how these techniques shape audience understanding. Pupils use precise evidence to evaluate how humour exposes deeper social tensions within the play.

• Lesson slides introducing humour, timing and characterisation
• Dialogue analysis task identifying how humour is created through contrast and character voice
• Class and ambition activity explaining how differences in class, education and ambition are revealed
• Evidence‑based analysis task using quotations to analyse Russell’s techniques
• Worksheet: Evaluate how humour highlights differences in class and ambition
• Discussion prompts to support paired and whole‑class talk

This lesson helps pupils recognise how humour is used with purpose, not simply for entertainment. By analysing dialogue, timing and characterisation, learners gain a deeper understanding of how Russell exposes class tensions and ambition through contrast. Tasks are clear, structured and accessible, supporting mixed‑ability groups and strengthening analytical writing with precise, well‑chosen evidence.

**Some visuals in this resource were made with AI to help bring ideas to life and support student understanding.