I am an experienced English teacher and Literacy Coordinator. All of my resources are organised, engaging, ready to teach and designed to save you - the teacher - your valuable time!
Please have a look at all of my resources - at least 20% of which are free.
I am an experienced English teacher and Literacy Coordinator. All of my resources are organised, engaging, ready to teach and designed to save you - the teacher - your valuable time!
Please have a look at all of my resources - at least 20% of which are free.
This free worksheet is designed to deepen students’ understanding of Act 1, Scene 7, where Lady Macbeth persuades Macbeth to commit murder.
Perfect for in-class activities or homework, this resource helps students analyse persuasive devices such as rhetorical questions, emotive language, flattery, hyperbole, and direct address used by Lady Macbeth to manipulate Macbeth.
Students will then apply these techniques through one of five creative tasks, encouraging them to craft their own persuasive speeches. This Macbeth worksheet is ideal for key stage 3 and key stage 4 students studying Shakespeare and works across various ability levels.
Have a look at our other resources in our LikeAnExpert shop.**
This free 18-lesson unit of work overview takes students through Shakespeare’s Macbeth while building essential skills for GCSE/IGCSE, including language and structure analysis, understanding context, and exploring character development. Ideal for Key Stage 4 or advanced Key Stage 3 students.
Unit Aims:
• Students will be guided through the reading of the entire play of Macbeth.
• Students will understand the social context of the play and make links between the context and the events in the play.
• Students will be able to describe the character development of the main characters.
• Students will be able to discuss the structure of the play.
• Students will revise language and structural techniques and will closely analyse the language in key scenes.
This unit of work covers skills required for GCSE/IGCSE; however, it is suitable for teaching to Key Stage 4 or older Key Stage 3 students.
For all 18 lessons, a learning objective, learning outcomes, lesson overview and key vocabulary are provided. There are also links to purchase the accompanying PowerPoints and resources if you would prefer not to make them yourself. These resources are also available to purchase as a bundle here.
Free Resources and More:
Free Worksheet: Download a free worksheet on Lady Macbeth’s persuasive techniques in Act 1 Scene 7.
Free Homework Menu: Download a free homework menu to accompany the unit.
Bundle Offer: Consider purchasing the Macbeth Bundle, which includes comprehensive resources to take you through the entire play.
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A 15 lesson scheme of work designed to support students through the entire play of The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. This is aimed at high-ability key stage 3 (it was originally designed for a high ability year 9 class), but it would be easily adapted for key stage 4. It contains a range of tasks that have been modelled on GCSE literature tasks.
All of the lessons are available to download - some of them are free.
Resources for the lessons on the scheme of work:
Click here for a bundle of all the lessons to take you through the play plus a quiz, knowledge organiser and character revision posters.
1) A 40 Question Shakespeare Quiz
2) Introduction to Characters and Themes in The Merchant of Venice
3) Act 1 Scene 1 (Antonio and Bassanio)
4) Portia’s Choice in Act 1 Scene 2 (FREE)
5) Shakespeare’s Portrayal of Shylock in Act 1 Scene 3
6) Jessica’s Character in Act 2 Scenes 1-3
7) The Casket Test in Act 2 Scene 7
8) Shylock’s Portrayal in Act 2 Scene 8
9) Prince Arragon in Act 2 Scene 9
10) Interpretations of Shylock in Act 3 Scene 1
11) Dramatic Irony in the Casket Scene in Act 3 Scene 2
12) Independently Interpreting Shakespeare Using Act 3 Scenes 3-5
13) Act 4: The Courtroom Scene
14) Evaluate the Ending of the Play in Act 5
15) A 35-Question Quiz on the Play with Answers Included
16) A knowledge organiser with key information for studying the play.
Freebies:
For character revision posters for your classroom, click here.
For an English/Drama lesson based on Portia’s choice in Act 1 Scene 2, click here.
For a Scheme of Work overview for the unit, click here.
Please leave a review as I value all the feedback I receive, and have a look at other resources available in my shop.
Revision cards/posters for the five main characters in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare - great for quizzing, introducing characters or as prompts for lessons or homework. These posters contain visual clues about the characters plus four important character quotes for students to remember.
The characters included are:
Antonio
Bassanio
Shylock
Jessica
Portia
More Merchant of Venice Resources:
A complete bundle of resources for The Merchant of Venice which includes lessons to take you through the entire play, a quiz, knowledge organiser and revision posters. .
This bundle includes:
1) A 40 Question Shakespeare Quiz
2) Introduction to Characters and Themes in The Merchant of Venice
3) Act 1 Scene 1 (Antonio and Bassanio)
4) Portia’s Choice in Act 1 Scene 2 (FREE)
5) Shakespeare’s Portrayal of Shylock in Act 1 Scene 3
6) Jessica’s Character in Act 2 Scenes 1-3
7) The Casket Test in Act 2 Scene 7
8) Shylock’s Portrayal in Act 2 Scene 8
9) Prince Arragon in Act 2 Scene 9
10) Interpretations of Shylock in Act 3 Scene 1
11) Dramatic Irony in the Casket Scene in Act 3 Scene 2
12) Independently Interpreting Shakespeare Using Act 3 Scenes 3-5
13) Act 4: The Courtroom Scene
14) Evaluate the Ending of the Play in Act 5
15) A 35-Question Quiz on the Play with Answers Included
16) A knowledge organiser with key information for studying the play.
Merchant of Venice Freebies:
For character revision posters for your classroom, click here.
For an English/Drama lesson based on Portia’s choice in Act 1 Scene 2, click here.
For a Scheme of Work overview for the unit, click here.
Leave a review and choose any other resource for free from the LikeAnExpert shop.
A fully-resourced engaging English or Drama lesson which explores the narrative of act 1 scene 2 of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice and Portia’s choice of suitors. It also prompts students to consider the importance of exposition and spacing on stage when performing a play.
This lesson is ready to teach and easily adaptable. It develops both English and Drama skills.
Learning Objective: Explore the Scenario of Portia’s Choice in Act 1 Scene 2.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will consider how spacing and staging can be used to show character and setting.
-Students will understand Portia’s dilemma in act 1 scene 2.
Students will understand the features of a script and will put these into practice by writing their own.
Lesson Outline:
Do it now: Mind-map features of a script
Starter: Thinking about exposition, the students create freeze frames of different scenarios in large groups.
Activity 1: Summary of act 1 scene 2. Drama task where students act as Portia and her suitors.
Activity 2: Modelling of script layout and script-writing task in pairs.
Performances and peer assessment
More Resources for The Merchant of Venice
Click here for a bundle of all the lessons to take you through the play plus a quiz, knowledge organiser and character revision posters.
Freebies:
For character revision posters for your classroom, click here.
For an English/Drama lesson based on Portia’s choice in Act 1 Scene 2, click here.
For a Scheme of Work overview for the unit, click here.
I am grateful for all reviews and feedback. If you found this helpful, have a look at the other resources in my LikeAnExpert shop.
Detailed character profiles for five of the main characters in The Merchant of Venice: Antonio, Bassanio, Shylock, Portia and Jessica. These profiles contain a description of each character and some of their important quotes. They could be used for revision or for learning about the characters before reading the play.
If you would like the lesson which includes these character profiles, click here.
More Resources for The Merchant of Venice
Click here for a bundle of all the lessons to take you through the play plus a quiz, knowledge organiser and character revision posters.
Freebies:
For character revision posters for your classroom, click here.
For an English/Drama lesson based on Portia’s choice in Act 1 Scene 2, click here.
For a Scheme of Work overview for the unit, click here.
Leave a review and choose any other resource for free from the LikeAnExpert shop.
A detailed knowledge organiser to support students studying ‘The Merchant of Venice’ by William Shakespeare.
It includes the following:
A brief section on William Shakespeare
Key quotes
Overview of all the important characters
Important literary terms for studying the play
Key terminology used
This is suitable for any age group studying the play. It is an excellent resource to be used for setting homework, quizzing in classes or as a support mat.
If you find this helpful, have a look at my other resources for The Merchant of Venice:
1) A BUNDLE of lessons plus extras (knowledge organiser and revision posters) which can be bought for a big saving.
2) A 40 Question Shakespeare Quiz
3) Introduction to Characters and Themes in The Merchant of Venice
4) Act 1 Scene 1 (Antonio and Bassanio)
5) Portia’s Choice in Act 1 Scene 2 (FREE)
6) Shakespeare’s Portrayal of Shylock in Act 1 Scene 3
7) Jessica’s Character in Act 2 Scenes 1-3
8) The Casket Test in Act 2 Scene 7
9) Shylock’s Portrayal in Act 2 Scene 8
10) Prince Arragon in Act 2 Scene 9
11) Interpretations of Shylock in Act 3 Scene 1
12) Dramatic Irony in the Casket Scene in Act 3 Scene 2
13) Independently Interpreting Shakespeare Using Act 3 Scenes 3-5
14) Act 4: The Courtroom Scene
15) Evaluate the Ending of the Play in Act 5
Freebies:
For character revision posters for your classroom, click here.
For an English/Drama lesson based on Portia’s choice in Act 1 Scene 2, click here.
For a Scheme of Work overview for the unit, click here.
Leave a review and choose any other resource for free from the <a href="https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/LikeAnExpert ">LikeAnExpert</a> shop.
This lesson unlocks the complexities of the ending of* Macbeth*. This resource focuses on the play’s powerful conclusion, helping students grasp how key themes are resolved and the characters’ journeys culminate. This is designed for Key Stage 4 or for Key Stage 3 as they develop the skills needed for GCSE/IGCSE English Literature.
Learning Objective: Understand the ending of Macbeth and how key themes are resolved.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will comprehend the events of Act 5, Scenes 6–9.
Students will analyse Macbeth’s character arc and how Shakespeare uses this resolution to comment on unchecked ambition.
Students will evaluate the play’s ending by discussing themes, the role of prophecy, and the moral implications of Macbeth’s downfall.
Lesson Outline:
Do it now: Students summarise the key characters journeys in the play in one sentence each.
Starter: Discussion questions anticipating the ending.
Activity One: Read Act 5 Scenes 6 to 9 and write a brief summary of each as you go.
Activity Two: Students complete comprehension and analysis worksheet followed by discussion of answers.
Activity Three: Class discussion of the moral message of the play.
Plenary: In one sentence, share your main takeaway from today’s lesson. Go round the class so that students can share their ideas.
Why Choose This Resource?
Designed for Confidence-Building: Helps students feel secure in their analysis of complex texts.
Ready to Use: Download and start teaching immediately with no prep required.
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This comprehensive, ready-to-teach Macbeth lesson focuses on how Shakespeare uses structure to create tension, specifically in Act 5. Ideal for Key Stage 3 or Key Stage 4 students studying Macbeth, this resource includes a PowerPoint, two worksheets, and a structured lesson plan designed to deepen students’ understanding of dramatic tension and structural analysis.
Learning Objective: Analyse how Shakespeare uses structure to build tension in Act 5.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will read and understand Act 5 Scenes 1-5 of Macbeth.
Students will analyse how Shakespeare builds tension in these scenes.
Students will apply Freytag’s Pyramid to the plot of Macbeth so far.
Students will discuss the imagery in Macbeth’s soliloquy.
Lesson Outline:
Do it now: Check understanding of Freytag’s pyramid.
Starter: Students complete Freytag’s pyramid worksheet for Macbeth so far.
Activity 1: Read and discuss Act 5 Scene 1 focusing on the change in Lady Macbeth.
Activity 2: Read Scenes 2-5 and complete worksheet to show how Shakespeare builds tension in each scene.
Activity 3: Brief analysis of Macbeth’s soliloquy.
Plenary: Students add any further examples of rising action to their Freytag’s Pyramid worksheet.
Why Choose This Resource?
Designed for Confidence-Building: Helps students feel secure in their analysis of complex texts.
Ready to Use: Download and start teaching immediately with no prep required.
Leave a review and select another resource of equal value for free from the LikeAnExpert shop.
A detailed and ready-to-teach lesson to support students in their analysis of Act 4 Scene 1 of Macbeth. This engaging, interactive lesson allows students to act, analyse, and discuss this critical moment in Macbeth. This is great for key stage 4 students studying the play for GCSE/IGCSE or for key stage 3 students too.
**Learning Objective: **Analyse Act 4 Scene 1 of Macbeth
Learning Outcomes:
Students will understand the key events and themes in Act 4, Scene 1.
Students will analyse Shakespeare’s use of language and imagery.
Students will discuss the significance of the witches and their prophecies in Macbeth’s downfall.
Students will explore how Macbeth’s character evolves in this scene.
Lesson Outline:
Do it now: Think – Pair – Share on ‘what role do the witches play in Macbeth’s choices?’
Starter: A summary of the scene and content about its significance followed by three recall questions.
Activity One: Students perform the scene staging the scene and acting to evoke maximum fear in the audience followed by a discussion on what the apparitions represent.
Activity Two: Students complete a worksheet analysing the language in the scene. Discuss ideas afterwards.
Plenary: Write a three-sentence summary of the scene including the themes that are evident in it.
Why Choose This Resource?
Designed for Confidence-Building: Helps students feel secure in their analysis of complex texts.
Ready to Use: Download and start teaching immediately with no prep required.
Leave a review and select another resource of equal value for free from the LikeAnExpert shop.
A detailed and ready-to-teach lesson designed to take students through Macbeth Act 4 Scenes 2 and 3. Students will consider how Lady Macduff is the antithesis to Lady Macbeth and consider the theme of loyalty in the play. This resource is perfect for teachers looking for in-depth Macbeth lesson plans that foster critical thinking and analysis.
Learning Objective: Analyse Act 4 Scenes 2 and 3 of Macbeth
Learning Outcomes:
Students will read and understand Act 4 Scenes 2 and 3.
Students will understand how Lady Macduff is the antithesis to Lady Macbeth and that she represents the innocent people affected by Macbeth’s tyranny.
Students will complete a quiz to check their understanding of these scenes.
Lesson Outline:
Do it now: Write down as many adjectives as you can think of to describe Lady Macbeth.
Starter: Introduce Frayer Model of the noun ‘antithesis’ and introduce how Lady Macduff is the antithesis of Lady Macbeth.
Activity 1: Read Act 4 Scene 2 and students answer comprehension questions on the scene.
Activity 2: Students complete questions exploring how loyalty is presented in Act 4 Scene 2.
Activity 3: Reading and discussion of Act 4 Scene 3.
Plenary: Recall quiz on content from the lesson.
Why Choose This Resource?
Designed for Confidence-Building: Helps students feel secure in their analysis of complex texts.
Ready to Use: Download and start teaching immediately with no prep required.
Leave a review and select another resource of equal value for free from the LikeAnExpert shop.
This detailed and ready-to-teach one-hour lesson guides students through Act 3, Scenes 5 & 6 of Macbeth. Perfect for developing inference and prediction skills, this resource is ideal for GCSE/IGCSE students and key stage 3 students.
Learning Objective: Develop inference and prediction skills when reading Macbeth Act 3 Scenes 5 & 6
Learning Outcomes:
Students will be introduced to the character of Hecate and understand her plans to meddle with Macbeth.
Students will complete comprehension questions on Act 3 Scene 5.
Students will find key quotes from Act 3 Scene 6.
Using the knowledge they have gained, students will make predictions about what will happen next in the play.
Lesson Outline:
Do it now: Wordsearch of character names in Macbeth.
Starter: Students design the set and character of Hecate to create maximum fear in the audience.
Activity One: Read and discuss questions based on Act 3 Scene 5.
Activity Two: Read a summary of Act 3 Scene 6. In pairs, students then read the scene and search for quotes which match the statements on the board.
Activity Three: Students write their predictions for the end of the play.
Plenary: Recall questions based on this lesson
Why Choose This Resource?
Designed for Confidence-Building: Helps students feel secure in their analysis of complex texts.
Ready to Use: Download and start teaching immediately with no prep required.
Leave a review and select another resource of equal value for free from the LikeAnExpert shop.
This comprehensive one-hour lesson is perfect for exploring the Banquo’s Ghost scene in Act 3, Scene 4 of Macbeth. Students will focus on key quotes and engage in close language analysis of this pivotal scene, making it ideal for Key Stage 3 and 4 learners. The lesson includes:
Abridged version of the scene for easier understanding.
Comprehension questions and group tasks to ‘explode’ quotes for detailed analysis.
Learning Objective: Analyse Key Quotes in Banquo’s Ghost Scene.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will read and understand Act 3 Scene 3 and an abridged version of Act 3 Scene 4.
Students will independently complete comprehension questions on Act 3 Scene 4 and share their ideas in a class discussion.
Students will practise close analysis of language by ‘exploding’ key quotes from the scene.
Lesson Outline:
Do it now: Think – Pair – Share recall questions from previous scenes.
Starter: Reading and discussion of Act 3 Scene 2.
Activity One: Students perform Act 3 Scene 4.
Activity Two: Students work in groups to ‘explode’ quotes from the scene and then carousel around to add to each other’s ideas. Then a discussion as a class.
Plenary: Students vote on the question - Was Banquo’s Ghost a ‘real’ ghost that only Macbeth could see? Or was it just a hallucination showing how Macbeth’s mind is deteriorating?
Why Choose This Resource?
Designed for Confidence-Building: Helps students feel secure in their analysis of complex texts.
Ready to Use: Download and start teaching immediately with no prep required.
Leave a review and select another resource of equal value for free from the LikeAnExpert shop.
This engaging lesson explores Macbeth’s psychological descent in Act 3, Scenes 1 & 2. Students will analyse Macbeth’s increasing corruption and guilt, especially through key quotes like “full of scorpions is my mind.” This is ideal for students reading these scenes for GCSE/IGCSE or for key stage 3 students approaching the play.
This Resource Includes
A summary of Act 2, Scene 4 to discuss supernatural events.
Abridged readings of Act 3, Scene 1 & 2.
Comprehension questions and class discussions on Macbeth’s actions and moral descent.
Learning Objective: Analyse Macbeth’s Evil Descent in Act 3 Scenes 1 & 2.
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will read a summary and discuss the strange events in Act 2 Scene 4.
Students will independently and as a class explore Act 3 Scenes 1 and 2.
Students will consider how Macbeth is changing psychologically and consider his abhorrent behaviour.
Lesson Overview:
Do it now: Recall task about what the students know about the Jacobean beliefs in witches and the supernatural.
Starter: Students read summary of Act 2 Scene 4 and translate the Shakespearean English to work out the unnatural events that have been happening. Class discussion about what this means.
Activity one: Read an abridged version of Act 3 Scene 1 (worksheet). Students complete comprehension questions followed by class discussion.
Activity two: Class discussion on which is more evil: Macbeth killing the King or a friend.
Activity three: Read and discuss abridged version of Act 3 Scene 2 and explore quote ‘full of scorpions is my mind’.
Plenary: Summarise Act 3 Scenes 1 and 2 in 2 sentences and draw a picture to represent the scorpion quote.
Why Choose This Resource?
Designed for Confidence-Building: Helps students feel secure in their analysis of complex texts.
Ready to Use: Download and start teaching immediately with no prep required.
Leave a review and select another resource of equal value for free from the LikeAnExpert shop.
Introduce your students to the dynamic world of slam poetry with this fully resourced 90-minute lesson. Ideal for years 9 and above, this lesson can be easily adapted for younger students. The featured poem addresses the theme of addiction, making it more suitable for mature students, but a selection of alternative slam poems is included for flexibility.
What's Included:
* 20-Slide PowerPoint: Engaging presentation covering the history, evolution, and impact of slam poetry.
* Graphic Organiser: Helps students to mind-map and structure their slam poems effectively.
* Detailed Instructions: Step-by-step guidance on writing a slam poem, focusing on both creative and technical aspects.
* Curated Slam Poems: A range of recommended slam poems that can be used as substitutes, ensuring suitability for different age groups.
**Learning Objective:** Express Ourselves Through Writing Powerful Slam Poetry.
**Learning Outcomes:**
- Understand the conventions of powerful slam poems.
- Use a range of language and structural devices in my poem.
- Perform part of my poem for maximum impact.
**Lesson Overview**:
Do it now: Think-Pair-Share questions on Slam Poetry. With teacher-support, the class arrive at an inferred definition of slam poetry.
Starter: A teacher-guided history of slam poetry followed by 5 recall questions with answers provided.
Activity 1: Watch ‘21’ and discuss questions
Activity 2: Use graphic organizer to write down ideas and then begin writing slam poem
Plenary: Share most powerful line
Extension: Poems for further study
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An engaging and detailed PowerPoint containing 40 questions and answers to introduce students to the weird and wonderful life of William Shakespeare.
**The questions are split into four rounds, each containing 10 questions: **
Shakespeare’s life and family
Shakespeare’s character
Shakespeare’s writing
The Globe theatre
This could be used across a one hour or 90 minute lesson, or as a detailed starter across multiple lessons. It is aimed at key stages 3 and 4. After each round, students are prompted to mind-map what they have learned about Shakespeare.
30 slides in total.
I really value all the feedback I receive. Leave a review and choose any other resource of up to the same value for free from my shop.
Enhance your students’ analytical skills with this comprehensive lesson on Macbeth, designed to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare’s use of tension, dramatic irony, and paradox. This 90-minute lesson (or two one-hour lessons) guides students through key segments of Act 1 Scenes 3 and 4, helping them unpick the Bard’s meaning with structured support and discussion prompts. Ideal for Key Stages 3 and 4, this lesson is perfect for exploring how Macbeth’s ambition begins to consume him as the witches’ prophecies unfold.
Resource Highlights:
27 Fully-Prepared Slides: All the resources you need for a complete, engaging lesson.
In-Depth Literary Analysis: Focuses on Shakespeare’s use of tension, dramatic irony, and the impact of the witches’ prophecies.
Teacher Support: Detailed discussion questions and provided answers ensure you can guide students effectively.
Learning Outcomes:
Comprehensive Understanding: Students will read and interpret key scenes from Acts 3 and 4.
Collaborative Analysis: Encourages group discussions and class engagement to deepen analysis.
Focused Literary Device Exploration: Students will learn to identify and explain the effect of literary devices such as dramatic irony and paradox.
Lesson Breakdown:
Do It Now: A quick 90-second recall on Jacobean beliefs in witches to set the context.
Starter: Introduce key literary terms, followed by a guided reading and discussion of Act 3, Scene 1, leading to a 100-word student summary.
Activity One: Delve into Act 3, Scene 4 with student-led discussions and summary writing.
Plenary: Students reflect on how Shakespeare builds tension, using key vocabulary to articulate their thoughts.
Why Choose This Resource?
Designed for Confidence-Building: Helps students feel secure in their analysis of complex texts.
Ready to Use: Download and start teaching immediately with no prep required.
Leave a review and select another resource of equal value for free from the LikeAnExpert shop.
Engaging and ready to teach one hour lesson to cover chapter thirteen of ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’ by John Boyne. This lesson requires students to consider how John Boyne creates tension in the dinner party scene and to compare how this is shown in the book and the movie. Students will then devise their own drama scene to put into practice tension-building devices.
Learning Objective: Analyse how writers and directors create tension.
Learning Outcomes:
Bronze: Understand which techniques can be used by writers and directors to create tension.
Silver: Explain clearly how these techniques create tension.
Gold: Use some of these techniques yourself to construct a dramatic performance.
Lesson Outline:
Do It Now: How might a movie director create tension?
Starter: Reading focus – how does John Boyne create tension?
Activity 1: Students complete an analysis table based on quotes from this chapter with teacher support.
Activity 2: How is tension created in the film?
Activity 3: Devising their own scene in groups and performing.
Plenary: What do you think happened to Pavel? What do you think will be the consequences for Lieutenant Kotler?
Freebies:
Two pre-reading lessons to introduce students to the context of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is available for free here.
A lesson on chapter 1 of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is available for free here.
A scheme of work for teaching the entire novel is available for free here.
If you find this lesson useful, please consider purchasing this ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’ Bundle or have a look at other resources available in my shop. .
Leave a review and choose any other resource of up to the same value for free from my shop.
A detailed PowerPoint with accompanying printable worksheets for students to explore the context of Shakespeare’s Macbeth before embarking on their reading of the play. This lesson prompts students to dive deep into the historical and cultural backdrop of the play while honing critical skills like summarising, analysis, and collaboration.
The lesson includes a thorough exploration of Macbeth’s context, including the reign of King James I, the Gunpowder Plot, witchcraft and the supernatural, family life, and gender roles. Through teacher modelling, students learn effective summary writing techniques, equipping them with the tools to distill complex information into concise and impactful summaries. They then put this into practice by using one of the worksheets to summarise information on their given topic.
Students then engage in a carousel activity, where they delve into each of the context topics, learning from their peers, and collaboratively constructing their understanding.
Learning Objective: Summarise contextual information about British society in the Jacobean period.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will read and comprehend new information and life in Jacobean times.
Students will summarise this information in their own words.
Students will clearly articulate what they have learned to your classmates.
Lesson Outline:
Do it now: Students think – pair – share about the importance of understanding a text’s context.
Starter: Walkthrough of how to write an effective summary using an example text about James I.
Activity 1: Students write their own summary of one of the contextual topics (King James I and the Gunpowder plot, Witchcraft, Family Life and Gender – these are differentiated by ability as shown by notes on PPT slide). Students spend 15 minutes creating their summary and then self-assess.
Activity 2: Summary carousel – students move around the classroom sharing their summaries and taking notes on the various topics.
Plenary: Mini whiteboard questions on the topic from this lesson.
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This fully-resourced, one-hour lesson guides students through independent analysis of Macbeth’s soliloquy (“Is this a dagger…”) in Act 2 Scene 1 of Macbeth. Perfect for fostering critical thinking, this lesson allows students to paraphrase Macbeth’s speech and collaborate in groups to examine Shakespeare’s use of lexical fields, rhetorical questions, and repetition.
This resource includes:
A ready-to-teach PowerPoint with full teacher instructions.
A printable extract of the soliloquy with a detailed glossary for student reference.
Printable group task instructions, also embedded in the PowerPoint.
Learning Objective: Analyse Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 2 Scene 1.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will read and understand act 2 scene 1 and independently paraphrase it and answer questions on it.
Students will work in groups to closely analyse the language in Macbeth’s soliloquy.
Students will compare two different portrayals of this soliloquy.
Lesson Breakdown:
Do it now: ’There’s husbandry in heaven, their candles are all out’ – students explore this quote.
Starter: Read act 2 scene 1 and discuss questions.
Activity 1: Paraphrase the soliloquy in groups whilst watching a performance.
Activity 2: Scaffolded independent analysis task
Plenary: Students watch another performance of the soliloquy. How does this other portrayal of Macbeth compare to the earlier one?
Why Choose This Resource?
Designed for Confidence-Building: Helps students feel secure in their analysis of complex texts.
Ready to Use: Download and start teaching immediately with no prep required.
Leave a review and select another resource of equal value for free from the LikeAnExpert shop.