A fully-resourced one hour lesson to introduce students to the character of Shylock in The Merchant of Venice in the context of the history of anti-Semitism. Students will read the scene and consider how Antonio and Shylock treat each other as well as considering how Shakespeare presents Shylock. Students will be scaffolded to independently find quotes from act 1 scene 3 and explain what this shows us about the characters. Learning Objective: Explore Shakespeare’s portrayal of Shylock. Learning Outcomes: Students will understand a basic history of anti-Semitism. Students will understand the events of act 1 scene 3 and consider how Shylock is introduced. Students will work in pairs to independently find and analyse quotes to show what they learn about Shylock. Lesson Outline: Do it now: Think – Pair – Share: What do we learn about Shylock from his opening quote? Activity 1: The history of anti-Semitism teacher explanation and student discussion of anti-Semitic propaganda. Group and class discussion of propaganda posters. You may want to edit this down if you feel it would be distressing to members of your class. Activity 2: Read act 1 scene 3. Activity 3: In pairs, students complete worksheet by finding quotes and considering what this tells us about the characters. Plenary: Who do you have more sympathy for: Antonio or Shylock? Class discussion 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.

This one-hour lesson is designed to help students analyze and annotate Lady Macbeth’s powerful soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 5. Perfect for teachers seeking an engaging, fully-prepared resource that saves time, boosts understanding of Lady Macbeth’s character and supports students with their annotation and analysis skills. What’s included: Ready-to-teach PowerPoint with detailed teacher instructions, so you can download and start teaching immediately. A photo of a sample annotation to guide students through the process. Printable extract of Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy with a built-in glossary for key terms, enhancing comprehension. Learning Objective: Explore Lady Macbeth’s Character in Act 1 Scene 5. Learning Outcomes: Students will be introduced to the character of Lady Macbeth and vocabulary to describe her. Students will be guided through a close annotation of Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy. Students will identify language techniques used in the soliloquy and discuss the effects of them. Lesson Outline: Do it now: Think – Pair – Share around students’ expectations of Lady Macbeth. Starter: Vocabulary – match words to describe Lady Macbeth to their definitions. Activity 1: Guided annotation of Lady Macbeth’s soliloquy. Activity 2: Answer questions followed by discussion of questions. Activity 3: Watch and discuss a modern interpretation of this scene. Plenary: What do you predict will happen next? What will Lady Macbeth’s role be in this play? Leave a review and choose any other resource for free from the LikeAnExpert shop.

A detailed lesson on Act 5 of The Merchant of Venice in which students are introduced to Freytag’s Pyramid so that they understand how the falling action leads to a resolution at the end of the play. They then consider which characters do or do not have a happy ending and write a review of the play. Learning Objective: Evaluate the experience of different characters at the end of the play. Learning Outcomes: Students will be introduced to Freytag’s Pyramid and understand how the action falls towards the end of the play. Students will read and discuss a summary of Act 5 scene 1. Students will evaluate the experience of different characters at the ending of the play. Students will write a review of the play. Lesson Outline: Do it now: Recall questions about Act 4 Starter: Introduction to Freytag’s Pyramid. Activity one: Read and discuss summary of Act 5. Activity two: Students complete a worksheet about whether the characters have a happy, sad or mixed ending. Students then swap and peer assess each other’s work. Plenary: Students write a review of the play. 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 fully-resourced one hour lesson to support students in exploring the casket test in Act 2 Scene 7 of The Merchant of Venice. Students will be guided through the reading of the scene and then creatively respond by predicting what they believe will be in the other incorrect casket. Learning Objective: Explore the casket test for Portia’s suitors. Learning Outcomes: Students will read summaries of Act 2 Scenes 4-6 and complete recall questions. -Students will be guided through the reading of Act 2 Scene 7 and consider the reasons the Prince gives for rejecting or choosing each casket. -Students will creatively respond to the scene by predicting what will be in the remaining incorrect casket. Lesson Outline: Do it now: Match the character description to the name. Starter: Summary of Act 2 Scenes 4-6 followed by recall questions and think-pair-share to consider Shylock’s reaction. Activity one: Guided reading of the scene with student questions interspersed. Activity two: Students creatively predict what will be inside the other incorrect casket. Plenary: Act 2 Scene 7 ends with Portia saying “a gentle riddance” as she is happy to see the Prince leave. Why do you think she says this? Is it because she doesn’t want to marry the Prince specifically or is there another reason? 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.

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.

A fully-resourced one hour lesson to support students in exploring how Shakespeare uses dramatic irony in Act 3 Scene 2 to create tension as Bassanio chooses a casket. Students will be guided through and discuss the scene. Learning Objective: Understand how Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to build tension in Act 3 Scene 2 Learning Outcomes: -Students will experience dramatic irony through a class demonstration. Students will understand how dramatic irony can be used for humour or to create tension. Students will discuss Act 3 Scene 2 and interpret the meaning of Shakespearean language. Lesson Outline: Do it now: Recall questions about the casket tests from Act 2. Starter: Dramatic irony explanation and examples. Activity one: Think – pair – share after students watch and discuss two examples of dramatic irony. Activity two: Summary of scene with discussion and interpretation tasks interspersed. Plenary: Students answer questions on mini-whiteboards or scrap paper. 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.

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.

A fun and addictive ‘Of Mice and Men’ revision tool that lasts 20-40 minutes to help students revise themes and quotes. The game ends differently each time, so this can be played multiple times to support students in revising the themes and ideas in Of Mice and Men. Students play as either George, Lennie, Candy or Curley and the aim is to achieve their dream. They play through 40 event cards, which will give them plus or minus DPs (dream points). If they can achieve positive DPs by the end of the game then they achieve their dream. If they don’t then they are doomed to a migrant worker life of working for other people. This game helps students to revise key events in the book, important quotes and presses them to consider the challenges that characters face to achieve their dreams. Reflection questions for students are included. It is a print and play game. It is quick and easy to cut out. I would suggest laminating for quick further use, however this is not required. The only additional materials you will need are one die per game and scrap paper for students to keep track of their scores. Included: How to play card Character profiles sheet Event cards Reflection questions Leave a review and choose any other resource for free from the LikeAnExpert shop. I have a whole range of Of Mice and Men revision resources available in the shop and a range of revision videos on my YouTube channel (this is linked to in my shop).

This one-hour lesson focuses on how Shakespeare uses the Porter’s scene to build tension in Act 2, Scene 3 of Macbeth. Perfect for engaging students in critical analysis, this lesson explores dramatic irony, pathetic fallacy, and comic relief to enhance their understanding of how Shakespeare builds tension. This resource includes: A ready-to-teach PowerPoint with full instructions. A worksheet to guide reflection on tension in the scene. Learning Objective: Analyse how Shakespeare uses structure to build tension in Act 2 Scene 3. Learning Outcomes: Students will read Act 2 Scene 3 and analyse the use of tension-building techniques in the scene such as dramatic irony, pathetic fallacy and comic relief. Students will independently choose quotes from the scene that use the techniques. Students will consider where else they have seen the use of these tension-building techniques. Lesson Outline: Do it now: Read these quotes on use of tension and laughter and infer what we will be studying today. Starter: Watch the short video and discuss the techniques used by Shakespeare to build tension. Activity 1: Read act 2 scene 3 and discuss the questions. Activity 2: Worksheet reflection on class discussion and peer assessment. Plenary: Can you think of an example of pathetic fallacy, dramatic irony or comic relief from another book or movie you’ve enjoyed? Leave a review and choose any other resource for free from the LikeAnExpert shop.

A fully-resourced one hour lesson to support students in exploring the question of ‘to what extent was Shakespeare Anti-Semitic in his writing of The Merchant of Venice?’ Students will be guided through a class discussion and then work in pairs to unpack the language in act 2 scene 8. Learning Objective: Consider to what extent Shakespeare’s portrayal of Shylock is anti-Semitic. Learning Outcomes: Students will learn key vocabulary such as cultural context, stereotype etc. Students will be introduced to the cultural context of anti-Semitism in Elizabethan England and in Venice. Students will work in pairs to analyse the language in act 2 scene 8. Students will write a PEE question on Shakespeare and anti-Semitism. Lesson Outline: Do it now: Match the key terms to the definition. Starter: Cultural context of anti-Semitism in Jacobean society. Activity one: Reading Act 2 Scene 8 and discussion questions. Activity two: Students work individually or in pairs to complete the worksheet. Plenary: Write a PEE paragraph to answer the question ‘to what extent do you think Shakespeare was anti-Semitic?’ 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 fully-resourced one hour lesson to support students in exploring the question of ‘how is Prince Arragon presented in The Merchant of Venice?’ Students will be guided through a class discussion of the scene and then will complete a slow writing PETER paragraph on Prince Arragon. Learning Objective: Write an analytical paragraph about how the Prince of Arragon is presented in Act 2 Scene 9. Learning Outcomes: Students will consider the morphology of the word ‘analysis’. -Students will unpick the meaning of Act 2 Scene 8 with teacher support. -Students will be guided through how to write a PETER analytical paragraph. Students will write predictions about what will come next in the play. Lesson Outline: Do it now: Recall questions about the first casket in act 2 scene 7 Starter: Think – pair – share about the meaning of the word ‘analysis’ followed by morphological explanation of the word. Activity one: Class discussion and reading of Act 2 Scene 9 to support students in unpicking the meaning of the text. Activity two: Slow writing of PETER paragraph to answer the question of ‘how is the Prince of Arragon portrayed?’ Peer Assessment Plenary: Based on selected points, students write a prediction for what will happen next in the play. 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.

This one-hour lesson focuses on independent analysis of Macbeth or Lady Macbeth using the STEAL framework (Speech, Thoughts, Effect on others, Actions, Looks). Perfect for students studying Act 2, Scene 2, this lesson promotes deep understanding through a structured approach to character analysis. This resource includes: A fully editable PowerPoint with step-by-step teacher instructions, ready for immediate download and use. Learning Objective: Complete STEAL analysis on Macbeth or Lady Macbeth. Learning Outcomes: Students will read and summarise Act 2 Scene 2. Students will answer questions to check their understanding and inference of the scene. Students will use the STEAL framework to analyse either Macbeth or Lady Macbeth in detail. Lesson Outline: Do it now: How would you describe the end of act 2 scene 1? How would the audience be feeling? Starter: Read act 2 scene 2 and discuss questions Activity 1: Independent STEAL analysis of either Macbeth or Lady Macbeth Activity 2: Carousel to peer assess each other’s work Plenary: What did you learn about the characters from your analysis? For more Macbeth resources, check out our Macbeth Bundle (some freebies in there too). Leave a review and choose any other resource for free from the LikeAnExpert shop.

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.

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. Leave a review and select another resource of equal value for free from the 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. Leave a review and choose any other resource for free from the LikeAnExpert shop.

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.**