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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.

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="/teaching-resources/shop/LikeAnExpert ">LikeAnExpert</a> shop.

In this comprehensive lesson, students are guided through how to understand and interpret Shakespeare independently using word roots and context clues to unpick meanings of familiar words. They will work through Act 3 Scenes 3-5 with varying levels of support. Learning Objective: Independently comprehend and interpret scenes from The Merchant of Venice Learning Outcomes: -Students will be guided through how to comprehend and decipher Shakespearean English using word roots and context clues. Students will work both in pairs and individually to interpret scenes. Students will make a prediction about what will happen next in the play. Lesson Outline: Do it now: Students infer details from image. Starter: Overview of differences between Shakespearean and modern English. Task one: Teacher modelling of how to interpret Act 3 Scene 3. Task two: Students work in pairs to interpret Act 3 Scene 4. Task three: Students work individually to interpret Act 3 Scene 5. Plenary: Students predict 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.

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.

A fully-resourced one hour lesson to introduce students to the character of Jessica in act 2 scene 3 of The Merchant of Venice . Students will complete a guided annotation and then consider different ways of staging the scene to make Jessica appear more or less sympathetic. Learning Objective: Explore Jessica’s Character in Act 2. Learning Outcomes: Students will read a summary of act 2 scenes 1 and 2. Students will read act 2 scene 3 and be guided through annotation of the scene before participating in a class discussion. Students will consider different ways of staging the scene to make Jessica more or less sympathetic to the audience. Lesson Outline: Do it now: Summarise act 1 in five sentences and then five words. Starter: As a class, read a summary of Act 2 Scenes 1 & 2. Then as a class, read Act 2 Scene 3. Students then answer questions and share in a class discussion. Activity 1: Guided annotation of scene. Activity 2: Stage the scene with Jessica portraying different emotions to make her sympathetic to the audience. Plenary: Personal response – to what extent is Jessica a victim? 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, 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.

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 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.

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 is an engaging and fully-resourced one hour lesson to introduce students to the characters of the witches and some of the key themes in Act 1 Scene 1 of ‘Macbeth’ by William Shakespeare. This resource includes a full PowerPoint including all teacher instructions that is ready to download and teach straight away. Students will consider pathetic fallacy and the paradox of ‘fair is foul, and foul is fair’. Students will work in groups to complete an engaging worksheet and then will work individually to write an analysis paragraph (which is scaffolded with an example paragraph included). Students will also have the opportunity to stage the opening scene and consider how they could increase the fear for the audience. Lesson Objective: Analyse how Shakespeare creates fear at the start of Macbeth. Learning Outcomes: Understand how the opening scene introduces some important themes in Macbeth. Evaluate Shakespeare’s use of literary devices. Distinguish between the reactions of a Shakespearean audience and a modern audience. Lesson Outline: Do it now: Questions for students to consider how a Shakespearean audience would have reacted to the witches. Starter: Think – Pair – Share about witches in Shakespeare’s time. Activity 1: Read act 1 scene 1 and students complete worksheet to identify language techniques with answers provided. Activity 2: Students write an analytical paragraph to answer the question ‘how did Shakespeare create fear for a Shakespearean audience?’ They will see a modelled paragraph first and peer assess afterwards. Activity 3: In groups of 3, consider how they would stage and direct the scene to really terrify a Shakespearean audience. Plenary: How would a modern audience react differently to the opening of Macbeth? Do you think it is still as scary even though the belief in witchcraft isn’t as widespread? Leave a review and choose any other resource, of up to the same 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.

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.

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.

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.**