a piece of writing that explains and develops a big idea you have about a text

the idea you develop and maintain throughout an essay

the first sentence of a paragraph which states the paragraph’s main idea

a play designed to make you laugh, often involving misunderstandings and ending in marriage

Creating an argument about the character of Puck in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

English

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', pupils learn about marriage conventions within Shakespeare's patriarchal society. In 'Macbeth: Lady Macbeth as a Machiavellian Villain', pupils explore the ways in which this female character subverts the expectations of women in her day and question whether modern and contemporary audiences are likely to sympathise with her. 

In 'The Tempest', pupils explore the ways in which Ariel and Caliban, as 'outsiders', might be perceived by modern and contemporary audiences. In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', pupils use context to develop their understanding of marriage rituals and attitudes to magic in the play. 

In this unit, pupils read and explore Shakespeare's comedy 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. They focus on the character Puck and the theme of the supernatural, and analyse their role and importance at different points in the play. Finally, they plan and write an essay about Puck and the supernatural.

'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Depiction or discussion of distress or humiliation e.g. bullying.

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of sexual or domestic abuse or violence, including  threats of or the aftermath of.

Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

a piece of writing that explains and develops a big idea you have 

an idea you develop and maintain throughout an essay

the first sentence of a paragraph which states its main idea

When writing about 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' it is useful to understand the following terms. Match each to their definition.

An analytical {{}} about 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' will see you write a long answer to a question that explains and develops a big idea you have about a text.

It is the first sentence of each paragraph stating its main idea.

It states the main idea you will prove throughout your essay.

It is found in your conclusion - a thesis is what you work towards.

When writing about 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', you will create a thesis statement. What is true of thesis statements?

By copying your thesis into every paragraph.

By using your topic sentences to develop your thesis.

By coming up with completely new ideas in every paragraph.

When writing about 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', you will create a thesis statement. How can you maintain ideas from your thesis throughout your essay?

They introduce new ideas separate to your thesis.

They come at the start of your paragraph and state the paragraph's main idea.

When writing about 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', you will create a topic sentences. What is true of topic sentences?

A thesis statement starts your essay; topic sentences start a paragraph.

A thesis statement presents two sides to an argument; a topic sentence doesn't.

A thesis statement ends you essay; a topic sentence starts an essay.

A thesis statement explains if you liked the text; a topic sentence is analysis.

A thesis statement is your main idea; topic sentences develop your thesis.

When writing about 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', you will create a thesis statement and topic sentences. What are some of the differences between them?

'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is a {{}}, which means it is a play designed to make you laugh, often involving misunderstandings and ending in marriage.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', the character of Puck is also know as...

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', which characters does Puck speak to directly?

steals the little boy Oberon wants from Titania

restores order to the unhappy Athenian nobles

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', what does Puck do for Oberon?

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', it could be argued that Egeus tries to control Hermia in some of the same ways that Oberon tries to control {{}}.

In 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', why might we describe Puck as an irreverent character?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of serious crime

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Creating an argument about the character of Puck in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.