Generating vocabulary for the opening of 'Macbeth'

English

Understanding the context of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'

Understanding themes, characters and plot in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'

Exploring characters and setting in the opening scene of 'Macbeth'

Planning part one of the opening of 'Macbeth'

Writing part one of the opening of 'Macbeth'

Planning part two of the opening of 'Macbeth'

Writing part two of the opening of 'Macbeth'

Peer editing the opening of a narrative based on ‘Macbeth’

Analysing the main character in 'Macbeth'

Analysing a scene in the build-up of 'Macbeth'

Identifying the features of a soliloquy

Planning and writing the 'against' section of Macbeth's soliloquy

Planning and writing the 'for' section of Macbeth's soliloquy

Planning and writing the closing thoughts of Macbeth's soliloquy

Peer editing a soliloquy based on 'Macbeth'

Performing a soliloquy in character as Macbeth

In 'Macbeth', pupils learn about character, plot and theme in a Shakespearean play for the first time. In 'Shakespeare's ’Romeo and Juliet’: Diary and Narrative Writing', pupils will learn how Shakespeare explores multiple key themes throughout a single play.’

In 'The Highwayman: Narrative Writing', pupils developed their understanding of how to create atmosphere and engage the reader using figurative language. In 'Shakespeare's ’Macbeth’: Narrative and Soliloquy Writing', pupils will use figurative language to write a narrative based on Shakespearean tragedy and convey characters' thoughts and feelings through soliloquy writing.

In this unit, pupils have their first taste of Shakespearean play scripts. They analyse the witches' prologue of this iconic play as a starting point for writing a narrative opening. Pupils investigate the central character, writing a soliloquy based on Macbeth's famous dagger monologue.

Shakespeare's 'Macbeth': narrative and soliloquy writing

Vibrant, fragrant heather bloomed amidst rugged rocks.

The heath stretched before us, its barren landscape devoid of life.

The heath was enveloped in an eerie silence that haunted our souls. 

Put these descriptions of a heath in order from most positive to most negative. 

Match each adjective to the correct definition. 

Fill the gap in the following sentence: 'Little wildlife could survive in the __________, weathered terrain.'

How could you describe the opening scene of Macbeth?

Which of the following are features of a play script?

an area of land with hardly any bushes and trees

a lush area of land with a lot of bushes and trees

Select the correct definition of a heath. 

What are the witches doing as the play begins?

upon the heath when the hurly burly is done

Where and when do the witches plan to meet again?

good becoming evil and evil becoming good

Match the 'Early Modern English' quotes from the play to the modern definitions. 

Starter Quiz

How could you describe the opening scene of Macbeth?