Analysis of the theme of appearances and reality in ‘Othello’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can structure a conceptual argument about the theme of appearances and reality in ‘Othello’.
Key learning points
- Critically evaluative thesis statements can be developed using 'whilst', 'not only' and 'crucially'.
- Thesis statements should address the writer's purpose or message, in relation to the question focus.
- Topic sentences should contain evaluative adjectives and phrases to communicate an interpretation - not devices.
- Topic sentences should develop in a sequence, to maintain focus on the argument.
Keywords
Deceit - the act of causing someone to believe something that is not true
Perception - the ability to hear, see or become aware of something
Contemptible - unworthy of respect
Topic sentence - the first sentence of a paragraph; it states the paragraph’s main idea
Common misconception
As long as you have planned the argument of your essay, you are ready to write it.
Planning topic sentences to go with your argument is also important to ensure that your essay is focused on proving the argument.
Teacher tip
Ask students to swap plans and see if there are any good points students can get from a partner to add to their own plan in learning cycle 2.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What paragraph does the thesis statement go in?
Q2.A thesis statement should...
Q3.In Shakespeare's 'Othello', how does the character of Iago link to the theme of appearance vs reality?
Q4.What does Iago do in Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' to act as director?
Q5.What might Shakespeare's purpose be in exploring the theme of appearance vs reality in 'Othello'?
Q6.Through his play 'Othello', how does Shakespeare warn the audience of being too trusting?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which character from 'Othello' can be considered a deceiving and contemptible antihero?
Q2.Match the criteria with the correct element of the plan.
topic sentence
thesis statement
concluding sentence
supporting details
Q3.What could be improved about this topic sentence about 'Othello': 'Iago reveals himself to be deceitful through many soliloquies.'?
Q4.Which topic sentence does not fit the thesis: 'Shakespeare shows Iago as inseparable from the theme of appearances vs reality.'?
Q5.How can you make your thesis statement more critically evaluative when writing an essay?
Q6.What is true about the sequencing of topic sentences?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Analysis of the theme of appearances and reality in ‘Othello’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Analysis of the theme of appearances and reality in ‘Othello’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the 'Othello' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.