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      Linking moments and quotations in 'Othello'

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can support an argument with effective evidence.

      Key learning points

      1. Evidence within a paragraph should contain linked moments and quotations.
      2. Moments should be contextualised and linked with connectives, to demonstrate understanding of plot sequencing.
      3. Connotations of words and images should be linked to other examples that either compound or contrast their effect.
      4. More sophisticated terms e.g. ‘semantic field’, support commentary on the cumulative effect of language.

      Keywords

      • Contextualise - to place something in the setting that surrounds it, in order to fully understand it

      • Cumulative - increasing in effect, quantity or strength gradually

      • Noblility - having virtue or high status

      • Epiphany - a moment of sudden realisation

      Common misconception

      An essay is effective as long as it contains a range of evidence.

      To maximise effectiveness of an essay, you should link pieces of evidence together.

      Teacher tip

      Show students an essay plan that makes sense but has no linked moments and ask students to improve it to include linking moments.

      Equipment

      You will need a copy of Shakespeare's 'Othello' for this lesson.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What feature of Othello's, shown at the beginning of the play 'Othello', introduces him as a tragic hero?

      anger
      ambition
      Correct answer: nobility

      Q2.
      What is a thesis statement?

      a sentence that introduces the ideas in a main body paragraph
      a sentence that concludes your essay
      Correct answer: a sentence that introduces an argument in an introduction

      Q3.
      What is a topic sentence?

      Correct answer: a sentence that introduces the ideas in a main body paragraph
      a sentence that concludes your essay
      a sentence that must precede every quote

      Q4.
      Which two quotes from Shakespeare's 'Othello' link together via the theme of evil?

      Correct answer: "...demi-devil...hath ensnared my soul and body"
      Correct answer: "Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light"
      "My service shall out-tongue his complaints"
      "I loved her that she did pity them"

      Q5.
      Which quote from Shakespeare's 'Othello' below does not link to the theme of jealousy?

      "Green eyed monster doth mock the meat it feeds on"
      "Be a toad...Than keep...the thing I love for other's uses"
      "Out, strumpet! Weep’st thou for him to my face?"
      Correct answer: "Rude am I in speech"

      Q6.
      What is the most important thing to consider before using a quote in an essay?

      make sure you have looked for a language device in it
      Correct answer: introduce the moment it was said to add clarity
      make sure it is more than one word

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which sentence uses the word 'contextualise' accurately?

      Correct answer: You must contextualise a quote before using it in an essay.
      Iago uses manipulation to contextualise Othello.
      Shakespeare does not contextualise his characters.

      Q2.
      "tis a worthy general" and "Being a man of royal siege". How do these two quotes from Shakespeare's 'Othello' link?

      they show Othello's jealousy
      they show Othello's hamartia
      Correct answer: they show Othello's reputation

      Q3.
      Which of the below is an epiphany that Othello has by the end of the play 'Othello'?

      Correct answer: he didn't appreciate the value of Desdemona whilst he had her
      he should have never married Desdemona
      he hates all of mankind

      Q4.
      Why should quotes be contextualised and linked together? Select all that apply.

      Correct answer: it shows good understanding of plot
      Correct answer: it is clearer for the reader
      Correct answer: it helps develop an argument
      it increases the length of your essay

      Q5.
      How can you effectively link moments when writing about the play 'Othello'?

      Correct answer: with connectives
      with nouns
      with adjectives

      Q6.
      Look at these quotes from 'Othello': ''poison his delight'' ; ''abuse his ear"; "pour pestilence into his ear''. What is the most sophisticated way to link the quotes?

      all three quotes are said by Iago
      Correct answer: all three quotes use the semantic field of tainting/contaminating
      all three quotes mock Othello

      To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Linking moments and quotations in 'Othello', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...