Five Detailed Macbeth Revision Tasks

Five revision tasks designed to revise key elements of character, theme, quotations and essay writing skills. These resources are designed for mixed ability GCSE students revising Macbeth.

These could be assigned as home learning tasks or are extensive enough to build lessons around.

Resource 1: Terminology
Students are presented with a table of literary devices and a short memorable quotation that exemplified each one. They must explain th device and its impact for each one.

Resource 2: Revision Clock
An A3 sheet with a ‘clock’ graphic organiser labeled with characters and themes. Students should sent five minutes alone (or in pairs) recording everything they know about each heading. When completed, this can be used as a knowledge organiser for essay writing or quick bursts of revision.

Resource 3: Crimes and Punishments: Exploring Themes
An A3 sheet that invites students to consider the crimes, sins and mistakes characters make, the impact of this and the types of ‘punishments’ characters endure as a result of their actions. As well as exploring Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and Banquo there is a good opportunity to explore Duncan’s naivity and Macduff’s lack of courage as well.

Resource 4: Character Development

This worksheet asks student to select adjectives to describe characters at the beginning of the play and towards the end of their story within the play. The woird bank is designed to support less able students and stretch those aiming for top grades with more nuanced vocabulary choices.

Resource 5: Rehearsing Exam Responses
This worksheet presents students with a thematic question and shares a students plan. Students should read the introduction and first part of the essay and use the shaded box at the bottom to annotate the elements that make this a strong piece of writing. Students should then continue the exam response using either the students planning or their own.

If these resources are used for homelearning - going through them as a class will benefit all.