This resource guides the class through tackling the unseen poetry (section C) element and then the comparison task. Two new poems are provided and guidance points show how the most significant elements of each can be commented on to arrive at a productive answer. Two exam-style questions are provided, with one being worked through in the resource and the closing option giving an opportunity for further practice.

A guided worksheet including a full extract, highlighted examination guidance, examination-style question, revision prompts and guided topic sentences. Everything you need for tackling chapter 8 as a central segment for extract work at GCSE.

This PowerPoint lesson guides the class through two important scenes, Act 2 scenes 8 and 9, recounting the distress of Shylock and his likely vengeance and then observing the attempt of Arragon to choose the correct casket. Both figures are made to look fools. Time is spent considering the dramatic impact of reporting Shylock’s distress (as opposed to observing it on stage) and the possible bias as well as linking the probable vengeance against Antonio to Shylock’s earlier animosity. Context is key to understanding the mockery in the characterisation of Arragon. The discussion of characters ends with some consideration of Bassanio: romantic ‘ambassador of love’ or ambitious man on the make? The lesson closes with a series of exam-style questions (one in each of the styles suitable for GCSE with AQA, OCR and Edexcel) on the presentation of Shylock so far. Ideal for students of GCSE using the following exam boards: AQA, Edexcel, OCR or for able KS3 classes.

This PowerPoint lesson guides the class through Act 2 scene 3 of Macbeth and the aftermath of the murder. The language associated with hell and the role of the porter speaking accidental truths is considered to begin with, then followed by the references to portents that signify unnatural deeds taking place. The discovery of the murder, the rash actions of Macbeth and his grief-stricken outbursts are also studied along with the other characters’ reactions to them. Duplicity and equivocation play a key part in this scene, with some of the language spoken by Macbeth in earnest also taking on more sinister import through the dramatic awareness of the audience. The lesson asks students to consider the references that link nature and the king (as well as the contextual idea of the divine right of kingship); they then explore Macbeth’s actions in this scene in the context of Lady Macbeth’s advice in previous scenes. The lesson closes with three exam-style questions suitable for students undertaking GCSE courses with AQA, OCR and Edexcel examination boards. 16 slides.

This PowerPoint lesson guides the class through the pivotal banqueting scene. Close focus is devoted to the language used to describe the death of Banquo and the inner anguish of Macbeth as he is confronted by the ghost. Comparisons are made between the scheming of Macbeth in the previous scenes as well as his fears regarding the ‘snake’ and the damage done to his mental state when he learns of Fleance’s escape. Students are asked to consider the staging of the scene, discussing the different impacts achieved with or without the ghost actually present. This leads on to some consideration of the methods used by Shakespeare to forge links of understanding between the audience and Macbeth even though Macbeth seems to be further mired in sin than ever. The lesson closes with a set of discussion tasks comparing Macbeth and Lady Macbeth after Duncan’s murder and then again after Banquo’s murder. Three exam-style questions are added to allow students to practise writing about the play (and hints/reminders are provided for each). Ideal for candidates taking GCSE courses with AQA, Edexcel and OCR examination boards. 30+ slides.

This PowerPoint resource guides the class through the important scene that is the first to feature Macbeth as king. The imagery of chaos and apocolypse is considered in a recap of the previous scene, followed by a focus on the short soliloquy of Banquo, the extended soliloquy of Macbeth and his plotting with the murderers. Parallels are made between Macbeth’s persuasive techniques and Lady Macbeth’s highlighting his cunning, a ‘progression’ from his earlier self doubt. Context is considered, especially in the light of the repeated references to the descendants of Banquo, the penalties for regicide and the position of James I of England, James VI of Scotland as patron of Shakespeare’s players. The lesson concludes with a comparison of the killings carried out/ planned by Macbeth so far to understand how his character appears to be changing. To consolidate learning, students are provided with exam-style questions suitable for AQA, Edexcel and OCR GCSE courses. 23 slides.

This powerpoint lesson guides students through the entirety of Act 2 scene 1, exploring the setting, portents, Macbeth’s frame of mind and the conventions of the soliloquy. It provides a whole-class activity which examines the soliloquy in detail for meaning, depth of imagery and aural/oral impact. It closes with an explanation of the theatrical conventions of the time surrounding regicide on stage. Suitable for AQA /Edexcel GCSE students and upper KS3.

This PowerPoint lesson provides extensive coverage of Act 5 scene 1 to guide the class through the revelations of Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking speeches. Connections and contrasts are made between the troubled character of this scene and her confident, controlling presence in earlier scenes. Contextual notes are provided to ensure an understanding of the concept of conscience to the early 17th century audience as well as the divine right of kingship which makes what the doctor witnesses evidence of the ‘unnatural’ crime he fears has taken place. The class is encouraged to consider how Shakespeare is playing to audience sensibilities in presenting a more sympathetic Lady Macbeth in her vulnerability; they are also invited to place themselves in the shoes of the doctor witnessing the breakdown of the queen. The lesson closes with three exam-style questions suitable for students taking GCSE courses with AQA, Edexcel or OCR examination boards. 26 slides.

This PowerPoint lesson guides the class through two key scenes in the final act, Act 5 scenes 2 and 3, showing the converging of the Scottish rebels and English on the castle of Macbeth. The language of tyranny, sickness and regret is explored, linking the two scenes. Macbeth’s characterisation is a focus - both as he is talked about by the rebel thane s and how he is presented with the messenger and the doctor. This is contrasted with his inner thoughts as presented in soliloquy. The lesson closes with a set of examination-style questions suitable for students taking GCSE courses with AQA, Edexcel and OCR. 17 slides.

This powerpoint lesson takes students through a study of Macbeth Act 1 scenes 6 and 7 with particular focus on Lady Macbeth’s persuasive speech as well as the moral awareness of both characters as they plot to kill their king. Questions are asked in order to focus understanding of the writer’s craft in creating drama and intensity as well as creating a relationship between characters and audience.

This powerpoint lesson guides students through Act 2 scene 2, exploring the language and the power interplay between the two characters. It considers how the shock and guilt of what Macbeth realises he has done is conveyed in his language and in the abrupt exchanges between him and his wife. Contextual information is included to secure understanding of the faith framework of the play. In addition to targeted analysis and questions about interpretation of key lines, this lesson ends with a sample question (one each for AQA and Edexcel) to give students an insight into exam-style questions and start them on the road to writing about Shakespeare by trying out the first part of the part-to-whole question format. Suitable for GCSE AQA and Edexcel as well as upper KS3.

This PowerPoint lesson resource guides the class through the two scenes that follow Macbeth’s negotiations with the murderers. It tracks the language clues that indicate both the aligned thinking of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth and the changing dynamics of their relationship. The imagery used to express guilt and the power of the conscience is considered, as are the echoes of previous sinful acts perpretrated at night. The dramatic tension created by Shakespeare up to and during Act 3 scene 3 is considered against the backdrop of some contextual understanding of the conventions of the theatre of the time. The lesson closes with a set of exam-style questions suitable for students studying the AQA, OCR or Edexcel GCSE courses. 25 slides.

This PowerPoint lesson guides students through the main focus scene, Act 4 scene 1, after some discussion of the preceding two short scenes, Act 3 scene 5 (Hecate) and Act 3 scene 6 (Lennox and lord). The dramatic structuring of the build up to Act 4 scene 1 is considered as is the ‘problem scene’ which features Hecate and the witches discussing Macbeth. Act 4 scene 1 explores the apparitions but also the changes in Macbeth (his arrogance and demands) from the first meeting with the witches in Act 1. The impact of the apparitions and their messages is understood against the information presented in Act 3 scene 5 so that the audience’s reaction is guided in its judgement of Macbeth. Links between this scene and the current monarch, James I of England, Ireland and Scotland are highlighted in order to fulfil the context part of the examination syllabus. The lesson closes with some thoughts on audience reactions and three examination-style questions suitable for use by students taking GCSE courses with Edexcel, OCR and AQA. 23 slides.

This PowerPoint lesson guides the class through the two scenes featuring the Macduffs - Act 4 scenes 2 and 3. Close analysis of the language reveals much about treachery and trust. Kingship is also explored, especially in the rhetoric of Malcolm first claiming he is the opposite of a good king and then itemising his virtues. The context of the new Stuart crown and King James’ own work on the art of kingship is considered as a background to these scenes. Also examined is the imagery of illness and cure, linking a king to his country and highlighting the damage a usurping monarch can inflict on a nation. The lesson closes with some directed questions on kingship - how and why it is discussed at such length in 4.3 - and then 3 exam-style questions suitable for students studying GCSE courses with AQA, OCR and Edexcel examination boards. 31 slides.

This PowerPoint lesson guides the class through two rapid-switch scenes that increase the tension building towards the final battle of the play. In Act 5 scene 4 the rebels’ language of moral right, arbitration and necessity is explored, as is the clever plot twist of the use of trees for camouflage. Staging is considered too with reminders about the lack of scenery and the need for language and character cues to bring the scene to life. Act 5 scene 5 switches back to Macbeth and his reflections on life and the failure of his ambitions to provide him with a meaningful life. Tragic features are revised in the realisation on the part of Macbeth of his error in trusting the witches. Students are invited to consider the rest of the apparations and how they might come true, along with exploring the arrogance of Macbeth in demanding the apparitions in the first place - he sought to know what he should not. They are also invited to think about Macbeth as a tragic hero. The lesson closes with three exam–style questions suitable for students taking GCSE courses with AQA, OCR or Edexcel. 14 slides.

This PowerPoint lesson guides the class through the closing scenes of the play, Act 5 scenes 6-9, linking the events to the framework of the apparitions and the degeneration of Macbeth’s rule and control. The language of the attacking forces is compared to Macbeth’s, emphasising as it does that right is on their side. They speak and act valiantly. The class are asked to consider the position of Macbeth as he realises his error in trusting the words of the witches through their apparitions. The real meaning of the final riddle is explained in the confrontation between Macbeth and Macduff. Some context is explored - references to bear baiting on Bankside near the Globe, the convention (and censor’s role) in presenting the death of kings on stage, and the background to the significant decision on the part of Shakespeare to have Lady Macbeth end her own life. The lesson closes with three exam-style questions suitable for students taking GCSE courses with AQA, Edexcel or OCR. 14 slides.

This full lesson powerpoint guides students through Act 1 scene 3 of Macbeth, exploring the language of the prophecies, the reactions of the characters, the impact of the aside and the detail of the imagery. It provides two class activities - considering the differences between the prophecies for the two men and the differences in their reactions. Suitable for GCSE or upper KS3 - AQA and Edexcel syllabus requirements.

This powerpoint lesson focusing on Macbeth Act 1 scene 1 introduces GCSE students to the play, provides a group activity to encourage personal engagement with the scene and develops some of the important context surrounding James 1, Witchcraft and Shakespeare’s theatre. Suitable for GCSE English Literature students, especially the AQA and Edexcel Syllabuses.