Paradise Lost +The Duchess Of Malfi Model Essay Activity / DIRT

An essay deconstruction sheet with two student-style essays on the following questions for The Duchess of Malfi and Paradise Lost ‘Books 9 and 10’.

‘Sin must bring punishment. Sinners expect it; readers and audiences demand it.’
In the light of this view, discuss ways in which writers portray sin and punishment.

‘Self-determination and independence always lead to tragedy’
In the light of this view, discuss ways in which writers portray self-determination and independence.

How to use:

1. As a lesson or homework activity, get students to write an essay with the choice of the two questions above.
2. In the next lesson, students use the deconstruction sheet to self-assess, analyse, and dissect their own work in relation to two student-style timed essays through 4 tasks.

This essay was incredibly valuable for my students, and proved a real break through with some of them. Provoked real engagement with the mark scheme and questions, and some good discussion over what made a Level 5 / 6 response. Several students also commented that this was more useful than me marking and assessing their essays- winner!

Would also be an excellent activity for new A Level teachers or teachers just starting to teach these texts.