This document contains a list of lower and higher order questions for each scene in “The Merchant of Venice” along with ideas for classroom activities. These activities align with the learning outcomes for Junior Cycle English by fostering critical thinking, effective communication, and an understanding of literary techniques while engaging students with “The Merchant of Venice.”

FIRST YEAR ENGLISH TEACHERS: Trying to think of ice breakers for the first time you meet your new English class? This powerpoint creates everything you need to bring students into the world of Harry Potter and then sort them into their respective Hogwarts Houses. From there you can set up a reward system within the class. As McGonagall says “Your triumphs will earn you points. Any rule breaking and you will lose points.” Lots of potential for questioning and discussion. Lesson includes powerpoint and photocopies needed to make reward chart. £3 on TES

Detailed powerpoints with a Junior Cycle focus for Romeo and Juliet Act 1. Includes questions and extension exercises such as walking debates, twitter challenges, numeracy based exercises, assessment for learning, pair work, PIE paragraphs, key words etc.

Powerpoints to walk you through teaching Romeo and Juliet to Junior Cycle students. These powerpoints are shorter than in Act 1 apart from the Balcony Scene hence the reduced rate. Given the short time frame of the Junior Cycle it is best to keep moving through less important scenes.

Junior Cycle English Introduction to ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by Shakespeare. Three lessons focusing on the historical context, Shakespearian language and the overall plot and prologue. Full power-points with lots of activities including extension activities for new Junior Cycle. Could be used at Junior Cycle level for other Shakespearian plays also. Provides students with the ground work needed to introduce them to Shakespeare for the first time.

Junior Cycle style terminal exam for ’ Romeo and Juliet ’ with samples taken from past papers. Ideal for summer tests etc.

Revision templates for King Lear characters and themes which mimics typical Leaving Cert OL questions but can also be used for higher level.