Macbeth

This lesson will introduce students to one of Shakespeare’s best known plays: Macbeth. It will focus in particular on the character of Lady Macbeth and how she uses rhetoric (persuasive language) to encourage her husband to do what she wants him to do in Act 1, Scene 7. This will lead into a communicative activity in which students learn how to use some of these persuasive techniques in order to get what they want in everyday English.

Topic: Persuasive language in Shakespeare’s Macbeth

Level: C1/C2

Time: 90 minutes

Aims:

To build on students’ knowledge of character adjectives
To develop students’ awareness of persuasive techniques (such as flattery, reassurance, put-down, etc.) and to provide an opportunity to practise using them
To raise awareness of the differences between vocabulary in Shakespeare’s time and today

Copyright - please read

All the materials on these pages are free for you to download and copy for educational use only. You may not redistribute, sell or place these materials on any other web site without written permission from the BBC and British Council. If you have any questions about the use of these materials please email us at: teachingenglish@britishcouncil.org.

Downloads

Lesson plan197.85 KB

Student worksheet544.75 KB

Plot summary cards for the warmer and role cards for Task 5240.61 KB

Act 1, Scene 7 excerpt150.5 KB

Macbeth

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