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

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Downloads
PDF icon Lesson plan
PDF icon Student worksheet
PDF icon Plot summary cards for the warmer and role cards for Task 5
PDF icon Act 1, Scene 7 excerpt

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