Lady Macbeth and How to Get What You Want

Use this lesson to introduce secondary and adult students at CEFR Level B2 to one of Shakespeare’s best known plays: Macbeth.

A scene from Macbeth - three witches are standing around a cauldron

Introduction

This lesson introduces students to the theme of persuasion in Shakespeare's play 'Macbeth'. Students read and order a short summary of the play's main events. They are introduced to Shakespearean language with a matching activity, then they read and/or listen to an extract from the play. They examine persuasive techniques used by Lady Macbeth in the play, then use different persuasive techniques in a role play. 

Topic:

The use of persuasion in Shakespeare’s play 'Macbeth'

Learning outcomes:

  • Read a summary of the main events of 'Macbeth'
  • Develop ability to read Shakespearean language 
  • Identify different persuasive techniques used in an extract from 'Macbeth'
  • Use different persuasive techniques in a role play

Age and level:

13-17, Adults (B2+)

Time:

Approximately 90 minutes or two shorter lessons

Materials:

The following materials can be downloaded below in PDF format.

  • Lesson plan 
  • Student worksheet 
  • Extract 

Plus optional BBC Teach video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-73pYMRtm3w

Downloads
Lesson plan218.85 KB
Extract157.6 KB

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