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 KS3 Shakespeare Paper

You will be given minutes to answer a question on this years set scenes of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. 

The questions asked are usually on either character, themes or language used. Eg: How has the character of Macbeth changed from Act 2 to Act 5?

However you should also be prepared to write on the performance of these scenes from either an actor or directors point of view.

  • Focus on the question- make sure you refer back to it in your answer if you can
  • When you write your answer use PEE.
  • Choose your quotations carefully
  • Make sure you explain the effects on the quotation on you or your opinion of the character
  • If asked make sure you compare the similarities and differences of the characters or scenes
  • Check your work to make sure it makes sense before you hand it in

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You should have read through the five set scenes in your English lesson and completed work on language, theme and characters. 

However, you can still access a copy of the set scenes for this year's SATS at http://www.teachit.co.uk/pdf/4292.pdf or at http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/english/shakespeare_scenes/index.shtml

This page provides a translated version as well as Shakespeare's original text.  Please remember that you will be tested on the Shakespearian text not the translated version.

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Find a quotation that supports each of these points:

  • Macbeth lies to Banquo
  • Macbeth decides now is the time to go and kill Duncan
  • Lady Macbeth is acting as Macbeth’s accomplice in the murder of King Duncan
  • Macbeth has killed Duncan
  • Macbeth refuses to go back upstairs and finish framing the guards
  • Lady Macbeth takes control of the situation
  • Macbeth is much bossier now he is King
  • Macbeth suffers nightmares after he has become a murderer
  • Lady Macbeth is slowly going mad
  • Birnam Woods begin to move
  • Macbeth’s supporters have been forced to fight with him.
  • Macbeth thinks his wife has died at a bad time
  • The witches’ predictions have begun to come true once again.

Answer each of these questions:

  • What did the witches predict would happen to both Banquo and Fleance?
  • Who does Macbeth think has heard him murder King Duncan?
  • What does he think they said?
  • What is Macbeth worried he can’t do now he is a murderer? (Act 2 scene 2)
  • What do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth change back into at the end of Act 2 scene 2?
  • What are the witches 3 new predictions now Macbeth is King?
  • Who does Malcolm think he needs to protect the country from?
  • What does Siward call Macbeth in Act 5 scene 4?
  • How does this suggest Macbeth has changed?
  • What is Macbeth’s plan when his castle is attacked?
  • What does Macbeth say is a normal way of life for him now? (Act 5 scene 5)

How would you describe each of these characters in only 3 words?

  • The witches
  • Macbeth in Act 2
  • Lady Macbeth
  • Macbeth in Act 5
  • Lady Macbeth in Act 5
  • EXT: Why are the witches and their predictions so important in these scenes?

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