New
New
Year 9
Constructing an argument about Othello as a tragic hero
I can construct a clear argument about Othello as a tragic hero.
New
New
Year 9
Constructing an argument about Othello as a tragic hero
I can construct a clear argument about Othello as a tragic hero.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Introductions could follow the three-part structure.
- The thesis statement should address the writer's purpose or message, in relation to the question focus.
- Topic sentences should contain evaluative adjectives and phrases to show an interpretation - not devices.
- Topic sentences should develop in a sequence to maintain focus on the argument.
Keywords
Thesis - a statement that is put forward to be proved
Purpose - the reason for which something is done
Evaluative - expressing a judgement or opinion about something
Common misconception
An essay can contain random ideas about a theme/character as long as they link to the question.
Points in an essay should be planned tightly to expand upon and demonstrate the thesis statement.
Show students a plan that you created for a different essay question or create a plan for one paragraph as a class.
Teacher tip
Equipment
You will need a copy of Shakespeare's 'Othello' for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
In 'Othello', what does Othello have that makes him appear a tragic hero?
a beautiful wife
a treacherous friend
Q2.
When do we witness Othello's hubris in the play 'Othello'?
When he elopes with Desdemona.
When he defends himself against Brabantio's accusations.
Q3.
What role does an introduction play in an essay?
finishes an essay, summarising the main ideas
analyses interesting examples of language
Q4.
What would you not expect to see in an introduction?
thesis statement
general sentence about the text as a whole
Q5.
Which is true of an essay on 'Othello'?
Begin with the idea you have the most quotes for.
Begin writing about the most interesting language device.
You only need evidence from the first and last scene.
Q6.
What is a thesis statement?
Lengthy analysis of a quote.
Statement that introduces a main idea in each body paragraph.
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What should an introduction include?
language analysis
your best quotes
Q2.
Starting with the first, put the parts of an introduction in chronological order.
Q3.
What is the role of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
conclude an essay
introduce a quote
Q4.
What is not part of the criteria for a topic sentence?
be clear and coherent
clearly reference the writer's name
offer an interpretation
Q5.
Which topic sentence is the most effective?
Shakespeare presents Iago as a villain.
Shakespeare uses diabolical imagery to characterise Iago.
Q6.
How should you structure topic sentences to maintain an argument?
topic sentences can be placed in any order
the topic sentence with the most evidence should go first