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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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Share activities with pupils
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.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Introductions could follow the three-part structure.
  2. The thesis statement should address the writer's purpose or message, in relation to the question focus.
  3. Topic sentences should contain evaluative adjectives and phrases to show an interpretation - not devices.
  4. Topic sentences should develop in a sequence to maintain focus on the argument.

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.

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

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).

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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
Correct answer: extreme jealousy
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.
Correct answer: When he refuses to listen to Desdemona's narrative about her fidelity.
Q3.
What role does an introduction play in an essay?
finishes an essay, summarising the main ideas
Correct answer: begins an essay, states the argument
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
Correct answer: language analysis
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.
Correct answer: You need evidence from a range of acts and scenes throughout the play.
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.
Correct answer: Statement that introduces an argument in the introduction.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What should an introduction include?
language analysis
Correct answer: thesis statement
Correct answer: general sentence about the text
Correct answer: focus of the question / contextualisation of the scene
your best quotes
Q2.
Starting with the first, put the parts of an introduction in chronological order.
1 - General sentence about the text.
2 - Focus of the question / contextualisation of the scene.
3 - Thesis statement.
Q3.
What is the role of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
conclude an essay
introduce a quote
Correct answer: introduce a main idea
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
Correct answer: include detailed language analysis
Q5.
Which topic sentence is the most effective?
Shakespeare presents Iago as a villain.
Correct answer: Shakespeare introduces Iago as malcontent in the first scene of the play.
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
Correct answer: topic sentences should track the progression of the character/theme
the topic sentence with the most evidence should go first