English Literature — Drama and Shakespeare

Exam board: OCR  |  Back to subjects

Board-Specific Note

Distinct set texts and a strong comparative element across periods.

Learning Objectives

• Analyse dramatic techniques
• Interpret Shakespearean language
• Evaluate staging and performance

Key Points

• Soliloquy, aside, dramatic irony
• Iambic pentameter, blank verse
• Stage directions and staging choices

Lesson Plan (50 minutes)

1. Starter (5 min): Recall prior knowledge of drama and shakespeare with quick questions.
2. Teaching (15 min): Work through each of the learning objectives, explaining principles step by step.
3. Key points review (5 min): Revisit the key points together, confirming understanding.
4. Worked example (10 min): Model the example question: Why does Shakespeare use soliloquy?. Solution: To reveal a character's private thoughts directly to the audience
5. Practice (10 min): Students attempt the practice questions independently; circulate and support.
6. Plenary (5 min): Review answers and address misconceptions.

Homework

• Explain the effect of dramatic irony
• Analyse a key soliloquy
• Discuss how staging conveys theme

Assessment

Check practice answers against the model answer; use the built-in practice questions as formative assessment.