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Macbeth Study Guide

Macbeth Study Guide

Updated for the new 2013 GCSE specifications

With integrated Literary Heritage notes for every main section
Inludes original character and scene illustrations

Contains:
  • Comprehensive notes and tasks throughout to support learning, test knowledge and help with revision
  • Fully cross-referenced to the Assessment Objectives
  • Specific sections to fulfil the requirements of each exam board: AQA and OCR sample exam questions and sample controlled assessment tasks for all exam boards

"It is very detailed and it has interesting information and ideas to discuss with the class. I liked how it is linked to the exam questions and the requirements of the exam board. It helps students understand the play, its characters, issues and the exam questions."
M Hanlan, English Teacher and Independent Reviewer

 
Know the play
  • Plot overview
  • Character summaries
  • Analysis of major characters

Know more
  • Themes
  • Historical, social contexts
  • Language, imagery, symbolism and structure

Know what to write
  • Assessment Objectives in pupil-speak
  • Foundation and Higher sample exam questions
  • Sample controlled assessment tasks
  • Sample answers and important planned-out answers


This guide adheres to the requirements of the new specifications for GCSE Literature. The summary grid below indicates which units allow for the study of this text and the methods of assessment.

  English Literature English Language English
AQA Unit 3: The Significance of Shakespeare and the English Literary Heritage Unit 4: Section A — Shakespeare Unit 3a: Understanding spoken & written texts and writing creatively — Part A (extended reading) Unit 3a: Understanding creative texts (literary reading)
Optional text for controlled assessment. One of five Shakespeare texts prescribed for an exam. Optional text for controlled assessment. Optional text for controlled assessment.
Edexcel Unit 1: Understanding Different Cultures   Unit 2: The Writer's Craft — Section B: Reading (prose)
Optional text for controlled assessment. One of three texts prescribed for an exam.
OCR Unit 1: Literary Heritage Linked Texts: Shakespeare and Film/Audio Unit 1: Extended Literary Text and Imaginative Writing Unit 1: Reading Literary Texts — Shakespeare
One of four Shakespeare texts prescribed for controlled assessment. Optional text for controlled assessment.* Optional text for controlled assessment.*
WJEC Unit 3: Literary Heritage Poetry and Drama Unit 3: Literary reading & creative writing — studying written language(extended literary text) Unit 3: English in the world of the imagination - Reading (literary heritage poetry and Shakespeare)
Optional text for controlled assessment. Optional text for controlled assessment. Optional text for controlled assessment.

*For OCR Language and English, centres can either choose from the prescribed texts (Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar) or they can choose their own text.