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Year 11 - English

'Romeo and Juliet': writing a nuanced response on societal expectations

Romeo and Juliet: the tragedy of societal expectations

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils explore the tragedy of societal expectations in 'Romeo and Juliet'. They look at the problem through a range of different prisms, including the tension between individualism and the status quo. They plan and write an essay on Shakespeare's presentation of societal expectations.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to write a nuanced response on societal expectations in 'Romeo and Juliet'.

Key Notes

  • An essay should have a strong central argument.
  • Use an evaluative or critical thesis to "hang" your essay on and support with clear topic sentences.
  • Analysis of writer's methods should be interwoven and used to support each other.
  • Context should be highly selective and used to add to your argument.
  • Essays should focus on the writer's intentions - the conclusion is an opportunity to summarise this.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • intention: something that you want and plan to do; an aim
  • evaluative: making an informed judgment based on careful analysis and consideration of the text
  • nuanced: has subtle details that make it complex and interesting
  • critical response: a thorough explanation of your understanding of a text
  • societal expectations: the beliefs and norms that a society holds about how individuals should behave and act

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Using counter-arguments throughout your essay makes it a stronger argument.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

An essay should have a strong central argument. Use an evaluative or critical thesis to "hang" your essay on and support with clear topic sentences.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'intention'

something that you want and plan to do; an aim.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Using counter-arguments throughout your essay makes it a stronger argument. Correction: You should have one clear, critical response to the question that informs your whole essay.

More Lessons In This Unit

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