Year 9 - English
Constructing an argument about Othello as a tragic hero
'Othello'
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils explore Shakespeare's 'Othello'. They start by learning about Aristotelian tragedy and how Shakespeare adapted it. They read long extracts from across the play, and consider the presentation of Othello, Iago and Desdemona. Finally, they look at key themes, such as jealousy.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to construct a clear argument about Othello as a tragic hero.
Key Notes
- 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.
Vocabulary To Learn
- 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 Mistakes To Avoid
- An essay can contain random ideas about a theme/character as long as they link to the question.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key 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.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'thesis'
a statement that is put forward to be proved.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: An essay can contain random ideas about a theme/character as long as they link to the question. Correction: Points in an essay should be planned tightly to expand upon and demonstrate the thesis statement.
More Lessons In This Unit
- 'Othello' and Aristotle's conventions of tragedy Study Guide
- 'Othello' and Shakespeare's conventions of tragedy Study Guide
- Analysing and writing about Iago from 'Othello' Study Guide
- Analysing Iago's soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 3 of 'Othello' Study Guide
- Analysis of the theme of appearances and reality in 'Othello' Study Guide
- Analysis of the theme of jealousy in 'Othello' Study Guide
- Exploration of the theme of appearances and reality in 'Othello' Study Guide
- Exploration of the theme of jealousy in 'Othello' Study Guide
- Exploration of the theme of race in 'Othello' Study Guide
- Exploring Act 1, Scene 1 of 'Othello' Study Guide
- Exploring Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Othello' Study Guide
- Exploring Act 2, Scene 1 of Othello Study Guide
- Exploring Act 3, Scene 3 of 'Othello' Study Guide
- Exploring Act 4 Scene 1 of 'Othello' Study Guide
- Exploring Act 5, Scene 1 of 'Othello' Study Guide
- Exploring Act 5, Scene 2 of 'Othello' Study Guide
- Exploring Iago from 'Othello' as a Machiavellian villain Study Guide
- Exploring motifs in 'Othello' Study Guide
- Exploring Othello as a tragic hero Study Guide
- Exploring the characterisation of Desdemona in 'Othello' Study Guide
- Introduction to 'Othello' and plot exploration Study Guide
- Linking moments and quotations in 'Othello' Study Guide
- Using context effectively to discuss 'Othello' Study Guide
- Written analysis of Othello in Act 1, Scene 3 Study Guide
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