A complete B2 classroom lesson built around an engaging topic. Use it as a 45–60 minute lesson, or choose individual sections for a shorter class.
By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:
Look at the picture and title. What do you already know about this topic? Write two ideas, then compare with a partner.
Write a short meaning or synonym for each word.
playwright –
chronicle –
adapt –
exaggerated –
influence –
1. When did Shakespeare live?
2. What kinds of plays did he write?
3. Name one source he used.
4. Why are claims about invented words treated cautiously?
5. What contributes to his continuing influence?
Combine the ideas using a relative clause.
1. Shakespeare was a playwright. He worked in London.
2. The Globe was a theatre. Many of his plays were performed there.
3. He used older stories. He reshaped them for the stage.
4. His plays explore questions. These questions still interest audiences.
Listen
Listen to your teacher. You will hear the text twice. Answer the questions.
1. What were the plays written for?
2. Name two things that shaped the theatrical experience.
3. What do modern directors sometimes change?
4. What do they often keep?
Speak
Discuss with a partner or small group.
• Why do old stories continue to be performed?
• Should directors modernise classic plays?
• What makes a character memorable?
Something New
Choose a Shakespeare play and move it to a modern setting. Pitch your production to a partner in 45 seconds, including setting, costume idea and slogan.
Write
Write 130–160 words explaining why Shakespeare’s plays continue to be studied and performed.
Close or cover the Vocabulary panel. In 45 seconds, write as many lesson words as you can remember. Then check your spelling.
Score: ____ words remembered correctly.
Use your best word in a sentence.
Tick each statement when you can do it.
Plan: Note your strongest idea, 3 useful words or phrases, and one supporting detail from the lesson.
Respond: Write a short paragraph of 6–8 sentences, or prepare a 45-second spoken response, showing what you learned.
Reflect: Underline the part of your response that best shows your progress.