Name(s):
Romeo and Juliet Pre-Reading Webquest
Period:
Using the links provided on the class website, research your topic and prepare a brief lesson for
the class. Your group is responsible for teaching the class about this topic, which is essential to
understand before reading Shakespeare’s tragedy, Romeo and Juliet.
Webquest Topics:
 William Shakespeare: Life and Legacy
o When and where was he born? Describe his life briefly.
o What were the four genre or types of plays that Shakespeare wrote? Name a couple of his most
famous works.
o When, where, and how did Shakespeare die?
o Describe at least one interesting fact you discovered about William Shakespeare. What is his
greatest legacy?
 Elizabethan England: Marriage: Betrothal and Weddings
o Romeo and Juliet marry secretly, because she is trying to escape an arranged marriage to Paris.
o What is betrothal? Describe betrothal customs
o Describe traditional Elizabethan wedding customs.
o What is a dowry?
o Describe at least one interesting fact that you discovered about Elizabethan marriages.
 Elizabethan Theater
o Identify the following features of an Elizabethan Theater: Groundling, Pit, Heavens, Tiring House
o Why is the Globe Theater so famous? Describe its history, briefly.
o Who was allowed to act in Elizabethan Theater? How many women actors did the company
usually feature?
o Describe at least one interesting fact that you discovered about Elizabethan Theater.
 Elizabethan History: Culture and Customs
o Give approximate dates of the Elizabethan time period.
o Discuss the social classes during Shakespeare’s time.
o What is primogeniture? Describe it.
o Describe these aspects of Elizabethan life: food, social standings, city life, homes, clothing.
o Describe at least one interesting fact that you discovered about Elizabethan history.
Process:
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Step One: As a group, research the websites using the guiding questions.
Step Two: Create a google presentation on NSD google docs. Share with all of your group members and
Ms. Subcleff (tsubcleff@nsd.org).
Step Three: Using the Presentation Guidelines, collaboratively create a presentation to teach the class.
Remember to follow the Google Presentation Guidelines. You will be graded on Presentation, Content,
and Design.
o Presentation: Rehearse timing and order of speakers.
o Content: Answer the guiding questions, using relevant and interesting details.
o Design:
 General Guidelines for Font Size: Title = 44 pt; Subtitles = 28-34 pt; Bullet points = no
smaller than 24 point
 Text: 6x6 rule: No more than six words per line and no more than six lines per slide.
Avoid using too much text. If the audience is reading, they are not paying attention to
you.
 Design: Simple, consistent. Graphics: same style, one-third to one half.