Year 8 - Shakespeare Homework
Project
TASK
As part of this unit of work you will be required to undertake an
independent study on the novel you are studying. This booklet
is designed for you to complete on your own to support your
knowledge and understanding of this area of English.
How to use this booklet
 You must complete at least ____ of the following tasks,
in any order.
 Tasks can be completed on paper or using a PC.
 Make sure that you complete all tasks with as much effort
and detail as you possibly can, as you will be awarded an
overall level/grade for your independent study.
 You will be required to complete this independent study at
home or in the school homework club.
 If you have any questions about this project, or need help
with any of the tasks, ask for help as soon as you can. Do
not wait until the due date.
 Your completed homework should be submitted on the
following date, in the form of a project:
Deadline:
_______________________
2
Activity 1: Create a timeline of Shakespeare’s life and times.
Activity 2: Make a dictionary of words that Shakespeare invented
(remember to include definitions).
Activity3: Research the different kinds of plays Shakespeare wrote and
find examples of each e.g. Tragedy/Romance – Romeo and Juliet.
Activity 4: Draw and label a diagram of a typical Elizabethan theatre.
Activity 5: Write ten questions you would like to ask William
Shakespeare.
Activity 6: Complete the quiz below by highlighting or circling the
correct answer. You may have to do some research to help you work
out the answers.
A) Groundlings were:
1. The land the theatre was built upon.
2. Audience members who had to stand on the floor.
3. The pillars used on stage that connected with the ground.
B) How did the audience know the play was going to start?
1. They would check their watch or mobile phone.
2. An actor would shout from the stage.
3. A trumpet was sounded.
C) A Playwright is the:
1. Author of the play.
2. The person who checked the play for any problems.
3. The person who would prompt the actors if they forgot their lines.
D) Puritans were:
1. Strict Protestants who were very religious and who were against the theatres.
2. People who liked to wash their hands.
3. Theatre fans.
E) Actors learnt their part:
1. By being given a copy of the whole play for them to use.
2. By being told their lines.
3. By being given a section of the play with just their part on it.
F) A Cutpurse was:
1. Elizabethan slang for thieves who would cut your purse from your belt.
2. A bargain – cut price – cutpurse.
3. A fashion item in Elizabethan times.
3
Activity 7: Many quotations from Shakespeare’s plays are now very
famous. Can you find or think of ten? Make sure you say which play
they are from too!
Activity 8