The Merchant of Venice
Teacher: Ann Hamer
| Year
|
NCEA Level
|
Duration
|
| 13
|
3
|
5-6 weeks
|
| Achievement Standard being assessed
|
Achievement criteria
|
| AS90722 (English 3.3): Respond critically to Shakespearean drama studied.
|
- Develop a critical response to Shakespearean drama
- Use supporting evidence
|
| Processes
|
| Thinking Critically
|
Interpret and evaluate the linguistic and literary qualities of "The Merchant of Venice" developing a critical response to the play and using supporting evidence.
|
| Exploring Language
|
Use appropriate terminology to describe, analyse and evaluate the way language features, structures and conventions of "The Merchant of Venice" suit its purpose.
|
Teacher background reading
Teaching and learning activities
Select and adapt these learning activities to best meet the needs of your students, and to fit the time available:
Learning task 1
Learning task 2
Learning task 3
Follow up
Further discussion and debate about the issues in the play.
Watching versions of the play on screen and in the theatre to develop an appreciation of different productions.
Assessment
Students analyse an
Exemplar Essay (Word 37KB)
based on the play. They annotate key features such as: supporting ideas, answering the question, linking paragraphs, using quotations.
Following this, students complete two essays for assessment: one for homework and one timed in-class response.
Assessment schedule
Close Reading LEVEL 7
Analyse critically language, meanings, and ideas in a wide range of contemporary and historical texts, discussing and interpreting their literary qualities and effects in relation to purpose and audience
Key Indicators
Students will:
- be able to write an informative essay that argues a point of view of the play for 3.3
- be able to analyse a speech from the play and comment on uses of language for 3.3
Exemplars
not_achieved_anno (RTF 20KB)
,
not_achieved (RTF 9KB)
,
achieved_anno (RTF 19KB)
,
achieved (RTF 9KB)
,
excellence_anno-1 (RTF 26KB)
,
excellence (RTF 10KB)
Resources
Electronic
Print
- Arden Shakespeare "The Merchant of Venice" - Russell Brown (1955)
- Longman "The Merchant of Venice" - John O'Connor (2000)
- "Hodder English 4 The Merchant of Venice" - Jo Shackleton (1998)
- Harvester "New Critical Introductions to Shakespeare" - John Lyon (1988)
- "Shakespeare's Imagery and What It Tells Us" - Caroline Spurgeon (1952)
- York notes advanced "The Merchant of Venice" - Michael and Mary Alexander (1998)
- "Critical Studies: The Merchant of Venice"- Graham Holderness (1993)
- "Studies in English Literature 21 "Shakespeare Merchant of Venice" - David Moody (1964)
- "Merchant of Venice: Critical Essays" - Wheeler (1991)
Other
- The Merchant of Venice, starring Laurence Olivier. Directed by John Sichel 1992
