By now, you have built a strong mental map of the play through your pre-reading. However, looking at the actual script for the first time can still feel a bit like looking at a different language.
Before you dive in, take 15 minutes to flip through the text and notice the formatting. You will see Acts (usually in Roman Numerals like Act III) and Scenes (like Scene ii). Understanding this structure is like knowing the chapters and verses of a book—it helps you find your way.
To tackle this difficult text without getting overwhelmed, I want you to try this "Three-Step Loop" for each scene:
Instead of just taking a test, you are going to design one. This requires you to think critically about what the most important parts of each scene really are.
For every scene in the play:
Before you submit, please complete the Pre-Submission Self-Assessment.
A Google Doc featuring your curated multiple-choice questions organized by scene
A video or screencast explaining the logic behind your question and answer choices
We are learning to:
Engage with new and difficult texts confidently using a variety of digital and cognitive tools
Analyze the nuances of Shakespearean form and structure to identify key plot points and character motivations
I can:
use a variety of appropriate strategies, such as AI translation and performance review, to understand the play
use my background knowledge of the play's form and style to identify important details and themes
use effective listening and viewing skills to support my interpretation of the text
| Category | Level 4 | Level 3 | Level 2 | Level 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge/Understanding | Demonstrates a thorough and nuanced understanding of the text through expert question design | Demonstrates considerable and accurate understanding of the text | Demonstrates some understanding of most of the text | Demonstrates limited understanding of the text |
| Thinking/Inquiring | Demonstrates significant insight by connecting the text to real-life logic and clear inferences | Makes effective inferences and clear connections to the modern world | Often makes inferences and connections to the modern world | Sometimes makes inferences and limited connections |
| Application | Applies a wide variety of reading and translation strategies very effectively to deconstruct the play | Applies a variety of reading strategies effectively | Often applies reading strategies with some effectiveness | Sometimes applies reading strategies with limited effectiveness |
| Communication | Explains complex ideas and "distractor" logic in a very clear, engaging, and professional manner on video | Explains ideas clearly and effectively on video | Often explains ideas clearly on video | Sometimes explains ideas clearly on video |
Demonstrates a thorough and nuanced understanding of the text through expert question design
Demonstrates considerable and accurate understanding of the text
Demonstrates some understanding of most of the text
Demonstrates limited understanding of the text
Demonstrates significant insight by connecting the text to real-life logic and clear inferences
Makes effective inferences and clear connections to the modern world
Often makes inferences and connections to the modern world
Sometimes makes inferences and limited connections
Applies a wide variety of reading and translation strategies very effectively to deconstruct the play
Applies a variety of reading strategies effectively
Often applies reading strategies with some effectiveness
Sometimes applies reading strategies with limited effectiveness
Explains complex ideas and "distractor" logic in a very clear, engaging, and professional manner on video
Explains ideas clearly and effectively on video
Often explains ideas clearly on video
Sometimes explains ideas clearly on video