June
18
ELA B10: Jn 18 Debate: How responsible is Macbeth for the deaths?
- After discussing the overview of the plot for the play Macbeth, students watched a modern version of it and were asked to take notes. Each student was assigned to either the Prosecution side of the argument or the Defense side. They were given these roles in advance so they could anticipate their debate activity and look for evidence to help support their argument.
- Today, we listed all the deaths or illegal acts committed in the play: Duncan’s murder, framing the two illegal Serbian immigrants, arranging to have Billy (Banquo) and his son killed, conspiring to have Macduff’s family killed, the influences leading to Ella’s (Lady Macbeth’s) suicide, and the violent and deadly confrontation between Macduff and Macbeth at the end. We also considered how liable Macbeth should be for the murders as a result of the influence of the garbage men (witches) and any evil spiritual haunting.
- Each student was given three minutes to state their case and present evidence of the facts, starting with the prosecution. Then each was allowed one minute for rebuttal. I used a rubric in determining a mark based on their supporting information, the accuracy of that information, their ability to connect ideas, the clarity and delivery style of those ideas, and their effectiveness in challenging the opposite argument and ability to rebut any major points against them.
- Students were also given a reading package today that includes two short stories and some poems. These pieces of literature will be referenced on the exam. Instead of spending their exam time reading the stories, the students are asked to read them in advance and be prepared to answer questions on them.
- I also gave students a class review that lists the different skills or terms from our class that have been repeated through our discussions. Go through the review and ensure you understand what each of the points are to prepare yourself. The review includes elements from literature responses including short stories and essays, poetry responses and analysis, as well as essay and writing skills. Our exam will be Monday morning so we’ll see you bright and early!
- Also… and this is extremely important. The blog project is a required element of this course. You may pass the class, through the mark acquired by your assignments and exam, but you will not receive credit for it until the blog is complete. You have until Monday to complete it for marks. After that point, you still have to complete it but you will not receive more marks for any work done.
