Write it, then compare

Reading good writing is not the same as being able to do it. This is where you actually write, then check yours against a strong version. Five honest minutes here beats an hour of reading.

The only rule: write your own version first, then reveal the model. No peeking. Getting it a bit wrong and then seeing the gap is exactly how the skill grows.

Write a thesis

structure

One sentence that takes a clear position on the question and hints how Shakespeare does it. Aim for arguable, not obvious.

Your question

Reveal a strong version

What makes it strong

Takes a clear, arguable position
Says how the writer does it, not just what happens
Answers this exact question

Push a quote up the lever

ideas

Take the quote and write one sentence of real analysis: name the choice, work out its effect, then say what it means. Do not just name a technique.

Your quote

Reveal a strong version

What makes it strong

Names the effect on the reader, not just the technique
Links to what the play is saying
Uses a verb that thinks (suggests, exposes, positions)

Embed the quote

craft

A dropped quote sits awkwardly on its own. Weave it into your own sentence so it flows. Rewrite each one, then check.

droppedIago is dishonest. "I am not what I am."

Reveal an embedded version

embeddedIago's dishonesty is total, and he admits it openly: "I am not what I am", confessing his two faces to the audience.

droppedOthello is very jealous. "the green-eyed monster".

Reveal an embedded version

embeddedOthello is consumed by the "green-eyed monster" Iago warned of, until jealousy devours him from within.

droppedCassio cares about his reputation. "Reputation, reputation, reputation!"

Reveal an embedded version

embeddedFor Cassio, his name is everything: his anguished cry of "Reputation, reputation, reputation!" shows he feels its loss as the loss of his soul.

Build a paragraph

structure

A full body paragraph: Point, Evidence, Analysis, Link. Take your time, this is the real thing in miniature.

Your task

Reveal a strong version

What makes it strong

Point, Evidence, Analysis and Link are all there
The Analysis explains the effect, not just the technique
The last line ties back to the question

Using this in class or at home

If your class is doing practice writing, run a station or two. If you want a bonus round at home, pick one and do three reps. Always write before you reveal. When you are ready for full questions, the questions page has a whole bank sorted by shape, and the play guide has every quote.

from Nat

This is your training ground, no marks, no pressure. Your writing saves itself here, so you can come back to it. Even five minutes of writing and comparing will do more than rereading notes. Proud of you for putting pen to paper.