Baltatescu Anca

MA1, ELT

Activities on e-Romeo & Juliet

Based on the R&J text in attach (+ article on language change) design a 50-minute sequence of
classroom activities.

Pay attention to the instructions for students, specify the interaction type, provide any additional
handout/tasksheet in attachment.

Mention the level of students, age, aims.

Students are teenagers, 15-17 years
Level of English knowledge medium users
Aims: students will be able to bring distinguish between Modern language and that of Shakespeare
Students will be able to see the benefits of using both Shakespeare and modern language, if
any
Students will be able to work in groups and organize themselves
1. Create a short alternate ending in the same style as the rest of the text.
After reading the text, Ss are asked to write down a different ending of the play
preserving the style of the given text. The Ss have to write a 5 lines dialogue and the
task should last 8 minutes maximum. Then, the T names randomly some Ss to read
their compositions.
Interaction: T-Ss, Ss-Ss. Total time: 13-15 min.
2. Role-play Romeo & Juliet as modern teenagers. Then discuss the changes in the speaking
style in time Shakespeares language vs. Modern language. Come up with reasons why they
think this shift occurred.
The first step is for the Ss to read the given text as modern teenagers. Even if the
language might seem funny, it will be easier for them to understand the text, at least
from the lexical point of view. (5 min). Then, they will be given some handouts with the
original play of Romeo and Juliet and see if they can find the cause of these radical
changes. Ss come up with different ideas, as the teacher writes them on the chalkboard
(10 min). The Ss also have to complete that list on their notebooks.
Interaction: T-SS, Ss-Ss, Ss-T; total time: 15 min
3. Find situations where text-speak is acceptable, and where it is not. If it were now permitted
in school, what style would you prefer to use?
For this activity, the class will be split into two. The first group has to come with
arguments in favor of the Shakespeares language whereas the other group will have to
bring arguments why the modern language should be used in school. The Ss have 8-9
minutes to brainstorm and select the arguments for each team and then the
spokespersons of the teams will debate. For every idea, each spokesperson will be
Baltatescu Anca
MA1, ELT

allowed to speak for 30 seconds. If they cannot present their idea in this time, their
argument will not be taken into consideration. But if there is still some time left, they can
reorganize and try again to speak up. (6-7 min)
Interaction : Ss-Ss, Ss-T. total time: 17 min