Year 7 English – Big Test Revision
You will be given an extract from ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’ by William Shakespeare. You will be asked to answer a question, analysing how Shakespeare presents Hermia in the extract. You will have 1 hour. To revise, practise writing analytical paragraphs about Hermia or other characters from the play. Have a go at these practice questions:
Your Essay
Introduction: Establish a clear line of argument. This must answer the question and outline your key points, linking to the character.
Main body: 3 analytical paragraphs. Learn the sentence starters across this page 🡪
Conclusion: Sum up your key points and express your opinion.
Practice Question 1: How does Shakespeare present Puck in the extract? In this scene Puck is confusing the workers as they rehearse their play. PUCK I'll follow you, I'll lead you about a round, Through bog, through bush, through brake, through brier: Sometime a horse I'll be, sometime a hound, A hog, a headless bear, sometime a fire; And neigh, and bark, and grunt, and roar, and burn, Like horse, hound, hog, bear, fire, at every turn. | Practice Question 2: How does Shakespeare present Helena in the extract? In this scene she recognises Demetrius loves Hermia, not her. HELENA How happy some o'er other some can be! Through Athens I am thought as fair as she. But what of that? Demetrius thinks not so; He will not know what all but he do know: And as he errs, doting on Hermia's eyes, So I, admiring of his qualities |
Writing your analytical paragraphs:
What: In the extract, _______ is presented as …
Quotations: Shakespeare describes the character as ‘…’
How: The metaphor/verb/word ‘______’ suggests…
Perhaps the writer is suggesting…
It is as if…
The reader understands how…
What: Furthermore, ________ is presented as…
Comedy | A story that has jokes and funny moments. |
Farce | A comedy play that has a ridiculous but funny plot and often involves physical comedy |
Subservient | Obeying others without questioning them |
Confusion | Not understanding something |
Patriarchy | A society where men hold the power |
Bewildered | Another word for confused |
Besotted | Being really in love with someone |
Mystical | Something that is spiritual, magical and fascinating |
Quarrel | An argument |
Allure | Very attractive or fascinating |
Unrequited love | Being attracted to someone who doesn’t like you back |
Reckless | Being careless or dangerous |
Whimsical | Playful and funny |
Deception | Tricking someone |
Year 7 English – Big Test Revision
Have a look at these analytical paragraphs about Hermia: Firstly, Hermia is presented as a character who is heartbroken and upset as she feels she has been mistreated. She describes Helena as a “thief of love”. This means she believes Helena has taken something that is not hers, which suggest that what Helena has done is not fair. A “thief” is a criminal, which tells me she has broken Hermia’s trust. Also “love” usually is positive, however here it suggests Hermia no longer has it, which is why she feels mistreated. Secondly, Hermia is presented as insulting and combative at this point in the text. She calls Helena a “painted maypole”, which is very rude and designed to show how angry the character is. The word “painted” means she thinks Helena has used make-up instead of her natural looks, which suggests she believes her to be fake and unattractive underneath. Also the word “maypole” means that she is tall and thin, which suggests that Helena’s physical looks are also unpleasant as she is mocking them. |
Have a go at recreating your own: |