1. The Story of Romeo and Juliet
Read and listen to the story of Romeo and Juliet (track 1).
The play is set in Verona, Italy. It is the story of two families who are enemies. The Montagues and the Capulets.
The play begins with a fight between Mercutio (Romeo’s best friend) and Tybalt (a Capulet). Romeo (a Montague)
tries to stop the fight and is angry with his friend. He wants the fighting between the Capulets and the
Montagues to end.
Romeo has a reputation for always falling in love. At the beginning of the play he says he’s in love with Rosaline.
Mercutio teases him about Rosaline. He persuades Romeo to go with him to a party where he will see her.
Romeo doesn’t want to go because it’s a Capulet party and he thinks there will be fighting. Mercutio explains
that it’s a fancy dress party and that if they wear masks and wigs the Capulets will not recognise them.
Romeo doesn’t see Rosaline at the party. Instead, he meets and falls in love with Juliet, who is a Capulet. At first
Romeo doesn’t know that Juliet is a Capulet and she doesn’t know that he is a Montague. When they discover
this they don’t care, but Tybalt (Juliet’s cousin) is very angry when he sees them together. Romeo doesn’t want
any trouble between the two families but Tybalt and Mercutio start fighting. When they hear the police coming
everyone leaves the party.
Later, Romeo visits Juliet secretly on her balcony. They know their families will never let them go out together
so they decide to ask Friar Lawrence to marry them. They think that nobody will stop them being together if
they are married. Friar Lawrence wants the two families to stop fighting so he agrees to marry them. After the
wedding Romeo sees Tybalt and Mercutio fighting in the street. He tries to stop the fight but when Tybalt kills
Mercutio, Romeo kills Tybalt in revenge.
Juliet’s parents don’t know that that Romeo and Juliet are married. When they hear that Tybalt is dead they
want their daughter to marry a rich man called Paris. When Romeo arrives at Juliet’s balcony again he explains
why he killed Tybalt. Juliet is still in love with Romeo and is very worried about Paris. They decide to ask Friar
Lawrence to help them again. Friar Lawrence tells Juliet to pretend that she will marry Paris. He then gives her
a potion that makes her parents think she is dead. The plan works and Juliet is placed in the family tomb where
she will meet Romeo.
However, Friar Lawrence cannot contact Romeo to tell him the plan. When Romeo sees Juliet in the tomb he
thinks that she is dead. He takes poison and dies. When Juliet wakes up she sees Romeo and stabs herself.
When the two families discover the dead lovers they make peace. The war between the Montagues and the
Capulets is over.
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
1. The Story of Romeo and Juliet
Teaching notes
Time
20–30 minutes
Skills Focus
Listening and reading (possibly speaking).
Aim
To familiarise the student with the story of Romeo and Juliet. Also an opportunity for the students to learn any
new vocabulary.
Suggested pre/post activity
Ask the students which plays they know that were written by William Shakespeare. Then ask them what they
already know about Romeo and Juliet. Ask them what do they think will happen in the story and how they
think it will end. After reading the synopsis of the play, ask them if they are surprised by what happened or if it
was what they had expected.
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
2. True or False
Read and listen to activity one. Decide if the sentences are true or false. If you think a sentence is false
write the correct version.
1. The play is set in Venice, Italy. T F
2. At the beginning of the play Romeo says he is in love with Juliet. T F
3. Romeo’s best friend is called Mercutio. T F
4. Tybalt is Juliet’s cousin. T F
5. Friar Lawrence agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet. T F
6. Romeo kills Tybalt accidentally. T F
7. Juliet’s parents want to take her to Paris. T F
8. Friar Lawrence gives Juliet a potion which kills her. T F
9. Juliet stabs Romeo with a knife when she wakes up. T F
10. The two families make peace after the death of their children. T F
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
2. True or False
Teaching notes
Time
20–30 minutes
Skills Focus
Writing, listening and reading (possibly speaking).
Aim
To test the students comprehension of the synopsis of the play. Could be used as an opportunity for the
students to work in pairs to discuss the correct answers.
Suggested pre/post activity
Ask the students as a group to decide if sentence one is correct. Then correct the sentence together on the
board. After the activity let the students take turn to write corrected sentences on the board. If there are errors
in their work allow the class-mates help correct them.
Answers
1. False. The play is set in Verona, Italy.
2. False. At the beginning of the play Romeo says he is in love with Rosaline.
3. True. Romeo’s best friend is called Mercutio.
4. True. Tybalt is Juliet’s cousin.
5. True. Friar Lawrence agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet.
6. False. Romeo kills Tybalt in revenge.
7. False. Juliet’s parents want her to marry Paris.
8. False. Friar Lawrence gives Juliet a potion which makes her seem dead.
9. False. Juliet stabs herself with a knife when she wakes up and sees Romeo dead.
10. True. The two families make peace after the death of their children.
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
3. Story Order
Read and listen to activity one. Now put the events of the story in the correct order.
a. Freddy asks Eliza to marry him.
b. Eliza studies English with Professor Higgins.
c. Freddy bumps into Eliza and knocks her flowers to the ground.
d. Professor Higgins offers to give Eliza classes for free.
e. Eliza is selling flowers in Covent Garden.
f. Eliza goes to Professor Higgins’ house for English classes.
g. Eliza goes to Mrs. Higgins’ house and meets Freddy again.
h. Professor Higgins asks Eliza to marry him.
i. Eliza dances with the prince at the ball.
j. Pearce makes Eliza have a hot bath and change her clothes.
3. Story Order
Read and listen to activity one. Now put the events of the story in the correct order.
a. Freddy asks Eliza to marry him.
b. Eliza studies English with Professor Higgins.
c. Freddy bumps into Eliza and knocks her flowers to the ground.
d. Professor Higgins offers to give Eliza classes for free.
e. Eliza is selling flowers in Covent Garden.
f. Eliza goes to Professor Higgins’ house for English classes.
g. Eliza goes to Mrs. Higgins’ house and meets Freddy again.
h. Professor Higgins asks Eliza to marry him.
i. Eliza dances with the prince at the ball.
j. Pearce makes Eliza have a hot bath and change her clothes.
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
3. Story Order
Teaching notes
Time
15–20 minutes
Skills Focus
Reading (possibly speaking).
Aim
Comprehension. To make students consider the sequence of events in the play in a logical order.
Variation
This activity could be made into a competition for small groups. Before the class cut the sentences into
ten strips each containing one of the sentences from activity three. Give each small group a set of the ten
sentences and tell them to put them in the correct order. The teacher should move around the classroom
checking to see who gets the correct order first. This activity is great as a fun group activity.
Answers
a. 3
b. 4
c. 7
d. 10
e. 9
f. 8
g. 5
h. 6
i. 2
j. 1
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
4. The Characters
Read and listen to these descriptions of the characters in the play (track 2).
Romeo is from the Montague family. His family are enemies of the Capulet family. He is a handsome, young
man. He lives with his parents. He doesn’t like fighting and thinks people who fight are stupid. He has a
reputation for falling in love.
Mercutio is Romeo’s best friend. He likes fighting and doesn’t understand why Romeo doesn’t like fighting too.
He likes danger and excitement. He often teases his friend Romeo.
Friar Lawrence is a hippy. He believes in peace. He helps people by reading Tarot cards and mixing herbs to
cure their illnesses. He marries Romeo and Juliet in an attempt to stop the war between their families.
Tybalt is about the same age as Romeo and Mercutio. He is part of the Capulet family. He hates the Montagues
and is always looking for a fight with them. He is very protective of his cousin, Juliet. He is very angry when he
sees Juliet with his enemy, Romeo.
Juliet is a teenager who lives with her parents. She is part of the Capulet family. She is very pretty and is
interested in clothes, boys and make-up. She writes in her diary every time she meets a boy she likes, but she
often changes her mind about them. She has a strong character and knows exactly what she wants to do.
Juliet’s father is an important person in the Capulet family. He makes a lot of money. He wants the Capulets to
become more powerful and for this reason he wants his daughter to marry a rich man.
Juliet’s mother wants Juliet’s father to be happy. She tries to persuade Juliet to do the things she knows will
please him. She is always talking to Juliet about Paris, a rich man. She knows that he would be a “good” husband
for Juliet and that if Juliet marries him the family will be stronger and more powerful.
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
4b. Who Said That?
Which character do you think said each of the following? When you’ve decided, listen and find out if your
answers are correct (track 3).
Romeo
Juliet
Mercutio
Juliet’s mother
Friar Lawrence
Juliet’s father
1.
“Get your dirty hands off her you stinking Montague!”
2.
“Juliet, open the door, let us in, your father and I have some bad news.”
3.
“I’m not a coward. But I don’t want to fight.”
4.
“Oh, okay, I’ll talk to Paris. I’ll talk to Paris but I’m not kissing him.”
5.
“Calm down, here, have some herbal tea.”
6.
“Paris is the son of one of my business associates.”
7.
“I’ll marry you, for peace.”
8.
“I’ve always wanted to cut up a Montague.”
9.
“What’s this? Poison! Romeo what have you done?”
“Poor Tybalt. I didn’t want to kill him.”
10.
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
4. The Characters and
Who Said That?
Teaching notes
Time
30–40 minutes
Skills Focus
Reading and listening (possibly speaking).
Aim
To familiarize the student with the characters in Romeo and Juliet.
Suggested pre/post activity
Ask the students what they already know about the characters in Romeo and Juliet. Ask them what they think
they look like or what clothes they wear. After the activity ask them who their favourite character is and why.
Ask them who they didn’t like and why.
Answers
Who Said That?
1. “Get your dirty hands off her you stinking Montague!”............................................... Tybalt
2. “Juliet, open the door, let us in, your father and I have some bad news.”............. Mother
3. “I’m not a coward. But I don’t want to fight.”............................................................... Romeo
4. “Oh, okay, I’ll talk to Paris. I’ll talk to Paris but I’m not kissing him.”........................... Juliet
5. “Calm down, here, have some herbal tea.”......................................................Friar Lawrence
6. “Paris is the son of one of my business associates.”.....................................................Father
7. “I’ll marry you, for peace.”...................................................................................Friar Lawrence
8. “I’ve always wanted to cut up a Montague.”................................................................... Tybalt
9. “What’s this? Poison! Romeo what have you done?”.................................................... Juliet
10.“Poor Tybalt. I didn’t want to kill him.”........................................................................... Romeo
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
5. Text Comprehension
Read and listen to scenes one and two of the play (tracks 4 and 5) then answer these questions with
complete sentences, giving as much information as possible.
1. Why does Mercutio fight with Tybalt?
2. Why does Mercutio say that Romeo is a chicken?
3. At first, Romeo doesn’t want to go to the party. Why not?
4. How does Mercutio persuade Romeo to go to the party?
5. Why does Juliet think her mother is taking her to France?
6. Juliet promises to go to the party on one condition. What is it?
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
5. Text Comprehension
Teaching notes
Time
20–30 minutes
Skills Focus
Listening, reading (possibly speaking).
Aim
To test the students understanding of the scene and the complexities of what is happening within it.
Notes
This activity could be done individually as a simple written comprehension activity or in pairs with students
discussing the answer. Encourage students to give as much information as possible to support their answer.
Answers
1. Mercutio fights with Tybalt because they are sworn enemies.
2. Mercutio says that Romeo is a chicken because he doesn’t like fighting.
3. Romeo doesn’t want to go to the party at first because it is a Capulet party and he doesn’t want to make
trouble.
4. Mercutio persuades Romeo to go to the party in fancy dress, wearing masks and wigs.
5. Juliet think her mother is taking her to France because she talks about a boy called Paris.
6. Juliet promises to go to the party if her mother buys her some new clothes.
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
6. Vocabulary Match
Read and listen to activity one (track 1). Use the context to help you match the words and definitions.
example:
1. enemy = h. a person who hates or opposes another person
1. h enemy
a. to convince someone to do something
2.
reputation
b. a special way of dressing for fun
3.
fancy dress
c. to laugh at someone or say unkind things
4.
fall in love
d. to injure with a knife
5.
revenge
e. To begin to love someone
6.
persuade
f. the opinion others have of you
7.
stab
g. harm done to someone because they did harm to you
8.
tease
h. a person who hates or opposes another person
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
6. Vocabulary Match
Teaching notes
Time
15–20 minutes
Skills Focus
Vocabulary
Aim
To test the students understanding of the vocabulary and to encourage them to use the context of the text to
work out the meaning of the word.
Notes
This activity could be done individually as a simple vocabulary exercise or in pairs with students discussing the
answer.
Variation
Give small groups of students one or two words from the exercise and ask them to use the word in a different
sentence, (e.g. The soldier hid from the enemy army.) Give a time limit and then ask students to take turns
writing the sentences on the board. Let the other students judge if the sentence is correct or incorrect (with
the teacher as referee!). If the sentence is completely correct the group scores 5 points and 2 points for a
nearly correct sentence.
Answers
1. h
2. f
3. b
4. e
5. g
6. a
7. d
8. c
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
7. The Family
Look at the family tree of the Montague and Capulet families.
Mrs Capulet
Unknown
Mr Capulet
Lord Capulet
Mr Montague
Lady Capulet
Tybalt
Juliet
Mrs Montague
Lord Montague
Lady Montague
Romeo
Now complete the sentences using the information above. Use the possesive s in each sentence.
Lady Capulet’s daughter.
1. Juliet is
2. Romeo is
3. Tybalt is
4. Mr. Capulet
5. Lord Montague
6. Lady Capulet
7. Lord Capulet
8. Mrs. Montague
9.
10.
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
7. The Family
Teaching notes
Time
20–30 minutes
Skills Focus
Writing, speaking
Aim
To practise the vocabulary of the family, using the possesive s to describe family connections.
Notes
This activity could be done individually as a simple vocabulary exercise or in pairs with students discussing the
answer.
Extension activity
Ask students to make a family tree of their own families. Then ask them in pairs to exchange family trees and
write about each others families using the possesive s. This is also an opportunity to practise the negative and
interrogative forms.
Examples:
Miguel is Joana’s brother.
Joana isn’t Miguel’s brother.
Is Miguel Joana’s older brother?
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
8. Superlative Forms
Choose five of the categories below and write the name of a family member for each one (only the name, not
the superlative). Now find a partner and ask and answer questions about the family members written down.
Example: The oldest person in my family
Is Miguel the oldest person in your family? —No, he isn’t. He’s the youngest!
The youngest person in my family
The friendliest person in my family
The funniest person in my family
The nicest person in my family
The naughtiest person in my family
The tallest person in my family
The most intelligent person in my family
The best singer in my family
The worst singer in my family
PA can think of other categories)
(orIyou
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
8. Superlative Forms
Teaching notes
Time
20–30 minutes
Skills Focus
Speaking, writing
Aim
To practise superlatives forms.
Notes
You can combine the revision of family vocabulary (activity seven) with a speaking activity on the superlative
form. Ask students to secretly choose five of the following categories and write a name of a member of their
family for each one on pieces of paper. Then in pairs they should ask and answer questions about the person
written.
Variation
This game can also be used to practise comparative forms. Students write down five family members names
and ask and answer comparative questions.
Example:
Is Susan older than Rafael?
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
9. Modal Verbs of Obligation : Rules
Choose one of the places below with your group. Now discuss with your group the rules for this place
(using should/should not, have to/don’t have to, can/can’t, must/must not). Now write a list of the rules for
your chosen place. When you have finished, take turns to read out the rules to the other groups and see if
they can guess the place.
Example: a library – you must not shout.
A library
A swimming pool
A jail
A cinema
A museum
An art gallery
A zoo
An ice-skating rink
An hotel
An aeroplane
Now write your rules.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
9. Modal Verbs of Obligation : Rules
Teaching notes
Time
40–60 minutes
Skills Focus
Writing, speaking
Aim
To practise modal verbs of obligation (should/should not, have to/don’t have to, can/can’t, must/must not)
Notes
Firstly, present the modal verbs above on the board and discuss the meaning of each modal verb and it’s
negative part. Then put the students into small groups and encourage them to use their imagination. They
could make posters with rules on and present them to their class-mates.
Variation
Ask students to work in small groups or pairs. Ask them to imagine that they are in charge of designing the
rules for a perfect school. They should include what the students and teacher should do, mustn’t do and can
do. At the end of the activity, ask different groups to read out their rules (or put them on the wall). Who has the
best school?
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
10. Pair work
Separate the text into 2 parts and with a partner practice asking questions and giving answers.
Part A: First fill in the second gap in each
exercise with the questions you are going to ask.
e.g. Q: Where did Shakespeare live?
Part B: First fill in the second gap in each exercise
with the questions you are going to ask.
e.g. Q: Where did Shakespeare live?
?
?
Now ask your questions to your partner and fill in
the first gap in each question.
Now ask your questions to your partner and fill in
the first gap in each question.
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
1. William Shakespeare lived in
in England.
1. William Shakespeare lived in Stratford Upon
.
Avon in
?
Q: Where
Q: How many
?
Q: When
?
4. Shakespeare was married to Anne
.
?
Q: Who
5. Susanna and
Anne’s daughters.
6. Shakespeare died in
were William and
?
Q: What
Q: When
?
.
?
is celebrated on April 23rd.
Q: What
?
4. Shakespeare was married to
Hathaway.
?
Q: Who
5.
and Judith were William and
Anne’s daughters.
Q: What
6. Shakespeare
?
.
Q: What
3. His
.
3. His birthday is celebrated on
Q: Where
2. He wrote more than thirty
plays.
2. He wrote more than
?
in 1616.
Q: What happened
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
?
10. Pair work
Teaching notes
Time
20–30 minutes
Skills Focus
Writing, speaking.
Aim
To allow students to use a variety of question forms.
Notes
Separate the text into two parts. Give students part A or part B equally. Give the students ten minutes to work
on the questions either individually or in groups. Then put students into pairs (one part A, one part B) and let
them ask and answer the questions to complete the information.
Variation
To make the activity more difficult take away the question words given in the answer. To make the activity
easier add extra words.
e.g. Where
Shakespeare live?
Answers
Part A
1. Where did William Shakespeare live??
2. How many plays did he write?
3. When is his birthday celebrated?
4. Who was Shakespeare married to?
5. What were William and Anne’s daughters called?
6. When did Shaw die?
Part B
1. Where did William Shakespeare live?
2. What did he write more than thirty of?
3. What is celebrated on April 23rd?
4. Who was Shakespeare married to?
5. What were William and Anne’s daughters called?
6. What happened in 1616?
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
11. Synonym and Antonym Words
Read and listen to scene 1 of the play (track 4). Now look at the words below and find the word in the text
which is a synonym (word with the same meaning) (S) or an antonym (word with the opposite meaning (A).
Write the relevant sentence from the script on the second gap. The first one has been done for you.
1. interested (A)
bored
Mercutio: Are we going to the party, to see Rosaline, or are we staying here to get bored?
2. speak (S)
3. love (A)
4. hero (A)
5. everybody (A)
6. forget (A)
7. good-looking (S)
8. fantastic (S)
9. perhaps (S)
10. always (A)
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
11. Synonym and Antonym Words
Teaching notes
Time
20–30 minutes
Skills Focus
Listening, reading (possibly speaking).
Aim
To increase vocabulary by not only learning the words used within the play but also to encourage students to
think about new words related to them.
Suggested post activity
Ask the students to work with a partner to find five new words from the scene. They should then write the
synonym/antonym of the word. Get students to swap words with another pair or present them on the board to
the other students. This could be done as a game with students scoring points for correct answers.
Answers
1. interested - bored
2. speak - talk
3. love - hate
4. hero - coward
5. everybody - nobody
6. forget - remember
7. good-looking - pretty
8. fantastic - great
9. perhaps - maybe
10. always - never
I PA
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
12. The Question Game
Note: There is no student page for this activity. It can be done entirely on the blackboard.
Teaching notes
Time
Possible answers
50–60 minutes
Skills Focus
Speaking.
Aim
To allow students to practise a variety
of question forms.
Notes
This is a fun activity based on the game
Jeopardy. At the beginning of the class
draw the following grid with answers on the
white/blackboard.
1. Who is in love with Juliet? (Romeo)
2. When is this version of Romeo and Juliet set? (In the 1970’s)
3. What was does Juliet take to send her to sleep? (A potion)
4. Who marries the couple? (Friar Lawrence)
5. Where do Romeo and Juliet meet? (At the Capulet’s party)
6. What does Romeo kill Tybalt with? (A knife)
7. Who do Juliet’s parents want her to marry? (Paris)
8. Where does Romeo discover Juliet’s body? (In the Capulet’s tomb)
9. Why does Friar Lawrence marry Romeo and Juliet? (To make peace
between the two families)
10. Who does Romeo like at the beginning of the play? (Rosaline)
11. When do the families make peace? (After Romeo and Juliet are dead)
12. What do Romeo and Mercutio wear to disguise themselves at the
Capulet’s party? (Masks and wigs)
Points
Characters
Times and Places
General
10
Romeo
In the 1970’s
A potion
20
Friar Lawrence
At the Capulet’s party
A knife
30
Paris
In the Capulet’s tomb
To make peace between the two families
40
Rosaline
After Romeo and Juliet
Masks and wigs
Separate the class into groups of five or six and tell them to look at the answers. Give the groups 10–15 minutes
to prepare questions for the answers. Each team then takes turns to choose an answer. The question they give
must be factually and grammatically correct to win the points. There may be a variety of correct answers.
e.g. The answer FRIAR LAWRENCE could produce
Who marries Romeo and Juliet? Or
Who gives Juliet a potion to drink? Or
Who do the lovers trust to help them?
I PA
When a correct answer is given it should be crossed off the board.
I PA
This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
13. True or false : Listening, scene five)
Read and listen to scene five of the play (track 6). Now decide if the sentences are true or false. If you think
a sentence is false write the correct version.
1. The Friar uses plants and flowers to make medicine. T F
2. The Friar is not surprised that Romeo is in love with Juliet. T F
3. The Friar marries Romeo and Juliet to cause trouble between the two families. T F
4. The Friar gives Romeo herbal tea to relax him. T F
5. Romeo takes The Friar’s telephone number. T F
6. Juliet goes home after the wedding to say goodbye to her parents. T F
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
13. True or false : Listening, scene five)
Teaching notes
Time
20 minutes
Skills Focus
Reading,writing, (possibly speaking)
Aim
To test the students comprehension of a scene of the play.
Notes
This could be used as an opportunity for the students to work in pairs to discuss the correct answers. The
answers could then presented on the board and the answers discussed and corrected as a group.
Suggested post activity
Ask the students to look at a different scene in the play and in pairs or small groups to come up with five true
or false questions. Then each group should pass their sentences to another group to answer. Answers could be
marked as a whole class board activity.
Answers
1. True
2. False. The Friar is very surprised that Romeo is in love with Juliet.
3. False. The Friar marries Romeo and Juliet to bring peace between the two families.
4. True.
5. False. The Friar takes Romeo’s telephone number.
6. False. Juliet goes home after the wedding to pack a suitcase.
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
14. Homophones
Homophones are words that sound the same but are spelt differently and have a different meaning. Look
at the words and then listen to scene five. Find the word which has the same sound. Check your answers by
reading the text of scene two. The first one has been done for you.
here
1.
hear
2.
write
3.
buy
4.
two
5.
knew
6.
won
7.
sea
8.
sew
9.
their
10.
no
Juliet: What? I can’t hear you.
Now fill in the correct word in the sentence using the some of the words above.
a. Do you know where I can
a ticket?
b. I have to
a letter to my grandmother.
c. Can you
the music?
d. They have a
e. I need to
car. The old one was broken.
a button on my blouse.
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
14. Homophones
Teaching notes
Time
20–30 minutes
Skills Focus
Reading, listening and spelling.
Aim
To familiarise the students with the sound of words and to encourage them to use the context of the text to
work out the meaning of the word.
Notes
This activity could be done individually as a simple vocabulary exercise or in pairs with students discussing the
answer.
Suggested post activity
Ask the students (individually or in pairs) to choose five more words from the list of homophones and write
their own sentences. Then let them take turns to present them on the board for their class-mates to solve. This
could be made into a game with points!
Answers
1. here
2. right
3. bye
4. too/to
5. new
6. one
7. see
8. so
9. there
10. know
a. Do you know where I can buy a ticket?
b. I have to write a letter to my grandmother.
c. Can you hear the music?
d. They have a new car. The old one was broken.
e. IIneed
to sew a button on my blouse.
PA
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
15. Crossword
Complete the crossword. All the answers can be found in the play.
14
10
8
13
2
3
5
11
1
4
Clues Across
12
6
7
9
1. The verb meaning to cut someone with a knife (4)
3. Romeo’s best friend (7)
6. Tybalt’s relationship to Juliet (6)
7. Something you use to disguise your face (4)
9. A book where you write your thoughts every day (5)
10. What the Friar makes to heal people (8)
11. The man juliet’s parents want her to marry (5)
13. What Romeo drinks to kill himself (6)
Clues Down
2. A place where dead people are put (4)
4. People aged between thirteen to nineteen (8)
5. The girl Romeo likes before Juliet (8)
8. Juliet’s surname (7)
12. Romeo’s relationship to Juliet (7)
14. Where Romeo visits Juliet at her house (7)
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
15. Crossword
Teaching notes
Time
20–30 minutes
Skills Focus
Writing, vocabulary.
Aim
To reinforce the vocabulary of the play and its meaning
Notes
Give the students the list of vocabulary from the play to look at whilst doing the crossword. All the vocabulary
needed can be found within the list. It is a good idea to do the crossword in pairs giving students a chance to
discuss their ideas. Alternatively the crossword could be used as a homework activity.
Variation
The students could be split into two groups with one group given the answers to the ‘across’ clues and one
group given the answers to the ‘down’ clues. The students should then individually or in groups write the clues
to match their answers. When they are finished they pair up with someone from the other group to trade clues
and then they complete the crossword.
Answers
Clues Across
Clues Down
1. stab
3. Mercutio
6. cousin
7. mask
9. diary
10. medicine
11. Paris
13. poison
2. tomb
4. teenager
5. Rosaline
8. Capulet
12. husband
14. balcony
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
16. Wordsearch
Find words from the play in the word search.
coward
crazy enemy family hate marriage
murderer peace ring wife young
Montague
M
O
N
T
A
G
U
E
U
G
N
I
R
P
N
G
R
S
H
A
T
E
E
A
D
Y
L
I
M
A
F
I
E
Z
A
Y
I
C
I
R
R
A
N
N
U
E
W
R
E
R
G
N
U
O
Y
A
R
C
O
W
A
R
D
M
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
16. Wordsearch
Teaching notes
Time
15 minutes
Skills Focus
Vocabulary.
Aim
To reinforce vocabulary from the play.
Notes
Present the vocabulary on the board before the students do the wordsearch and discuss the meaning of the
words. The word search is a fun way to start or end a lesson.
Answers
M O N T A G U E
U G N I R P N G
R S H A T E E A
D Y L
I M A F
I
E Z A Y I C I R
R A N N U E W R
E R G N U O Y A
R C O W A R D M
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
17. Perform the Play
Put yourselves into groups of four and practise scene five of Romeo and Juliet together. Before you begin to
rehearse, think about:
* What the different characters are like and their attitude to other people.
* The voices of the characters and how they talk to other people.
* The physicality of the characters – do they move slowly or quickly, fluidly or with difficulty.
* The clothes of the characters – what type of clothes would they wear.
* The rhythms of how they speak – quickly or slowly, thoughtfully or without thinking.
Now rehearse the scene. When you are prepared, take turns to perform your version to your class-mates!
Scene 5: Friar’s house.
Friar:
Ah. Plants and flowers the essence of life. I use these plants and flowers to make medicines.
Medicines for headaches, medicines for stomach ache, medicines for backache, even medicines for
heartache! Some are very light and some are very strong and some can be very dangerous.
Romeo: Hi Friar, I’ve got to talk to you.
Friar:
Hey, Romeo, man how’s it going? Wow man! It’s really early. Couldn’t you sleep? Too much partying with the pretty girls? Ah! Young love! How’s that pretty Rosaline?
Romeo:
Rosaline? Yes, well, I want to talk to you about that. I want to talk to you about love, Friar. I’m in
love.
Friar:
Yes, I know, you’re in love. You’re in love with that pretty Rosaline.
Romeo:
No, I’m not in love with Rosaline.
Friar:
You’re not in love with Rosaline?
Romeo:
No, I’m in love with Juliet.
Friar:
Juliet, who’s Juliet?
Romeo:
Juliet Capulet.
Friar:
What? You’re in love with a Capulet? But this is crazy, man. You can’t love a Capulet. You’re a
Montague. They’ll kill you!
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
Romeo:
I know, that’s why I want you to help us. I want you to marry me and Juliet.
Friar:
What? Marry you and Juliet Capulet! You’re crazy!
Friar:
Yes, I know but I love her. I’ve never felt like this before. If I can’t marry Juliet I’ll die. I’ll die from a broken heart. Friar you must help us!
Friar:
Calm down, here, have some herbal tea. This herbal tea is very good for the nerves. Better? Good.
Now, tell me, do you really love Juliet?
Romeo:
Yes, I really love her.
Friar:
And does Juliet really love you?
Romeo:
Yes, she really loves me. She loves me and she wants to marry me.
Friar:
Well, let me think. If you marry Juliet, the Capulets and the Montagues will be family. They will be family and, in theory, it might stop the fighting. I will do anything to stop the fighting between the
two families. I’m a peaceful man.
Romeo: Then you will help us, you will marry us?
Friar:
Yes, I’ll marry you, for peace. Tell Juliet to come here immediately. I will marry you and then you
must both run away until everything has calmed down. I will talk to your parents. I will explain
everything…ah look here she comes…
Juliet:
Hello, Friar, are you going to help us? Are you going to marry us?
Friar:
Yes, my dear, I will marry you so that your two families can live in peace. Come on. Let’s get on with
it. We mustn’t waste any time. Stand here. Do you, Juliet Capulet, take this man to be your husband,
for ever and ever, until death?
Juliet:
Until death? Yes, I do.
Friar:
Do you, Romeo Montague, take this woman to be your wife, for ever and ever, until death?
Romeo:
I do.
Friar:
I now pronounce you husband and wife. Have you got a ring? You may kiss the bride. Now, must run away and I will let you know when it is safe to come back. I will phone you. Romeo give me your mobile number. Juliet go to your house and pack a suitcase, just a small one.
Romeo:
This is my mobile phone number.
Friar: OK. I will speak to your parents, go now. Quick, waste no time. I need some more herbal tea! Oh
dear what have I done!
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
17. Perform the Play
Teaching notes
Time
40–60 (or more with extension) minutes
Skills Focus
Speaking.
Aim
To let the students involve themselves in the play by thinking about, discussing and performing a scene from
Romeo and Juliet.
Notes
With lower level students it is advisable to listen to scene five with the script before starting the activity (track 6).
Extension activity
If the students are interested in the idea of acting out the scene, why not let them learn the words as
homework and then make a performance day in the next class. Also if enthusiastic, different groups of students
could study different scenes to recreate the whole play!
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
18. Buzz Word
To play this game you must divide into two groups.
One person from the groups has one minute to explain and describe the word at the top of the card. This
must be done without saying the buzz word written below. If the group guess the word, they receive a
point and it is the other’s team’s turn with the next card. If time runs out or a mistake is made, no point is
scored.
There should be a neutral referee (perhaps the teacher) who checks that the buzz words are not used.
Fancy dress
Young
Coward
mask
old
Romeo
Party
Fight
Handsome
music
hit
good-looking
Mother
Wife
Joke
father
husband
funny
Wedding
Knife
Poison
marry
cut
die
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
18. Buzz Word
Teaching notes
Time
10–30 minutes
Skills Focus
Speaking.
Aim
To practise the vocabulary of the play by using words of a similar meaning.
Variation
For higher level students, make the game more difficult by adding another word to the list students mustn’t
use. For lower level Students take the buzz word away and let them use any means possible (any vocabulary,
gestures etc.) to help the students guess the word.
Extension activity
If the students are interested in the idea of acting out the scene, why not let them learn the words as
homework and then make a performance day in the next class. Also if enthusiastic, different groups of students
could study different scenes to recreate the whole play!
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
19. Questions After the Play
Discuss the following questions with your class-mates.
1. Why do you think Romeo doesn’t want to go to the Capulet party with Mercutio? Is he a coward?
2. Why does Juliet’s mother want her to go to the party and how does she convince her to go?
3. What is Juliet’s relationship with her mother like? Do you think Juliet is spoilt by her parents?
4. Why do you think that Romeo and Juliet fall in love? Is it real love?
5. Should the Friar have married the young lovers? Why/why not?
6. Why do you think Romeo and Juliet killed themselves? Was there any alternative?
7. Do you believe in love at first sight? Has it ever happened to anyone you know?
8. What do you think is the perfect age to get married? Why?
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
19. Questions After the Play
Teaching notes
Time
30–40 minutes
Skills Focus
Speaking (possibly writing).
Aim
To test the students understanding of the play and to give them an opportunity to express their opinions about it.
Notes
This could also be done as a writing activity for students to do individually or in small group. It would also work
well as a writing assignment for homework.
Variation
Students could work in pairs or individually on one or two of the questions. The students then give a short oral
presentation to rest of the class.
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
20. Writing a Review
These questions are designed to help you write a review of Romeo and Juliet. You don’t need to answer all
of these questions but the answers will help you to write your review.
“Who” questions
“What” questions
What is the play about?
What genre or classification does it fit?
What is the tone?
“When” and “Where” questions
When does the action take place?
Where does the action take place?
Who wrote it?
Who are the main characters?
Evaluation questions
Did I like it in general? Why?
When does the action take place? Did I agree
with the main purpose/theme? Why/why not?
What specifically did I like or dislike? Why?
How could it be improved?
In writing your review remember that you are trying to be persuasive. Plan your review and
organize it in this way:
Introduction
Give the title and author and summarize the plot. Offer your general impression of the play.
Paragraph 2
How did the actors portray the main characters? Did they fulfil your expectations? Which performance
was the most memorable?
Paragraph 3
Describe a memorable scene and say how it made you feel.
Conclusion
Give your concluding comments and tell the reader why (or why not) to see the play.
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
20. Writing a Review
Teaching notes
Time
40–60 minutes
Skills Focus
Writing.
Aim
To write a review of the play.
Notes
The activity could be presented on the board for an open class discussion or discussed in pairs or small groups.
The student can then individually write the review. The review could be written as homework.
Suggested post activity
Ask the students to read their reviews to the class. Are they mostly positive or negative? Ask them to write
another review using the guide below. Tell the students to write a review of a film/play/book they loved or one
they hated.
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.
21. Vocabulary of Romeo and Juliet
Look at this list of vocabulary that is used in the play. Try to learn the words, as they will help you to
understand the play more easily.
afraid
fault
light (adj.)
short
alive
fancy dress
long
shut up
annoy
fight
loud
selfish
backache
find
marriage
serious
between
forget
marry
sit down
bored
friar
mask
stinking
boyfriend
funny
meddling (adj.)
suit
bride
girlfriend
medicine
suitcase
bury
good-looking
meet
sworn
business
gorgeous
mess
tall
calm down
great
murderer
tomb
careful
greed
myself
true
catch
handsome
pack
turn down
chicken
hate
party
ugly
cool
hatred
peace
want
coward
headache
peaceful
wake up
crazy
heartache
poison
war
dangerous
hide
powerful
waste
darling
hippy
pretty
watch out
diary
hope
prison
wear
die
husband
promise
wedding
dirty
in love
relationship
wife
disgusting
joke
remember
wigs
dress up
kill
ring
worried
early
kiss
run away
worth
enemy
knife
sad
wow
fairI PA
late
scared
young
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This activity is designed to be used in conjunction with a performance of IPA Productions’ Romeo and Juliet.
For more information, visit www.ipaproductions.com.