Goals

Groups will show that they deeply understand the story and language of Othello by annotating the script. Each group will mark-up their script noting each of the following parts indicated below.

 

Details

Duration: 120+ minutes

Assessments: Student writing, Group work

 

Description

In groups, students will equally divide up responsibilities to ensure that all parts are completed. The student tasks and instruction are:

a. Action Verbs – Each time the character speaks you must include his/her intent for speaking.

b. Definitions – Provide definitions for any words that you do not know. You do NOT need to provide definitions for words that are already in your glossary.

c. Division of Subscenes – Almost all scenes can be divided into subscenes. A subscene is a part that is usually marked by a character's entrance or exit.

d. Subscene Titles – Include a title that reflects the action or main events of the subscene.

e. Subscene Summary Sentences – Write one sentence that summarizes the main events. action, etc. of the subscene.

SEE RESOURCES FOR A MODEL.

Script Annotation Model
This is an example of student work, but it is not from Othello....
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Author Reflections

By the time students are seniors, they are aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses and know best how to collaborate to ensure that all tasks are completed.

We offered an "Action Verb List" so students could use fresh, exciting verbs rather than the old stand-bys. We wanted these words to become standard vocabulary for students to use in writing and speech.

It was challenging to monitor the definition/vocabulary section. We used it primarily as a way "in" for students who were interested in learning the vocabulary.

All 3 subscene tasks required students to re-read and re-visit the play, while critically analyzing and distilling the most pertinent information. Many of the students chose the monologue they would end up performing while completing this task.