AQA practice exam-style question: the supernatural
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A GCSE practice exam question for students studying Macbeth and following the AQA English literature specification. The question is an extract-based question focusing on Macbeth and Banquo's meeting with the witches in Act 1 Scene 3.
What’s included
Available to download as a printable PDF (free for all users) or an editable Word document version (exclusive to subscribers), this exam practice resource includes:
- An extract from Act 1 Scene 3 of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', featuring Macbeth and Banquo's encounter with the witches
- A GCSE-level exam question based on the extract, focusing on Shakespeare's presentation of the supernatural
- Guidance on how to approach the question, including specific points to address in the answer
How to use this GCSE Macbeth resource
Teachers:
- Use as a model for creating similar practice questions on other parts of the play
- Incorporate into lesson plans for analysing Shakespeare's use of language and dramatic devices
- Assign as homework to reinforce understanding of the supernatural theme
- Use in timed practice sessions to help students manage exam conditions
- Discuss model answers to highlight effective essay structure and analysis techniques
Students:
- Practise answering the question under timed conditions to improve exam technique
- Use as a revision tool to review key quotes and themes related to the supernatural
- Compare their responses with peers to gain different perspectives on the extract
- Create mind maps or visual aids based on the extract to reinforce understanding
- Use the guidance provided to structure their own revision notes on other themes in the play
Looking for more like this?
Browse all GCSE Macbeth resources or try:
- AQA Practice exam question: 'Macbeth'
- Practice exam question: Macbeth as an unwilling murderer
- Exam style question: the witches' influence
Macbeth practice exam-style question: the supernatural
Read the following extract from Act 1 Scene 3 of Macbeth and then answer the question that follows. In this extract, Macbeth and Banquo meet the witches for the first time.
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BANQUO How far is't called to Forres? What are these, So withered and so wild in their attire, That look not like th’inhabitants o' th’ earth, And yet are on't? Live you, or are you aught That man may question? You seem to understand me, By each at once her choppy finger laying Upon her skinny lips; you should be women, And yet your beards forbid me to interpret That you are so.
MACBETH Speak, if you can: what are you?
First Witch All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Glamis.
Second Witch All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor.
Third Witch All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter.
BANQUO Good sir, why do you start; and seem to fear Things that do sound so fair? I'th’name of truth, Are ye fantastical, or that indeed Which outwardly ye show? My noble partner You greet with present grace and great prediction Of noble having and of royal hope, That he seems rapt withal. To me you speak not. If you can look into the seeds of time, And say which grain will grow and which will not, Speak then to me, who neither beg nor fear Your favours nor your hate. |
Starting with this extract, how does Shakespeare present the supernatural in Macbeth?
Write about:
- how Shakespeare presents the witches in this extract
- how Shakespeare presents the supernatural in the play as a whole.
[30 marks]
AO4 [4 marks]
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