Shakespeare: Who Was The Bard? By Mia Hodorovich 2018
Authored by Julie Aguirre
English
12th Grade
CCSS covered
Used 8+ times
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About
This quiz focuses on the Shakespeare authorship controversy, examining the ongoing scholarly debate about whether William Shakespeare of Stratford-upon-Avon actually wrote the plays and sonnets attributed to him. Designed for 12th grade students, this assessment requires sophisticated reading comprehension skills and the ability to analyze complex literary and historical arguments. Students must demonstrate their understanding of various authorship theories, including the "single author" candidates like Edward de Vere, Sir Francis Bacon, and Christopher Marlowe, as well as the "multiple author" hypothesis first proposed by Delia Bacon. The questions demand critical thinking skills as students evaluate evidence, identify central ideas, analyze how specific paragraphs contribute to the overall argument, and understand the author's purpose in presenting multiple perspectives on this contentious topic. Students need to synthesize information about historical context, literary scholarship, and the relationship between available biographical evidence and theories of authorship. Created by Julie Aguirre, an English teacher in the US who teaches grade 12. This quiz serves as an excellent tool for assessing students' close reading abilities and their capacity to engage with complex literary scholarship. Teachers can effectively use this assessment as a formative evaluation following a unit on Shakespeare or as part of a broader exploration of authorship questions in literature. The quiz works particularly well as a follow-up to reading assignments about the authorship controversy, allowing students to demonstrate their comprehension of competing theories while practicing essential analytical skills. It can function as homework to reinforce classroom discussions, as a review activity before a larger assessment, or as a warm-up to generate class discussion about evidence and scholarly debate. This assessment aligns with Common Core standards CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1 and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.7, as students must cite textual evidence to support analysis and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats.
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10 questions
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1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What is the main controversy discussed in the text?
Shakespeare's true authorship
The origin of the English language
The influence of Italian literature on Shakespeare
The role of women in Shakespeare's plays
2.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
Who first proposed the theory that Shakespeare's works were not written by one person but by several?
William Stanley
Edward de Vere
Delia Bacon
Christopher Marlowe
Tags
CCSS.RL.9-10.9
CCSS.RI.11-12.9
CCSS.RI.9-10.9
CCSS.RI.K.6
CCSS.RL.11-12.9
3.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
According to the text, why might authors have used the pseudonym "Shakespeare"?
To avoid public recognition
To claim authorship for social status, politics, or gender reasons
To gain more popularity
To avoid being associated with courtly audiences
Tags
CCSS.RI.11-12.5
CCSS.RI.6.5
CCSS.RI.7.5
CCSS.RI.8.5
CCSS.RI.9-10.5
4.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
Which of the following plays was based on a translation of Plutarch?
Julius Caesar
Romeo and Juliet
Troilus and Cressida
Troilus and Criseyde
Tags
CCSS.RL.9-10.9
CCSS.RI.3.5
CCSS.RL.4.1
CCSS.RL.5.1
5.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
Who are the most popular candidates for the "single author theory" according to the text?
William Stanley, Edward de Vere, Sir Francis Bacon, Christopher Marlowe
William Stanley, Edward de Vere, Geoffrey Chaucer, Christopher Marlowe
William Stanley, Edward de Vere, Delia Bacon, Christopher Marlowe
William Stanley, Edward de Vere, Sir Francis Bacon, Geoffrey Chaucer
Tags
CCSS.RL.9-10.9
CCSS.RI.11-12.9
CCSS.RI.9-10.9
CCSS.RI.K.6
CCSS.RL.11-12.9
6.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
Which statement identifies the central idea of the text?
While people speculate about Shakespeare and his identity, there is no real proof that he wasn't responsible for his work.
The mystery around Shakespeare's identity has exaggerated his fame and encouraged people to read his work around the world.
Most people agree that Shakespeare is not the one 'true' author of his work, but scholars will never know for sure.
The high number and quality of Shakespeare's plays proves that one 'true' author isn't responsible for his entire body of work.
Tags
CCSS.RL.11-12.2
CCSS.RL.9-10.2
CCSS.RI. 9-10.2
CCSS.RI.11-12.2
CCSS.RL.8.2
7.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?
"A marriage certificate, a will, and two portraits are about all that remains. Even his exact birthday is unknown, though it is generally observed on April 23." (Paragraph 2)
"Furthermore, Bacon was skilled with ciphers, and supporters claim to have found hidden codes in the plays that attribute the work to Sir Bacon." (Paragraph 9)
"The theory that Shakespeare was not the true author of his works has gained popularity over the past 150 years. However, the majority of Shakespearean scholars remain unconvinced." (Paragraph 11)
"His influence knows no bounds. For some, it can be hard to believe that one man could have such impact." (Paragraph 12)
Tags
CCSS.RL.11-12.2
CCSS.RL.8.1
CCSS.RL.9-10.2
CCSS.RI.8.2
CCSS.RL.7.2
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