Starter quiz
- Which countries below feature in the plot of 'Beowulf'?
- England
- Geatland ✓
- Denmark ✓
- the Roman Empire
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- Which characters below live in Denmark at the start of 'Beowulf'?
- Hrothgar ✓
- Beowulf
- Hygelac
- Grendel ✓
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- Why does Beowulf want to travel to Denmark?
- to see King Hrothgar
- to drink in Heorot, the great feasting-hall
- to defeat Grendel and save the Danes ✓
- to see Denmark's beautiful landscape
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- In what ways is the character of Beowulf like a classic hero?
- He is described as very strong. ✓
- He is keen for adventure. ✓
- He is very shy.
- He is determined to help people in need. ✓
- He has magical powers.
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- What does the Danish coastguard say when Beowulf says he will defeat Grendel? Choose the best summary.
- 'Actions speak louder than words.' ✓
- 'Too many cooks spoil the broth.'
- 'A stitch in time saves nine.'
- 'Do as you would be done by.'
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- Why do you think the Danes ask the Geats to leave their weapons outside when they come to see King Hrothgar?
- because they know no weapons can hurt Grendel
- because the weapons are low quality
- because they are worried the Geats might attack ✓
- because they don't yet know if they can trust the Geats ✓
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Exit quiz
- Where does Beowulf meet Hrothgar?
- in England
- in Heorot ✓
- in Denmark ✓
- in Hygelac
- in Geatland
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- How does Beowulf say he will fight Grendel?
- with his bare hands ✓
- with his sword
- wearing his corslet
- with dragons' teeth
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- Match each key term to the correct meaning.
- combat⇔fighting ✓
- reckless⇔not worried about consequences ✓
- corslet⇔armour covering the torso ✓
- cask⇔container for alcohol ✓
- Put these events from Chapter 3 of 'Beowulf' in order.
- 1⇔Beowulf explains his plan to Hrothgar.
- 2⇔The Geats enjoy a feast.
- 3⇔Unferth confronts Beowulf.
- 4⇔The Danes leave Heorot.
- 5⇔The Geats settle down to sleep.
- Match each key term to the correct meaning.
- boisterous⇔noisy and energetic ✓
- adorned⇔bejewelled, decorated ✓
- burly⇔large and strong ✓
- bolster⇔thick, long pillow ✓
- Which of the following are pieces of evidence that support the impression that Heorot is a pleasant place?
- There are garnets embedded in the tables. ✓
- Unferth spat on the floor.
- The hall is filled with the scent of herbs. ✓
- The tables are candlelit. ✓
- There is a space in front of Hrothgar's throne.
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Worksheet
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Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Beowulf arrives at Heorot, the Danish court, and he explains his plan to defeat Grendel to King Hrothgar.
- One Dane, Unferth, confronts Beowulf and says that he stands no chance against Grendel.
- We are given the impression that Beowulf is very confident and that Unferth is very rude.
- We can find evidence within the text to support these impressions.
- Authors may consciously create impressions by dropping hints in a text.
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to find evidence within the text to support an idea.
Ensure pupils have read or followed the text themselves before attempting the tasks so that they are familiar with where to look for information.
Keywords
Prediction - an educated guess based on evidence in the text or prior knowledge
In role - when you take on the perspective of a character in a text
Impressions - initial feelings about a person, place or thing gained from reading a text
Evidence - information or facts to show something is true
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