Searching for Shakespeare - Lesson 2 - Linear Notes Worksheet

In Lesson 2, students learn the art of creating linear notes, a method of note-taking that organises information chronologically. This technique is particularly useful for structuring complex data into clear and accessible categories. To illustrate this concept, the lesson uses the life and works of William Shakespeare as a case study. Students are shown how to divide Shakespeare's life into two primary categories: Personal Life and Professional Life.

Under the 'Personal Life' category, students note key facts such as Shakespeare's birth year, 1564, and his birthplace, Stratford, England. They also record details about his family background, identifying him as the son of John and Mary Shakespeare. Moving on to the 'Professional Life' category, the notes highlight Shakespeare's early career, where he joined a company of travelling actors, known as 'players', between 1585 and 1590. The notes further detail his move to London around 1590 to immerse himself in the theatre scene and mention his work 'Two Gentlemen of Verona', written in 1592. By structuring notes in this linear fashion, students can easily trace the progression of Shakespeare's life and career, making the information more digestible and memorable.