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William Shakespeare (1564 to 1616)

Study note

The Elizabethan age is famous for its poetry and drama, and no name shines brighter than that of William Shakespeare, who lived from 1564 to 1616. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language.

Shakespeare was born in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon. He worked as a playwright, an actor and a poet, and his plays are still performed and studied across the world today. Among his best known works are Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Macbeth.

His influence on the English language was enormous. He invented many new words and phrases that people still use without realising where they came from. The plays of his day were staged in open-air theatres, and the modern Globe Theatre in London is a faithful copy of the kind of theatre where Shakespeare's plays were first performed. For the test, fix in mind his dates of 1564 to 1616, his birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon, his plays such as Hamlet and Macbeth, and the Globe Theatre.

Memory tip: Shakespeare 1564 to 1616, from Stratford-upon-Avon; the Globe Theatre; Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet.

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Question 1 of 5

In which town was William Shakespeare born?

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Show all questions and answers for William Shakespeare (1564 to 1616)(5 questions with explanations)

William Shakespeare (1564 to 1616): questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. In which town was William Shakespeare born?

    • Canterbury
    • Stratford-upon-Avon
    • York
    • London

    Correct answer: Stratford-upon-Avon

    Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon.

  2. 2. During which years did William Shakespeare live?

    • 1455 to 1485
    • 1714 to 1760
    • 1564 to 1616
    • 1603 to 1660

    Correct answer: 1564 to 1616

    William Shakespeare lived from 1564 to 1616.

  3. 3. Select TWO plays written by William Shakespeare.

    • Hamlet
    • The Canterbury Tales
    • Macbeth
    • The Jungle Book

    Correct answer: Hamlet and Macbeth

    Hamlet and Macbeth are plays by Shakespeare; The Canterbury Tales was by Chaucer.

  4. 4. The Globe Theatre in London is a modern copy of theatres associated with whom?

    • Geoffrey Chaucer
    • Robert Burns
    • William Shakespeare
    • Charles Dickens

    Correct answer: William Shakespeare

    The Globe Theatre is a modern copy of the theatres where Shakespeare's plays were first performed.

  5. 5. William Shakespeare invented many words that are still used in English today.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Shakespeare had a great influence on English and invented many words.

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