William Shakespeare
Study note
William Shakespeare, who lived from 1564 to 1616, is one of the most famous writers in the English language. He was born in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon and worked as a playwright, poet and actor. He wrote in London, where his plays were performed at theatres including the Globe.
Shakespeare wrote many plays that are still staged today, among them Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Macbeth. He also wrote poems and sonnets, and many phrases he invented are still part of everyday English. Oliver Twist, Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter are not his work, so watch out for them as wrong options. The key facts to remember are that he was a playwright and poet, that he was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, and that Hamlet, Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet are among his plays.
Memory tip: Shakespeare, born in Stratford-upon-Avon; wrote Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet.
Practise this topic
Question 1 of 4
In which town was William Shakespeare born?
Show all questions and answers for William Shakespeare(4 questions with explanations)
William Shakespeare: questions, answers and explanations
1. In which town was William Shakespeare born?
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Edinburgh
- Oxford
- London
Correct answer: Stratford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon.
2. Which of these is a play written by Shakespeare?
- Harry Potter
- Sherlock Holmes
- Oliver Twist
- Macbeth
Correct answer: Macbeth
Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's famous plays.
3. William Shakespeare was a famous English playwright and poet.
- True
- False
Correct answer: True
True. Shakespeare was a celebrated playwright and poet.
4. Select TWO plays written by William Shakespeare.
- Romeo and Juliet
- Hamlet
- Oliver Twist
- The Jungle Book
Correct answer: Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet
Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet are plays by Shakespeare.
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