Shakespeare's Macbeth Quiz and Answer Key Bundle for High School

Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering each act of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. The assessments may double as guided reading worksheets to facilitate active engagement with Shakespearean drama. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. (Alternatively, a self-grading Google Drive bundle option available.)

Act 1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:

• The opening scene

• Characterization of Norway's king

• The fate of the Thane of Cawdor

• Macbeth's new title

• The witches' prophecy

• Banquo's presence

• The news Malcolm shares with his father

• King Duncan's declared successor

• Lady Macbeth's concerns about her husband

• Lady Macbeth's ambition

• Lady Macbeth's influence on her husband

• Details concerning the plot to kill King Duncan

Act 2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:

• Banquo's psychological state

• Macbeth's deception of Banquo

• Macbeth's hallucination

• Details regarding the plot to kill King Duncan

• Lady Macbeth's reason for not being able to kill King Duncan herself

• Macbeth's inability to utter words of prayer

• Lady Macbeth's frustration with her husband

• The porter's thoughts on the effects of alcohol

• Macduff's suspicions

• Lady Macbeth's fainting spell

• The peculiar events following King Duncan's death

• The reason Malcolm and Donalbain are suspected of killing their father

Act 3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:

• Banquo's suspicions

• A feast to honor Macbeth

• Macbeth's newest murderous plan

• Lady Macbeth's ironic reaction to her newfound power

• Macbeth's psychological state

• Macbeth's desire to spare his wife additional guilt

• How Macbeth's murderous plan is a failure

• The appearance of Banquo's ghost

• Macbeth's reason for visiting the witches

• Why Hecate is upset

• A plan to thwart Macbeth

Act 4. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:

• Setting

• The prophecy of the first apparition

• The imagery of the second apparition

• The effect of the second apparition's prophecy on Macbeth's mindset

• Macbeth's curiosity about the future

• Lennox's interaction with Macbeth

• Lady Macduff's anger at her husband

• Ross's attempts to assuage Lady Macduff's anger

• A messenger's ominous message

• Malcolm's cleverness

• News regarding Macduff's family

• The conclusion of Act 4

Act 5. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:

• The effect of Macbeth's absence on Lady Macbeth

• The side effects of Lady Macbeth's guilt

• A doctor's discovery

• Macbeth's attitude toward his war generals

• Malcolm's demands of his men

• Macbeth's hubris

• The news that causes Macbeth to change his perspective

• Macbeth's reaction to a messenger

• The reason for Macbeth's rekindled hope

• Macbeth's battle with a young man

• Macduff's ultimate act of conquering his enemy

• The resolution

Materials are available for teaching a variety of Shakespeare’s plays:

• Hamlet - Google and printable

• Julius Caesar - Google and printable

• King Lear - Google and printable

• Macbeth - Google and printable

• Othello - Google and printable

• Romeo and Juliet - Google and printable

• The Merchant of Venice - Google and printable

• The Tempest - Google and printable