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Education
Dear Teachers,

The provided lesson works best for English or drama classes after the parts of plot have been taught.  The lesson is for both honors and average classes.  Prior to giving the assignment, teachers must acquire information on the legend of the Bell Witch of Adams, Tennessee.  I used books from my high school library, but there are also several good Internet sites.  You might want to require students to do their own research as a part of the assignment.  For assignment three, writing a critique, a give my students sample critiques from the New York Times.  Because of copyright infringement, I am unable to include these.  Critiques can be found on www.newyorktimes.com.

Melissa Lindsey
Montgomery Central High School
Clarksville Montgomery County Schools





Assignment for Honors
and Standard classes

Part One:  Answer the following questions after seeing the play and reading the Bell Witch information sheet provided in class.
1. Which legend was this play primarily based upon?
2.  Were any aspects from the other two legends included in the play?  If yes, which aspects?



Part Two:  Answer the following questions about the plot of Spirit after seeing the play:
  1. 1.  What exposition was given (background, setting, characters, etc.)?
2.  What conflicts could be found in the play?  Explain at least three.

3.  What was the climax?
4.  What was the resolution?
 

The Bell Witch Play:  Spirit
Honors Assignment: Part Three

Directions:  After viewing the play and reading the excerpts of critiques provided in class, compose your own critique of Spirit.  You should include the set, characters, direction, writing, and location.  This is not a summary of the play.  Assume that the reader is familiar with the play.  Use the critiques as a guide.  Use all proper conventions of formal writing, grammar, and mechanics.



Bell Witch Extra Credit Assignment –
Honors and Standard Classes
1. Honors and Average:  Read the information sheet on the Bell Witch you were given in class.
2.  Honors and Average:  Attend the play and decide which of the three stories (or which parts of the stories were used for the play).
3.  Honors and Average:  Complete the attached worksheet, which includes questions about #2 above, and the exposition, conflicts, climax, and resolution of the play. 

 Honors Classes only:  Write a ½ page critique of the play.  Consider the following in your critique: performance of actors, stage setting, location, and writing.  This is a formal writing assignment.  Use formal diction and proofread for grammatical, mechanical, and spelling errors. Remember:  To earn full credit for this assignment, you must turn in QUALITY, HONORS-level work.