1a. How did Elizabeth lose her mother?
2a. What were people's attitudes about having a female ruler?
3a. Who was Mary Queen of Scots, and why did Elizabeth order her to be beheaded?
4a. Cite examples of Elizabeth's methods of punishing people who went against her will. Make another list of ways in which she benefits her supporters.
5a. How does Elizabeth view her role as queen? What does she think of the English people?
1b. How did the death of her mother affect Elizabeth, if at all?
2b. How did Elizabeth deal with these attitudes?
3b. Why did Elizabeth find it "almost intolerable" to put to death a crowned queen?
4b. What do these actions suggest about her personality? What condition was England in when Elizabeth became queen? When she died? What changes did Elizabeth make, and how? Do you think she deserved the title "Good Queen Bess"?
5b. What might Elizabeth have done in life if she hadn't become queen? Explain your answer
Biography. Based on this selection, do you think the author admires Elizabeth? Why, or why not? Do you think he wants other people to admire Elizabeth? Explain. Do you think the author is fair in his depiction of Elizabeth? In other words, do you think he tells both sides of the story? Explain your responses.
Concrete Details. What concrete details does "Elizabeth I" provide about the life of the queen? How do they help you better understand who she was?
1. Imagine that you have been crowned queen (or king) for a day. Write a schedule detailing what you would do during a typical day as ruler.
2. Write an imaginary love letter or poem from a suitor to Elizabeth. Your letter or poem can be funny, serious, or overly sentimental.
3. Based on the examples from the selection, write a business letter to Elizabeth, complaining about a serious issue or praising her for a particular success.
Word Families. You can build your vocabulary if you learn different parts of speech that all come from the same base. Use your dictionary to help you complete the following:
1. ally (noun) Definition, in your own words: Use in a sentence:
2. allied (adjective) Definition, in your own words: Use in a sentence:
3. alliance (noun) Definition, in your own words: Use in a sentence:
4. oppose (verb) Definition, in your own words: Use in a sentence:
5. opponent (noun) Definition, in your own words: Use in a sentence:
6. opposite (adjective) Definition, in your own words: Use in a sentence:
7. opposition (noun) Definition, in your own words: Use in a sentence: ]
8. prosper (verb) Definition, in your own words: Use in a sentence:
9. prosperous (adjective) Definition, in your own words: Use in a sentence:
10. prosperity (noun) Definition, in your own words: Use in a sentence:
Group Discussion. As a class, discuss the pros and cons of a constitutional monarchy such as that in England versus the political system in America. Would you want a monarchy in America? Why, or why not? During the discussion, write the pros of this political system on the left side of the page and its cons on the right side.
Designing a Coat of Arms. Using the Internet or library resources, find examples of coats of arms and design one for your family. In creating your family coat of arms, consider such things as the meaning of your name, special hobbies or interests that your family has, or where your family is from. If your family has a coat of arms already, find out what it means. Write a description or make a picture of your coat of arms to display for the entire class. Take down some notes as you explore the Internet and library resources.
Listing of Internet and library resources used:
Examples of coats of arms found:
Notes on your family, its name, and any existing coat of arms:
Description of your new coat of arms:
