Let’s be honest — Julius Caesar can feel heavy. Too many characters, speeches and politics. But here’s the good news: ICSE does not test the whole play — it tests how clearly you understand and present it. If you follow these tips, drama can become one of your safest scoring sections.
Read the Question Like a Detective
Before you even start writing, slow down and decode the question.
Is it asking for:
- context?
- character traits?
- theme?
- explanation of a speech?
Many students lose marks not because they don’t know the answer, but because they write everything instead of what is asked.
Context Questions Are Free Marks (If You Use a Formula)
For “Explain with reference to context” questions, follow this simple order:
- Who is speaking
- To whom
- When (situation)
- Why (reason)
- What happens next
Stick to this structure always.
Quotes: Less Is More
You don’t need long Shakespearean lines to impress the examiner. Short, accurate phrases work best:
- “Beware the Ides of March”
- “Et tu, Brute?”
- “Friends, Romans, countrymen”
Use quotes only to support your point — never to replace explanation.
Know Your Hot Zones
Some parts of the play are exam favourites:
- Caesar’s murder
- Antony’s funeral speech
- Brutus as a tragic hero
- Fate vs free will
If you’re short on time, master these areas first. They appear again and again in different forms.
Antony’s Speech the Game Changer
Antony doesn’t shout or accuse — he manipulates. That’s the magic. Whenever a question mentions his speech, remember:
- emotional appeal
- irony (“honourable men”)
- use of Caesar’s will
- turning the crowd
Even a simple explanation can fetch full marks if these points are clear.
Writing About Characters? Keep It Balanced
For character questions:
- start with a one-line introduction
- mention 2–3 qualities with incidents
- end with a concluding line
For Brutus especially, always show both sides:
- noble intentions
- tragic mistakes
Examiners love balanced answers.
Presentation Matters More Than You Think
Neat handwriting, proper paragraphs, and spacing can quietly push your score up. Underline key words once or twice — don’t decorate the page.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing up Antony’s and Brutus’ speeches
- Retelling the whole story instead of answering the question
- Ignoring Acts III–V (these are the core acts)
Final Exam-Day Mindset
Don’t try to sound like Shakespeare. Sound clear, confident and relevant. That’s what the examiner wants.
If your answer is clear, structured, and linked to the text, Drama becomes easy marks.
