Verdict Roadmap Guide
Verdict Roadmap
Step-by-Step Argumentative Guide
REF: SCOTLAND-CASE-88
Investigator Name
Date of Analysis
1
Pick Your Side (The Claim)
A claim is your opinion stated as a fact. It tells the reader exactly what you believe. Choose one below:
Macbeth deserved to be king because he was a brave warrior and fought for his country until the very end.
Macbeth did not deserve to be king because he used violence and lies to steal the crown from the rightful heirs.
2
The Essay Skeleton
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Hook the reader, introduce the play, and state your Claim.
Paragraph 2: Evidence from Act I, Scene 7
Discuss how Macbeth feels about killing Duncan. Does his hesitation show he's good, or does his choice show he's bad?
Paragraph 3: Evidence from Act V, Scene 8
Discuss Macbeth’s final fight. Does his bravery in battle make him a "true king," or is he just a tyrant getting what he deserves?
Paragraph 4: Conclusion
Summarize your main points and give a final "verdict" on Macbeth’s legacy.
3
Connective Tissue (Transitions)
Use these words to glue your ideas together:
Adding Evidence
Furthermore... / Additionally... / For example...
Showing Result
Therefore... / As a result... / This proves that...
Professional Polish
How to write like a scholar
The Scholarly Tone
Don't say:
"I think Macbeth was a total loser because he listened to his wife too much."
Do say:
"Macbeth’s decision to follow Lady Macbeth’s plan reveals a lack of moral strength, proving he was unfit to lead Scotland."
Essay Jumpstarts
"In Act I, Scene 7, Macbeth admits that..."
"This piece of evidence suggests that Macbeth is..."
"Contrastingly, in Act V, Scene 8, we see a different side..."
"Ultimately, his actions in the final scene confirm that..."
Final Mission Checklist
My first paragraph clearly states if Macbeth deserved the crown.
I quoted at least one line from Act I and one line from Act V.
I used transition words like "Furthermore" or "However."
I checked my capitalization (Macbeth, Scotland, King Duncan).
Evidence Vault Organizer
Evidence Vault
Analyzing the Prosecution & Defense
Investigator Name
Date of Analysis
Objective: Find specific lines from the play to support your claim. Use the boxes below to organize your thoughts before you start writing your essay.
EXHIBIT A
Act I, Scene 7: The Inner Conflict
Direct Quote (Evidence)
Analysis (Explanation)
EXHIBIT B
Act V, Scene 8: The Final Stand
Direct Quote (Evidence)
Analysis (Explanation)
Evidence Investigation Starters
Act I
"I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition..."
Act V
"I will not yield, to kiss the ground before young Malcolm's feet..."
Model Verdict Sample
Model Verdict
Example Argumentative Essay with Annotations
The Tragedy of a Thief
In William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, the main character’s journey from a loyal soldier to a dead tyrant is a warning about greed. Although Macbeth was once a brave hero, his actions prove he was unfit to lead. Macbeth did not deserve to be king of Scotland because he murdered a good king and let his selfish ambition destroy the country.
Evidence of Macbeth’s unfitness for the crown appears early in the play. In Act I, Scene 7, Macbeth struggles with his conscience. He realizes that King Duncan is his guest and he is "his kinsman and his subject," meaning he should be protecting the king, not killing him. This quote proves that Macbeth knew killing the king was a crime against nature. However, he chooses to ignore his morals and follow his "vaulting ambition" instead. A true king should protect his people and follow the law, but Macbeth chose to break the law to get what he wanted.
Additionally, the final scene of the play confirms that Macbeth was a tyrant who lost the respect of his people. In Act V, Scene 8, Macbeth faces Macduff in battle. Even though he knows he is doomed, he says, "I will not yield, to kiss the ground before young Malcolm's feet." While some might see this as brave, it actually shows he is stubborn and arrogant. He would rather see Scotland bleed in a hopeless war than admit he was wrong.
In conclusion, Macbeth’s reign was built on blood and ended in failure. By killing Duncan and refusing to surrender, he showed that he cared more about his own power than the safety of Scotland. Therefore, he did not deserve the crown he stole.
The Claim
The writer clearly states their position on Macbeth right at the start.
Evidence & Analysis
The writer uses a quote from Act I and explains why it makes him a bad king.
The Transition
Notice the word "Additionally" connects the two scenes smoothly.
Final Verdict
The writer sums up the main argument without adding new information.
Pro Tip
Use words like Tyrant, Moral Strength, and Illegitimate for a higher score.
Verdict Draft Template
The Verdict Draft
Scotland’s Final Judgment
Draft Status
Internal Use Only
Investigator Name
Date
Essay Title
Paragraph 1: Introduction & Claim
Paragraph 2: Evidence from Act I, Scene 7
Paragraph 3: Evidence from Act V, Scene 8
Paragraph 4: Conclusion
End of Formal Argumentative Statement
