Blank Verse | Iambic Pentameter and the Rhythm of English

This EFL resource introduces learners to the fundamentals of blank verse, with a focus on iambic pentameter — the rhythmic backbone of Shakespeare’s plays and one of the most natural patterns in English speech.

Students learn to identify and hear the rhythm of unstressed and stressed syllables, understand how Shakespeare uses this pattern in famous lines, and see how similar rhythms appear in everyday spoken English. By exploring this pattern, learners can improve both reading fluency and spoken pronunciation, helping them sound more natural and confident in English.

Examples from both modern speech and Shakespeare’s plays make this worksheet accessible, relevant, and great for bridging classic literature with real-world communication.

This resource is also part of our Shakespeare | EFL Resource Pack, which is available to download here.

Perfect For:

• TEFL, ESOL, and EAL teachers introducing Shakespeare’s style
• Lessons on rhythm, intonation, and natural English pronunciation
• Learners exploring the connection between poetry and spoken language
• Pronunciation workshops, literature units, or cross-curricular lessons

Please Note: Once you have completed your purchase, you will receive a PDF to download and print. This is a digital download – no physical product will be shipped.