Writing a play on the value of hard work

English Language 

Composition 

Second Term Lesson Note

Week 2

Primary 6 

Write out the basic features of a play 

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to 

1. Identify the basic features of a play like plot, theme, setting, character, dialogue etc 
2. Write out a play on their own ideas not less than three characters 
3. Perform or act the play 

Entry Behaviour

Pupils have been taught how to write or act a play

Instructional Materials

• Audio Visual Resources 
• Flash cards 
• Online Dictionary 
• Recommended English Textbook 
• Chart 
• Hard copy dictionary 

Methods of Teaching

• Class Discussion
• Group Discussion
• Asking Questions
• Explanation
• Role Modelling
• Role Delegation

Reference Materials 

• Scheme of Work
• Online Information
• Textbooks
• Workbooks
• 9 Year Basic Education Curriculum

Content 

Features of a play 

1. Plot: The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story of a play. It includes the characters, their actions and interactions, and the conflict or issue that drives the story forward.
2. Characters: A play typically has a cast of characters who drive the action and dialogue of the story. These characters can be fictional or based on real people, and they may be complex and multi-dimensional or more straightforward and stereotypical.
3. Dialogue: Dialogue is the spoken conversation between characters in a play. It is an important way for characters to reveal their thoughts, feelings, and motivations, and it helps to advance the plot and build tension or conflict.
4. Setting: The setting of a play refers to the time and place in which the action takes place. It can be a real or fictional location, and it may be described in detail or left more open to interpretation.
5. Stage directions: Stage directions are instructions in a play script that tell the actors, director, and crew how to stage the action and what to do during a performance. They may include details about blocking, lighting, sound, and other technical elements, as well as descriptions of the characters’ actions and expressions.
6. Theme: The theme of a play is the underlying message or lesson that the playwright is trying to convey through the characters, plot, and other elements. It is often a commentary on some aspect of human experience or a universal truth.
7. Genre: Plays can be classified into different genres based on the style, content, and conventions they follow. Some common genres include comedy, tragedy, drama, and farce.
8. Tone: The tone of a play refers to the overall mood or atmosphere that is created by the language, characters, and actions. It can be serious, light-hearted, sarcastic, or any other emotion or combination of emotions.
9. Structure: The structure of a play refers to the way the plot and other elements are organized and presented. It can be linear, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, or more complex and nonlinear.
10. Performance: A play is typically performed live on stage, with actors, sets, props, and other technical elements used to bring the script to life. The performance may also include music, dance, and other elements to enhance the experience for the audience.
11. Dialogue: As mentioned previously, dialogue is the spoken conversation between characters in a play. It is an important tool for character development and for advancing the plot. In addition to dialogue, plays may also use monologues, which are extended speeches delivered by a single character, often to reveal their inner thoughts or feelings.
12. Characterization: Characterization is the process of creating and developing characters in a play. It involves the use of various techniques, such as dialogue, action, and appearance, to reveal the character’s personality, background, motivations, and other traits.
13. Mime: Mime, also known as physical theater, is the use of body movement and facial expressions to convey meaning and emotions without the use of words. It is often used in plays as a way to add visual interest and to convey meaning to the audience.
14. Tragedy: Tragedy is a genre of play that centers on the suffering and downfall of a hero or protagonist. It often involves themes of fate, justice, and the human condition, and it typically ends with the death or destruction of the central character.
15. Comedy: Comedy is a genre of play that is designed to amuse and entertain the audience. It often involves humorous situations, characters, and dialogue, and it often has a happy or satisfying ending.
16. Drama: Drama is a genre of play that focuses on serious or important themes and characters. It often explores complex emotions and relationships, and it may involve intense or realistic dialogue and action.
17. Farce: Farce is a genre of play that is characterized by exaggerated or absurd situations, characters, and dialogue. It is often used for comedic effect and may involve physical humor and over-the-top performances.
18. Monologues: As mentioned previously, monologues are extended speeches delivered by a single character. They can be used to reveal the character’s inner thoughts and feelings, to move the plot forward, or to provide background information to the audience.
19. Soliloquies: A soliloquy is a monologue delivered by a character when they are alone or when they think they are alone. It is often used to reveal the character’s innermost thoughts and feelings, and it can be an important tool for character development.
20. Asides: An aside is a brief remark made by a character that is not intended to be heard by the other characters on stage. It is often used to provide additional information or context to the audience.

Evaluation

1. What is the main purpose of dialogue in a play? a. To advance the plot b. To reveal character traits c. To build tension or conflict d. All of the above
2. Which of the following is NOT a common genre of play? a. Tragedy b. Comedy c. Romance d. Action
3. What is the function of stage directions in a play? a. To describe the characters’ actions and expressions b. To convey the setting and time period c. To provide technical instructions for the actors, director, and crew d. All of the above
4. What is the purpose of characterization in a play? a. To create and develop the characters b. To reveal the characters’ backgrounds and motivations c. To build tension or conflict d. All of the above
5. What is an aside in a play? a. A brief remark made by a character that is not intended to be heard by the other characters on stage b. A monologue delivered by a character when they are alone or when they think they are alone c. An extended speech delivered by a single character to reveal their inner thoughts or feelings d. A genre of play characterized by exaggerated or absurd situations, characters, and dialogue
6. What is the main purpose of mime in a play? a. To add visual interest b. To convey meaning without the use of words c. To build tension or conflict d. All of the above
7. What is the theme of a play? a. The underlying message or lesson that the playwright is trying to convey b. The time and place in which the action takes place c. The overall mood or atmosphere created by the language, characters, and actions d. The sequence of events that make up the story
8. What is the structure of a play? a. The way the plot and other elements are organized and presented b. The time and place in which the action takes place c. The underlying message or lesson that the playwright is trying to convey d. The sequence of events that make up the story
9. Which of the following is NOT a common element of a play? a. Dialogue b. Characterization c. Setting d. Plot twists
10. What is the purpose of a performance in a play? a. To bring the script to life with actors, sets, props, and other technical elements b. To convey the setting and time period c. To create and develop the characters d. All of the above

Answers

1. d. All of the above
2. d. Action
3. d. All of the above
4. d. All of the above
5. a. A brief remark made by a character that is not intended to be heard by the other characters on stage
6. b. To convey meaning without the use of words
7. a. The underlying message or lesson that the playwright is trying to convey
8. a. The way the plot and other elements are organized and presented
9. d. Plot twists
10. a. To bring the script to life with actors, sets, props, and other technical elements

Composition of a play not more than three characters 

Ebuka: (sitting at his desk, working on a project) Ugh, I can’t believe how much work I have to do for this presentation.

Babajide: (entering the room) Hey Ebuka, what’s up? You look stressed.

Ebuka: Yeah, I have this big project due tomorrow and I’m struggling to get everything done.

Babajide: Don’t worry, man. You can do it. Just stay focused and put in the hard work.

Ebuka: (sighing) I know, but it’s just so overwhelming.

Adigun: (entering the room) Hey guys, what’s going on?

Babajide: Ebuka’s stressing out about this project he has due tomorrow.

Adigun: Ah, I know how that feels. But remember, hard work always pays off in the end.

Ebuka: (perking up) You’re right. I just need to buckle down and get it done.

Babajide: Exactly. Just keep your head down and stay focused.

Ebuka: (nodding) Thanks, guys. You’re right. I can do this.

Adigun: Good luck, Ebuka. And remember, the reward of hard work is always worth it in the end.

Moral: Hard work and determination can lead to success and accomplishment. The rewards of putting in effort and dedication are always worth it in the end.

Questions

1. Who is sitting at his desk working on a project at the beginning of the playlet? a. Ebuka b. Babajide c. Adigun
2. Who enters the room and asks Ebuka what’s wrong? a. Babajide b. Adigun c. Ebuka’s boss
3. Who tells Ebuka not to worry and to stay focused and put in the hard work? a. Babajide b. Adigun c. Ebuka’s boss
4. Who enters the room and asks what’s going on? a. Babajide b. Adigun c. Ebuka’s boss
5. Who tells Ebuka that hard work always pays off in the end? a. Babajide b. Adigun c. Ebuka’s boss
6. Who tells Ebuka to keep his head down and stay focused? a. Babajide b. Adigun c. Ebuka’s boss
7. What is the main message or moral of the playlet? a. Hard work is never worth it b. Laziness is the key to success c. Hard work and determination can lead to success and accomplishment
8. Who is the protagonist of the playlet? a. Ebuka b. Babajide c. Adigun
9. Who are the supporting characters in the playlet? a. Ebuka and Babajide b. Babajide and Adigun c. Ebuka and Adigun
10. Who gives Ebuka encouragement and advice throughout the playlet? a. Babajide b. Adigun c. Both Babajide and Adigun

Answers

1. a. Ebuka
2. a. Babajide
3. a. Babajide
4. b. Adigun
5. b. Adigun
6. a. Babajide
7. c. Hard work and determination can lead to success and accomplishment
8. a. Ebuka
9. c. Ebuka and Adigun
10. c. Both Babajide and Adigun

Presentation

The lesson presentation is done step by step. The class teacher or subject teacher does the following

1. Introduce the topic: I would begin by explaining to the students what a playlet is and the purpose of a playlet. I would also introduce the topic of the reward of hard work and the importance of hard work in achieving success and accomplishment.
2. Read the playlet: Next, I would read the playlet to the students, paying close attention to the dialogue, actions, and characters of the playlet. I would encourage the students to listen carefully and pay attention to the plot and the moral of the playlet.
3. Discuss the playlet: After reading the playlet, I would lead a discussion with the students to help them understand the main points and themes of the playlet. I would ask questions like “What is the plot of the playlet?”, “What are the characters like?”, and “What is the moral or message of the playlet?” to help the students engage with the material.
4. Act out the playlet: To help the students better understand and remember the playlet, I would assign different parts to different students and have them act out the playlet in small groups. This would allow the students to use their creativity and practice their communication and teamwork skills.
5. Review and reflect: After the students have acted out the playlet, I would review the main points and themes of the playlet with the class as a whole. I would also encourage the students to reflect on the importance of hard work and the rewards it can bring.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the overall goal in teaching this topic would be to help the students understand the value of hard work and the role it can play in achieving success and accomplishment. I would use a variety of teaching methods and activities to engage the students and help them understand and remember the material.

To conclude the lesson, the class teacher or subject teacher does a brief review of what he or she has just taught the pupils. He ask you questions that are related to the topic to ascertain if the learners have actually assimilated and understood the new topic that has just been taught