Introduction to Figures of Speech Literature English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 9

Subject: Literature in English

Class: JSS 1

Term: First Term

Week: 9

Topic: Introduction to Figures of Speech

Duration: 40 minutes

Age: 12–13 years

Behavioural Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define figures of speech.
2. Identify common figures of speech such as simile, metaphor, and irony.
3. Use figures of speech correctly in sentences.

Keywords:

• Figures of speech
• Simile
• Metaphor
• Irony

Set Induction:

Begin by asking students to describe things they like using comparisons. Lead them into understanding how we use figures of speech in everyday language.

Entry Behaviour:

Students should have basic knowledge of descriptive language and storytelling.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Recommended literature text
• Examples of figures of speech in everyday sentences

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students are familiar with descriptive language and have read stories where figurative expressions were used.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Communication skills
• Creativity

Learning Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Recommended literature text

Instructional Materials:

• Whiteboard
• Examples of figures of speech from texts

Content:

I. Figures of Speech:

Figures of speech are expressions that use words in a non-literal way to create an effect or make a comparison. They are often used to make language more vivid or imaginative.

II. Common Figures of Speech:

1. Simile: A figure of speech that compares two different things using the words “like” or “as.”
   • Example: “She is as brave as a lion.”
2. Metaphor: A figure of speech that directly compares two different things without using “like” or “as.”
   • Example: “The classroom was a zoo.”
3. Irony: A figure of speech where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often for humorous or emphatic effect.
   • Example: “It’s a great day for a picnic,” she said as it started raining.

III. Other Figures of Speech:

• Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things.
  • Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.”
• Hyperbole: An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.
  • Example: “I’ve told you a million times.”
• Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate sounds.
  • Example: “The bees buzzed around the flowers.”

Evaluation:

15 Fill-in-the-blank Questions with Options:

1. A figure of speech that uses “like” or “as” to compare two things is called a ___.
   a. Simile
   b. Metaphor
   c. Irony
   d. Hyperbole
2. A metaphor compares two things ___.
   a. Using “like” or “as”
   b. Directly
   c. With exaggeration
   d. For humorous effect
3. Irony occurs when the intended meaning is ___ to the literal meaning.
   a. Similar
   b. Opposite
   c. Literal
   d. Clear
4. The phrase “He is a shining star” is an example of a ___.
   a. Simile
   b. Metaphor
   c. Irony
   d. Personification
5. “Her smile was as bright as the sun” is an example of a ___.
   a. Metaphor
   b. Simile
   c. Irony
   d. Hyperbole
6. Personification gives human qualities to ___.
   a. Animals
   b. Non-human things
   c. Plants
   d. People
7. “The leaves danced in the wind” is an example of ___.
   a. Simile
   b. Metaphor
   c. Hyperbole
   d. Personification
8. “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” is an example of ___.
   a. Simile
   b. Hyperbole
   c. Irony
   d. Personification
9. “The bees buzzed” is an example of ___.
   a. Onomatopoeia
   b. Simile
   c. Metaphor
   d. Irony
10. “It’s freezing cold in here!” said in a hot room is an example of ___.
    a. Metaphor
    b. Irony
    c. Hyperbole
    d. Simile
11. “He runs like the wind” is an example of ___.
    a. Simile
    b. Metaphor
    c. Personification
    d. Hyperbole
12. “The car roared down the street” is an example of ___.
    a. Irony
    b. Personification
    c. Onomatopoeia
    d. Simile
13. A figure of speech that exaggerates is called ___.
    a. Hyperbole
    b. Metaphor
    c. Irony
    d. Personification
14. “The mountain was as tall as the sky” is an example of ___.
    a. Metaphor
    b. Simile
    c. Personification
    d. Hyperbole
15. “Her eyes sparkled like diamonds” is an example of a ___.
    a. Simile
    b. Metaphor
    c. Hyperbole
    d. Irony

Class Activity Discussion (15 FAQs with Answers):

1. What is a figure of speech?
   A figure of speech is a word or phrase used in a non-literal way to create an effect or comparison.
2. What is a simile?
   A simile compares two things using “like” or “as.”
3. What is a metaphor?
   A metaphor directly compares two things without using “like” or “as.”
4. What is irony?
   Irony occurs when the intended meaning is the opposite of the literal meaning.
5. What is personification?
   Personification gives human qualities to non-human things.
6. Can you give an example of hyperbole?
   “I’ve told you a million times.”
7. What is onomatopoeia?
   Onomatopoeia is when words imitate sounds.
8. Why do we use figures of speech?
   We use figures of speech to make language more vivid and imaginative.
9. What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?
   A simile uses “like” or “as” while a metaphor makes a direct comparison.
10. Can you give an example of personification?
    “The sun smiled down on us.”
11. What is hyperbole used for?
    Hyperbole is used to exaggerate for emphasis.
12. How is irony used in speech?
    Irony is used to create a humorous or emphatic effect by saying the opposite of what is meant.
13. What are some examples of onomatopoeia?
    “Buzz,” “splash,” “bang.”
14. What is the purpose of a simile?
    A simile creates a comparison between two different things to make a description more vivid.
15. How can you identify a metaphor?
    A metaphor directly states that one thing is another, without using “like” or “as.”

Presentation:

1. Step 1: The teacher revises the previous lesson on literary terms.
   • Teacher’s Activities: Review what students know about descriptive language.
   • Learners’ Activities: Recall prior knowledge of language.
2. Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic on figures of speech.
   • Teacher’s Activities: Explain and give examples of similes, metaphors, and irony.
   • Learners’ Activities: Follow along and take notes.
3. Step 3: The teacher provides examples of figures of speech in sentences and asks students to identify them.
   • Teacher’s Activities: Engage students with examples and discussions.
   • Learners’ Activities: Identify and create their own examples.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Provide definitions and examples of figures of speech.
• Guide students in identifying figures of speech in sentences.

Learners’ Activities:

• Identify figures of speech in given sentences.
• Write sentences using similes, metaphors, and irony.

Evaluation:

10 Short Answer Questions (Evaluation Questions):

1. Define a simile.
2. What is a metaphor?
3. How does irony work in speech?
4. Give an example of a simile.
5. What is personification?
6. Give an example of a metaphor.
7. What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?
8. Define hyperbole.
9. Give an example of irony.
10. What is onomatopoeia?

Conclusion:

The teacher goes around to mark students’ work and provides feedback on their understanding of figures of speech.

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