A Review of Recommended Texts & Figures of Speech Literature English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 10

Subject: Literature in English

Class: JSS 1

Term: First Term

Week: 10

Topic: A Review of Recommended Texts & Figures of Speech

Duration: 40 minutes

Age: 12–13 years

Behavioural Objectives:

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

1. Review and discuss the key themes and characters of the recommended text, “Without a Silver Spoon.”
2. Identify and explain different figures of speech used in literature.

Keywords:

• Review
• Figures of Speech
• Simile
• Metaphor
• Personification
• Irony

Set Induction:

Start the lesson by discussing the students’ favorite parts of “Without a Silver Spoon” and how the characters’ experiences relate to their own lives.

Entry Behaviour:

Students should have read or be familiar with “Without a Silver Spoon” and have some understanding of literary devices.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Copies of “Without a Silver Spoon”
• Whiteboard and markers
• Handouts on figures of speech

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students have previously discussed narrative techniques and literary elements. They should connect these to their experiences and the recommended text.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Analytical skills
• Literary analysis

Learning Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• English Literature Textbooks

Content

I. Review of “Without a Silver Spoon”

Overview: “Without a Silver Spoon” is a novel by Eddie Iroh that depicts the life of a young boy, Chike, who faces various challenges growing up in Nigeria. The story explores themes such as poverty, resilience, and the pursuit of education.

Key Themes:

1. Poverty and Struggle: Chike’s family struggles with financial difficulties, impacting his education and opportunities.
2. Resilience: Chike shows determination and resilience despite his challenges.
3. Education: The novel highlights the importance of education as a means to overcome adversity.

Key Characters:

1. Chike: The protagonist, a young boy who strives for a better life through education.
2. Chike’s Father: A hardworking but financially struggling man.
3. Chike’s Mother: Supportive of her son’s ambitions despite their financial constraints.

II. Figures of Speech

Definition and Examples:

1. Simile: A figure of speech that compares two different things using “like” or “as.”
   • Example: “Her smile was like sunshine.”
2. Metaphor: A figure of speech that describes one thing as if it were another.
   • Example: “Time is a thief.”
3. Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things.
   • Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.”
4. Irony: A figure of speech where the meaning is opposite to what is said.
   • Example: Saying “What a beautiful day” during a storm.
5. Alliteration: Repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely positioned words.
   • Example: “She sells sea shells by the sea shore.”
6. Hyperbole: An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.
   • Example: “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”
7. Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate natural sounds.
   • Example: “Buzz,” “hiss,” and “clang.”

Evaluation: Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. “Without a Silver Spoon” focuses on the life of a young boy named ______.
   a) Emeka
   b) Chike
   c) Tunde
2. The theme of ______ is central to Chike’s experiences in the novel.
   a) Love
   b) Poverty
   c) Adventure
3. A comparison using “like” or “as” is called a ______.
   a) Metaphor
   b) Simile
   c) Hyperbole
4. Describing time as “a thief” is an example of ______.
   a) Simile
   b) Irony
   c) Metaphor
5. Giving human traits to the wind is an example of ______.
   a) Personification
   b) Onomatopoeia
   c) Alliteration
6. The statement “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” is an example of ______.
   a) Hyperbole
   b) Simile
   c) Metaphor
7. Using “buzz” to describe a sound is an example of ______.
   a) Onomatopoeia
   b) Alliteration
   c) Irony
8. “The wind whispered through the trees” is an example of ______.
   a) Metaphor
   b) Irony
   c) Personification
9. Repetition of initial consonant sounds in words is known as ______.
   a) Simile
   b) Alliteration
   c) Hyperbole
10. Irony occurs when the meaning is ______ from what is said.
    a) The same
    b) Opposite
    c) Similar

Class Activity Discussion (FAQs)

1. What is the main theme of “Without a Silver Spoon”?
   • The main theme is poverty and the struggle to overcome it through education.
2. Who is the protagonist in “Without a Silver Spoon”?
   • The protagonist is Chike.
3. What is a simile?
   • A simile is a comparison between two different things using “like” or “as.”
4. How is a metaphor different from a simile?
   • A metaphor describes one thing as if it were another, while a simile uses “like” or “as.”
5. Can you give an example of personification?
   • An example is “The wind whispered through the trees.”
6. What does irony mean in literature?
   • Irony is when the meaning is opposite to what is actually said.
7. What is an example of hyperbole?
   • “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” is an example of hyperbole.
8. What does alliteration involve?
   • Alliteration involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds.
9. Give an example of onomatopoeia.
   • Examples include “buzz,” “clang,” and “hiss.”
10. How can figures of speech enhance a literary work?
    • They add depth and creativity, making the text more engaging and vivid.

Presentation:

Step 1: The teacher revises the key themes and characters from “Without a Silver Spoon.”
Step 2: The teacher introduces the concept of figures of speech and explains their types and uses.
Step 3: The teacher allows students to provide examples and discuss how figures of speech are used in literature, correcting as necessary.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Discuss the main themes and characters of “Without a Silver Spoon.”
• Explain and provide examples of different figures of speech.
• Facilitate a discussion on how these literary devices enhance storytelling.

Learners’ Activities:

• Participate in the review of “Without a Silver Spoon.”
• Identify and discuss examples of figures of speech in the text and in other literary works.

Evaluation Questions:

1. What are the key themes in “Without a Silver Spoon”?
2. Describe the character of Chike.
3. What is a simile and provide an example?
4. How does a metaphor differ from a simile?
5. What does personification involve? Give an example.
6. Define irony and provide an example.
7. What is hyperbole? Give an example.
8. Explain alliteration and provide an example.
9. How is onomatopoeia used in literature?
10. How do figures of speech enhance a literary work?

Conclusion:

The teacher will review students’ understanding of “Without a Silver Spoon” and figures of speech, providing feedback and clarifying any misunderstandings.

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