Literature in English JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1

Subject: Literature in English

Class: JSS 2

Term: First Term

Week: 1

Age: 12 years

Topic: Features of Prose and Figures of Speech

Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Define and explain the features of prose.
2. Identify examples of setting, theme, and characterization in prose.
3. Define figures of speech, specifically alliteration and personification.
4. Create their own examples of alliteration and personification.

Keywords

• Prose
• Setting
• Theme
• Characterization
• Alliteration
• Personification

Set Induction

Begin the lesson by asking students what they understand by the term “prose.” Engage them with a short discussion about their favorite stories or novels, focusing on what they liked about them.

Entry Behaviour

Students should have a basic understanding of stories and novels they have read before, which will help them grasp the concepts of prose and figures of speech.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Textbooks on Literature in English
• Examples of prose excerpts (short stories, novels)
• Chart paper and markers for group work

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Relate the features of prose to stories or novels the students have read, emphasizing how these elements contribute to the overall narrative.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Creative writing
• Analytical skills

Content

1. Features of Prose
   • Setting: The setting is where and when a story takes place. It includes the location, time period, and the environment of the story.
     • Example: In “Harry Potter,” the setting includes Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the surrounding magical world.
   • Theme: The theme is the central idea or message in a story. It is what the author wants to convey through the narrative.
     • Example: The theme of friendship in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” shows how relationships can influence one’s life.
   • Characterization: Characterization is the way an author develops characters. This can be direct (the author tells us about the character) or indirect (the character’s traits are revealed through their actions and dialogue).
     • Example: In “Pride and Prejudice,” Elizabeth Bennet is characterized by her intelligence, wit, and strong opinions.
2. Figures of Speech
   • Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a series of words.
     • Example: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
   • Personification: Personification is giving human qualities to animals, objects, or ideas.
     • Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.”

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. The _____ is where a story takes place.
   • a) theme
   • b) setting
   • c) plot
2. The _____ of a story is its main message.
   • a) character
   • b) theme
   • c) setting
3. Characterization helps us understand a character’s _____.
   • a) location
   • b) traits
   • c) plot
4. “Sally sells sea shells by the sea shore” is an example of _____.
   • a) personification
   • b) alliteration
   • c) metaphor
5. Giving the sun a face is an example of _____.
   • a) alliteration
   • b) personification
   • c) simile
6. The main character in a story is called the _____.
   • a) antagonist
   • b) protagonist
   • c) narrator
7. The _____ includes the time period in which the story happens.
   • a) theme
   • b) setting
   • c) character
8. “The stars danced in the night sky” is an example of _____.
   • a) alliteration
   • b) personification
   • c) hyperbole
9. The _____ of a story can change depending on the author’s message.
   • a) plot
   • b) setting
   • c) theme
10. A character who opposes the main character is called the _____.
    • a) protagonist
    • b) antagonist
    • c) hero
11. “The leaves whispered secrets to the wind” is an example of _____.
    • a) alliteration
    • b) personification
    • c) metaphor
12. _____ refers to the arrangement of events in a story.
    • a) Plot
    • b) Setting
    • c) Characterization
13. Alliteration is often used in _____.
    • a) poetry
    • b) essays
    • c) both
14. A _____ can be a central idea in a novel.
    • a) setting
    • b) theme
    • c) character
15. The _____ helps to create mood and atmosphere in a story.
    • a) plot
    • b) theme
    • c) setting

15 FAQs with Answers

1. What is prose?
   Prose is a form of written or spoken language that follows grammatical structure and natural flow of speech.
2. What does setting mean?
   Setting refers to the time and place where a story occurs.
3. Why is theme important?
   Theme provides the underlying message or meaning of the story.
4. How do authors develop characters?
   Authors develop characters through characterization, which can be direct or indirect.
5. What is an example of alliteration?
   An example of alliteration is “Busy bees buzz.”
6. What does personification mean?
   Personification gives human characteristics to non-human things.
7. Can a story have more than one theme?
   Yes, a story can have multiple themes.
8. What is the protagonist?
   The protagonist is the main character in a story.
9. How does setting affect a story?
   Setting influences the mood, character behavior, and plot development.
10. What is an antagonist?
    The antagonist is a character who opposes the protagonist.
11. Can alliteration be used in prose?
    Yes, alliteration can be found in both poetry and prose.
12. What is the purpose of characterization?
    Characterization helps readers understand characters and their motivations.
13. What is an example of a theme?
    An example of a theme is the struggle between good and evil.
14. Is it necessary to have a theme in every story?
    While not every story has a clear theme, most stories do convey some message.
15. How can I identify personification in a text?
    Look for descriptions that attribute human traits or actions to non-human elements.

Presentation

1. Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic briefly.
2. Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic and discusses features of prose.
3. Step 3: The teacher allows the students to give their own contributions and corrects them when necessary.

Teacher’s Activities

• Discuss features of prose and figures of speech.
• Provide examples from literature.
• Facilitate group work on examples of alliteration and personification.

Learners’ Activities

• Participate in discussions.
• Create their own examples of alliteration and personification.
• Share their thoughts on the features of prose.

Assessment

• Observe student participation during discussions.
• Collect students’ written examples of alliteration and personification.

Ten Evaluation Questions Related to the Topic

1. Define prose.
2. What is setting in literature?
3. How does characterization help in understanding a story?
4. Provide an example of a theme from a story.
5. What is alliteration? Give an example.
6. Explain personification with an example.
7. What is the role of the protagonist in a story?
8. How does setting influence character behavior?
9. Describe the antagonist’s role in a story.
10. Why is theme important in literature?

Conclusion

The teacher goes around to mark the students’ examples and offers feedback. Reinforce the importance of understanding the features of prose and figures of speech in enhancing their reading and writing skills.