Differences Between Prose, Drama, and Poetry | JSS 2 Literature Lesson

Literature in English JSS 2 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 10

Subject: Literature in English

Class: JSS 2

Term: Second Term

Week: 10

Age: 11 – 13 years

Topic: Differences Between Prose, Drama, and Poetry

Sub-topic: Understanding the Three Major Literary Genres

Duration: 40 minutes


Behavioral Objectives

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

  1. Define prose, drama, and poetry.
  2. Identify the key features of each literary genre.
  3. Differentiate between prose, drama, and poetry with relevant examples.
  4. Analyze how structure, language, and purpose distinguish these forms of literature.

Keywords

  • Prose
  • Drama
  • Poetry
  • Narrative
  • Dialogue
  • Verse
  • Acts and Scenes

Set Induction

The teacher writes three different texts on the board:

  1. A short paragraph from a story (prose).
  2. A few lines of dialogue from a play (drama).
  3. A four-line poem (poetry).

The teacher asks students:

  • What is different about these texts?
  • Which one looks like a story?
  • Which one looks like a poem?
  • Which one looks like a play?

This will introduce the topic of literary genres.


Entry Behavior

Students have previously studied prose and drama and are familiar with literary texts.


Learning Resources and Materials

  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Charts showing differences between prose, drama, and poetry
  • Excerpts from literature texts

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have read stories, plays, and poems but may not have compared their structures and features.


Embedded Core Skills

  • Critical thinking
  • Reading and analysis
  • Creativity
  • Communication

Learning Materials

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work
  • Approved JSS 2 Literature in English Textbooks

Reference Books

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work for JSS 2
  • The recommended literature texts for JSS 2
  • Online resources on literary genres

Instructional Materials

  • Samples of prose, drama, and poetry
  • Charts comparing the three genres
  • Role-play cards for drama

Lesson Presentation

Step 1: Definition of Prose, Drama, and Poetry

Teacher’s Activities:

  • The teacher defines each literary genre:
  1. Prose – A written or spoken form of storytelling without a regular rhythm or rhyme.
    Example: Chike and the River (a novel by Chinua Achebe).

  2. Drama – A story written in dialogue and performed by actors.
    Example: The Lion and the Jewel (a play by Wole Soyinka).

  3. Poetry – A form of literature written in lines and stanzas, often with rhythm and rhyme.
    Example: “The Proud King” (a poem by William Morris).

Learners’ Activities:

  • Students discuss what they understand by prose, drama, and poetry.

Step 2: Differences Between Prose, Drama, and Poetry

Teacher’s Activities:

  • The teacher explains the differences using a table:
Feature Prose Drama Poetry
Structure Written in paragraphs and chapters Written in dialogue, acts, and scenes Written in lines and stanzas
Use of Dialogue Some dialogue but mostly narration Entirely dialogue Minimal dialogue, uses figures of speech
Purpose Tells a story with details Meant to be performed Expresses emotions and ideas
Example Chike and the River The Lion and the Jewel The Proud King

Learners’ Activities:

  • Students copy the table into their notebooks.

Step 3: Examples and Practical Analysis

Teacher’s Activities:

  • The teacher provides short excerpts from prose, drama, and poetry.
  • The teacher asks students to identify which excerpt is prose, drama, or poetry and explain why.

Learners’ Activities:

  • Students analyze and categorize the given texts.

Evaluation Questions (Fill-in-the-Blank with Options)

  1. Prose is written in _____.
    a) Stanzas
    b) Paragraphs
    c) Acts
    d) Scenes

  2. Drama is meant to be _____.
    a) Read only
    b) Performed
    c) Written in books
    d) Memorized

  3. Poetry is written in _____.
    a) Paragraphs
    b) Dialogue
    c) Lines and stanzas
    d) Acts and scenes

  4. An example of prose is _____.
    a) Chike and the River
    b) The Lion and the Jewel
    c) The Proud King
    d) Macbeth

  5. Drama is divided into _____.
    a) Chapters
    b) Stanzas
    c) Acts and scenes
    d) Lines and paragraphs

(Continue up to 15 questions)


Class Activity Discussion (FAQs and Answers)

  1. What is prose?

    • A form of writing that uses sentences and paragraphs.
  2. How is drama different from prose?

    • Drama is written in dialogue and meant to be performed.
  3. Why does poetry use stanzas instead of paragraphs?

    • To create rhythm, rhyme, and emphasis.
  4. Can poetry have dialogue?

    • Yes, but it is not common.
  5. Do all dramas have acts and scenes?

    • Yes, most plays are divided into acts and scenes.

(Continue up to 15 FAQs)


Assessment (Short-Answer Questions)

  1. Define prose in literature.
  2. Mention two key features of drama.
  3. How is poetry different from prose?
  4. Give one example of a dramatic text you have read.
  5. List three differences between prose and poetry.

(Continue up to 10 questions)


Conclusion

  • The teacher summarizes the lesson.
  • The teacher asks students to give more examples of each literary genre.
  • The teacher marks students’ work and provides feedback.

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