Literature in English JSS 2 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 5

Subject: Literature in English

Class: JSS 2

Term: Second Term

Week: 5

Age: 11 – 13 years

Topic: Identification of Some Figures of Speech in the Recommended Prose Text

Sub-topic: Understanding Figures of Speech and Their Uses in Literature

Duration: 40 minutes

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Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Define figures of speech and explain their importance in literature.
2. Identify different figures of speech used in the recommended prose text.
3. Provide examples of common figures of speech and their meanings.
4. Analyze how figures of speech enhance storytelling in the recommended text.

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Keywords

• Figures of Speech
• Simile
• Metaphor
• Personification
• Hyperbole
• Alliteration

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Set Induction

The teacher writes the sentence “The wind whispered through the trees” on the board and asks students:

• Can the wind really whisper?
• What does this sentence mean?
• What effect does it have on the story?

This discussion will lead to the definition of figures of speech and their role in literature.

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Entry Behavior

Students have previously learned about themes, plot, setting, and characterization in drama and prose.

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Learning Resources and Materials

• Copies of the recommended prose text
• Whiteboard and markers
• Flashcards with different figures of speech
• Audio recordings of literary readings

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Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have come across creative expressions in stories, poems, and conversations but may not have identified them as figures of speech.

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Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Literary analysis
• Interpretation

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Learning Materials

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

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Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for JSS 2
• The recommended prose text for JSS 2
• Online resources on figures of speech

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Instructional Materials

• Charts displaying different figures of speech with examples
• Posters of famous literary quotes using figures of speech
• Story excerpts with underlined figures of speech

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Lesson Presentation

Step 1: Definition and Meaning of Figures of Speech

Teacher’s Activities:

• The teacher defines figures of speech as special ways of using words to create strong images or effects in writing and speaking.
• The teacher explains why authors use figures of speech:
  1. To make writing more interesting and engaging.
  2. To create vivid images in the reader’s mind.
  3. To express emotions and ideas creatively.

Learners’ Activities:

• Students write down the definition of figures of speech.
• Students give examples of creative expressions they have heard or read.

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Step 2: Common Figures of Speech and Their Explanations

Teacher’s Activities:

• The teacher introduces and explains different figures of speech with examples:

1. Simile – A comparison using “like” or “as”.

   • Example: He was as fast as a cheetah.

2. Metaphor – A direct comparison without using “like” or “as”.

   • Example: Her voice is music to my ears.

3. Personification – Giving human qualities to non-human things.

   • Example: The sun smiled down on us.

4. Hyperbole – An exaggeration for emphasis.

   • Example: I have told you a million times!

5. Alliteration – Repetition of the same sound at the beginning of words.

   • Example: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

Learners’ Activities:

• Students identify and underline figures of speech in short sentences.
• Students create their own examples of each figure of speech.

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Step 3: Identifying Figures of Speech in the Recommended Prose Text

Teacher’s Activities:

• The teacher provides excerpts from the recommended prose text containing figures of speech.
• The teacher guides students to identify and classify them.

Learners’ Activities:

• Students read the selected passages.
• Students highlight and discuss figures of speech found in the text.

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Evaluation Questions (15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options)

1. A simile compares two things using _____.
   a) Like or as
   b) But or and
   c) With or without
   d) So or such

2. A metaphor is a _____.
   a) Direct comparison
   b) Personification
   c) Type of alliteration
   d) Question in a story

3. “The flowers danced in the wind” is an example of ____.
   a) Simile
   b) Metaphor
   c) Personification
   d) Hyperbole

4. Hyperbole is an example of ____.
   a) Overstatement
   b) Understatement
   c) Literal meaning
   d) Description

(Continue with similar structured questions up to 15)

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Class Activity Discussion (15 FAQs and Answers)

1. What is a figure of speech?
   A creative way of using words to create images or effects in writing.

2. Why do writers use figures of speech?
   To make their writing more expressive and interesting.

3. What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?
   A simile uses “like” or “as,” while a metaphor does not.

4. How does personification affect a story?
   It gives human-like qualities to things, making them more engaging.

(Continue with similar structured FAQs up to 15)

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Assessment (10 Short-Answer Questions)

1. Define figures of speech.
2. Give two reasons why writers use figures of speech.
3. Write an example of a simile.
4. What is the difference between personification and hyperbole?
5. Identify the figure of speech: “The stars danced in the sky.”

(Continue with similar structured questions up to 10)

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Conclusion

• The teacher summarizes the lesson.
• The teacher asks students to create five sentences using different figures of speech.
• The teacher marks students’ work and provides feedback.

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