Literature in English JSS 2 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 6

Subject: Literature in English

Class: JSS 2

Term: Second Term

Week: 6

Age: 11 – 13 years

Topic: Distinguishing Between Irony, Euphemism, and Hyperbole

Sub-topic: Understanding and Identifying Irony, Euphemism, and Hyperbole in Literature

Duration: 40 minutes

---

Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Define irony, euphemism, and hyperbole in literature.
2. Identify irony, euphemism, and hyperbole in sentences.
3. Explain the differences between these figures of speech.
4. Provide their own examples of each.

---

Keywords

• Irony
• Euphemism
• Hyperbole
• Exaggeration
• Understatement

---

Set Induction

The teacher writes the following sentence on the board:
“Oh great! Another test! I just love exams!”

The teacher then asks:

• Does the speaker truly love exams?
• What does this sentence really mean?

This will lead to a discussion on irony, euphemism, and hyperbole.

---

Entry Behavior

Students have previously learned about figures of speech, including simile, metaphor, and personification.

---

Learning Resources and Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Flashcards with examples of irony, euphemism, and hyperbole
• Excerpts from literary texts
• Audio recordings of literary passages

---

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have encountered expressions that either exaggerate facts (hyperbole), soften harsh statements (euphemism), or say the opposite of what they mean (irony) in their everyday conversations and literature.

---

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Literary analysis
• Creative expression
• 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 figures of speech

---

Instructional Materials

• Charts with definitions and examples
• Posters with famous ironic statements, euphemisms, and hyperboles
• Short stories or poems containing these figures of speech

---

Lesson Presentation

Step 1: Definitions and Meanings of Irony, Euphemism, and Hyperbole

Teacher’s Activities:

• The teacher defines each term and gives examples:

1. Irony – Saying something but meaning the opposite.

   • Example: “Wow! You’re such a great friend!” (Said sarcastically to someone who betrayed them).

2. Euphemism – A polite or indirect way of saying something unpleasant.

   • Example: “He passed away” instead of “He died.”

3. Hyperbole – An extreme exaggeration to emphasize a point.

   • Example: “I have told you a million times!”

Learners’ Activities:

• Students copy the definitions and examples.
• Students provide their own examples.

---

Step 2: Differences Between Irony, Euphemism, and Hyperbole

Teacher’s Activities:

• The teacher explains the differences:
  • Irony involves saying the opposite of what is meant.
  • Euphemism softens the impact of harsh or unpleasant realities.
  • Hyperbole exaggerates an idea to an extreme level.

Learners’ Activities:

• Students give more examples from their everyday conversations.
• Students identify which category each sentence belongs to.

---

Step 3: Identifying Figures of Speech in Literature

Teacher’s Activities:

• The teacher reads passages from the recommended text and asks students to:
  • Identify whether the passage contains irony, euphemism, or hyperbole.
  • Explain the meaning behind the expression.

Learners’ Activities:

• Students listen carefully and identify the figures of speech.
• Students justify their answers.

---

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

1. Irony occurs when someone says the _____ of what they mean.
   a) Opposite
   b) Same
   c) Exact
   d) Truth

2. Saying “He kicked the bucket” instead of “He died” is an example of _____.
   a) Irony
   b) Hyperbole
   c) Euphemism
   d) Simile

3. “I have a ton of homework” is an example of _____.
   a) Irony
   b) Hyperbole
   c) Euphemism
   d) Metaphor

4. “Oh, fantastic! Another traffic jam!” is an example of _____.
   a) Irony
   b) Hyperbole
   c) Euphemism
   d) Alliteration

(Continue with similar structured questions up to 15)

---

Class Activity Discussion (FAQs and Answers)

1. What is irony?

   • A figure of speech where someone says the opposite of what they mean.

2. What are the three types of irony?

   • Verbal irony, situational irony, and dramatic irony.

3. Why do people use euphemisms?

   • To soften harsh or unpleasant statements.

4. Is hyperbole meant to be taken literally?

   • No, it is an exaggeration used for effect.

5. Can irony be used for humor?

   • Yes, irony is often used to create humor.

(Continue with more FAQs up to 15)

---

Assessment (Short-Answer Questions)

1. Define irony.
2. Give one reason why people use euphemism.
3. Write an example of hyperbole.
4. What is the difference between euphemism and irony?
5. Identify the figure of speech in the sentence: “Oh, what a wonderful day!” (Said during a storm).

(Continue with similar structured questions up to 10)

---

Conclusion

• The teacher summarizes the lesson.
• The teacher asks students to write 3 sentences using irony, euphemism, and hyperbole.
• The teacher marks students’ work and provides feedback.

---