HomeJSS 2English GrammarElements of Prose – Setting, Plot, and Theme | JSS 2 Lesson

Elements of Prose – Setting, Plot, and Theme | JSS 2 Lesson

 

Literature in English JSS 2 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 8

Subject: Literature in English

Class: JSS 2

Term: Second Term

Week: 8

Age: 11 – 13 years

Topic: Elements of Prose (Setting, Plot, and Theme)

Sub-topic: Understanding the Roles of Setting, Plot, and Theme in Prose

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

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

  1. Define setting, plot, and theme in prose literature.
  2. Explain the importance of these elements in a story.
  3. Identify the setting, plot, and theme in a given prose text.
  4. Provide examples of each element from their recommended literature texts.

Keywords

  • Setting
  • Plot
  • Theme
  • Narrative
  • Protagonist
  • Conflict

Set Induction

The teacher tells a short, simple story without mentioning where it happened, what the problem was, or the main idea. Then, the teacher asks:

  • Where do you think the story happened? (Setting)
  • What was the main event in the story? (Plot)
  • What lesson can we learn from the story? (Theme)

This will lead to a discussion on the elements of prose.

Entry Behavior

Students have previously studied types of prose (e.g., novel, short story, novella).

Learning Resources and Materials

  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Flashcards with definitions and examples
  • Excerpts from the recommended prose text

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have read prose stories but may not have analyzed them based on setting, plot, and theme.

Embedded Core Skills

  • Critical thinking
  • Literary analysis
  • Communication
  • Creativity

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 analysis

Instructional Materials

  • Charts showing plot structures
  • Posters defining setting, plot, and theme
  • Excerpts from novels and short stories

Lesson Presentation

Step 1: Definitions and Explanation of Elements of Prose

Teacher’s Activities:

  • The teacher defines and explains each element:

  1. Setting – The time and place where a story happens. It includes:

    • Physical location (village, city, school, forest)
    • Time period (past, present, future)
    • Atmosphere (happy, sad, scary)

    Example: The setting of Chike and the River is Nigeria, in the town of Onitsha.

  2. Plot – The sequence of events that make up a story. It follows a structure:

    • Exposition: Introduction of characters and setting.
    • Rising Action: The conflict or problem begins.
    • Climax: The most intense moment.
    • Falling Action: The conflict begins to resolve.
    • Resolution: The story ends.

    Example: In Chike and the River, the plot follows Chike’s journey to cross the Niger River.

  3. Theme – The central idea or lesson in a story. Common themes include:

    • Love
    • Betrayal
    • Hard work
    • Justice

    Example: The theme of The Passport of Mallam Ilia is revenge and justice.

Learners’ Activities:

  • Students copy the definitions and examples.
  • Students suggest other examples from books they have read.

Step 2: Importance of Setting, Plot, and Theme

Teacher’s Activities:

  • The teacher explains why these elements are important:
    • Setting helps readers visualize the story.
    • Plot gives structure and makes the story interesting.
    • Theme teaches lessons and gives meaning to the story.

Learners’ Activities:

  • Students explain why they think setting, plot, and theme are important in stories.

Step 3: Identifying Setting, Plot, and Theme in a Prose Text

Teacher’s Activities:

  • The teacher reads a short excerpt from the recommended prose text and asks students to:
    • Identify the setting.
    • Summarize the plot.
    • State the theme.

Learners’ Activities:

  • Students analyze the text and discuss their answers in groups.

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

  1. The setting of a story refers to its _____.
    a) Plot
    b) Time and place
    c) Ending
    d) Theme

  2. The sequence of events in a story is called the _____.
    a) Theme
    b) Plot
    c) Conflict
    d) Mood

  3. A theme is the _____ in a story.
    a) Lesson or message
    b) Number of characters
    c) Number of pages
    d) Introduction

  4. The climax of a story is the _____.
    a) Funniest moment
    b) Most exciting or intense moment
    c) Boring part
    d) First event

  5. The final part of a plot structure is called the _____.
    a) Climax
    b) Falling action
    c) Resolution
    d) Rising action

(Continue up to 15 questions)

Class Activity Discussion (FAQs and Answers)

  1. What is the difference between setting and plot?

    • Setting is where and when the story happens, while plot is what happens in the story.

  2. Can a story have more than one theme?

    • Yes, some stories have multiple themes.

  3. Why is the plot important?

    • It keeps the story organized and engaging.

  4. Does the setting affect the plot?

    • Yes, the setting can influence the story’s events.

  5. How can I identify the theme of a story?

    • Look at the lessons the characters learn.

(Continue up to 15 FAQs)

Assessment (Short-Answer Questions)

  1. Define setting.
  2. What are the five parts of a plot?
  3. Give one example of a theme in a story.
  4. How does the setting influence a story?
  5. Identify the theme in this sentence: “Hard work leads to success.”

(Continue up to 10 questions)

Conclusion

  • The teacher summarizes the lesson.
  • The teacher asks students to analyze their favorite books based on setting, plot, and theme.
  • The teacher marks students’ work and provides feedback.

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