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:
- Define setting, plot, and theme in prose literature.
- Explain the importance of these elements in a story.
- Identify the setting, plot, and theme in a given prose text.
- 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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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)
-
The setting of a story refers to its _____.
a) Plot
b) Time and place
c) Ending
d) Theme -
The sequence of events in a story is called the _____.
a) Theme
b) Plot
c) Conflict
d) Mood -
A theme is the _____ in a story.
a) Lesson or message
b) Number of characters
c) Number of pages
d) Introduction -
The climax of a story is the _____.
a) Funniest moment
b) Most exciting or intense moment
c) Boring part
d) First event -
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)
-
What is the difference between setting and plot?
- Setting is where and when the story happens, while plot is what happens in the story.
-
Can a story have more than one theme?
- Yes, some stories have multiple themes.
-
Why is the plot important?
- It keeps the story organized and engaging.
-
Does the setting affect the plot?
- Yes, the setting can influence the story’s events.
-
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)
- Define setting.
- What are the five parts of a plot?
- Give one example of a theme in a story.
- How does the setting influence a story?
- 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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