Lesson Plan: Identifying Figures of Speech in Prose

Subject: Literature

Class: JSS 2

Term: Second Term

Week: 7

Age: 11 – 13 years

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Define figures of speech.
2. Identify different types of figures of speech in prose.
3. Explain the meanings and effects of figures of speech in a given passage.
4. Apply figures of speech in their writing.

Keywords

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

Set Induction

The teacher begins the lesson by reading a short passage with figures of speech. The teacher then asks the students to identify unusual expressions in the passage and discuss their meanings.

Entry Behavior

Students have encountered creative expressions in stories and poems but may not recognize them as figures of speech.

Learning Resources and Materials

• A short prose passage with various figures of speech
• Chart listing different figures of speech with examples
• Whiteboard and markers
• Textbooks on literature

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher reminds students that authors often use special expressions to make their writing more interesting. They have seen similar expressions in folktales, novels, and poems.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Creativity
• Reading comprehension

Learning Materials

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Literature textbooks
• Printed short prose passages

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for JSS 2
• Recommended Literature Textbooks

Lesson Presentation

Step 1: Definition of Figures of Speech

Teacher’s Activity:

• Explains that figures of speech are special ways of using words to create strong images or comparisons in writing.
• Writes the definition on the board: A figure of speech is an expression that is not meant to be taken literally but is used to create a particular effect in writing.

Learners’ Activities:

• Listen and take notes.
• Provide examples of unusual expressions they have heard.

Step 2: Common Figures of Speech in Prose

Teacher’s Activity:
Explains and gives examples of common figures of speech:

1. Simile – A comparison using like or as.
   • Example: She was as fast as a cheetah.
2. Metaphor – A direct comparison without like or as.
   • Example: He is a lion on the battlefield.
3. Personification – Giving human qualities to non-human things.
   • Example: The wind whispered through the trees.
4. Hyperbole – An exaggeration for effect.
   • Example: I have told you a million times!

Learners’ Activities:

• Read aloud examples from their literature books.
• Identify the figures of speech in given sentences.

Step 3: Identifying Figures of Speech in Prose Passages

Teacher’s Activity:

• Distributes a short passage containing different figures of speech.
• Guides students in underlining and labeling the figures of speech in the passage.

Learners’ Activities:

• Work in pairs to identify and explain the figures of speech in the passage.

Step 4: Application of Figures of Speech

Teacher’s Activity:

• Asks students to write a short paragraph using at least two different figures of speech.
• Encourages students to share their work with the class.

Learners’ Activities:

• Write and read their paragraphs aloud.
• Give feedback on their classmates’ work.

Class Activity Discussion (FAQs)

1. What is a figure of speech?

   • A figure of speech is a special way of using words to create strong images or comparisons in writing.

2. Why do writers use figures of speech?

   • To make their writing more interesting, vivid, and creative.

3. How can I identify a figure of speech in a passage?

   • Look for comparisons, exaggerations, or expressions that give human qualities to non-living things.

4. What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?

   • A simile uses like or as (e.g., as bright as the sun), while a metaphor does not (e.g., He is the sun in my life).

5. Can a single sentence have more than one figure of speech?

   • Yes, a sentence can contain multiple figures of speech for emphasis.

6. What is the effect of personification in prose?

   • It makes descriptions more engaging by giving life to non-living things.

7. Is hyperbole always used in a serious way?

   • No, it is often used humorously or dramatically to emphasize a point.

8. Can figures of speech be used in everyday conversation?

   • Yes, people use them all the time in jokes, expressions, and storytelling.

9. Are all figures of speech found in prose?

   • Some are more common in poetry, but many also appear in prose.

10. How can I improve my use of figures of speech?

• Read widely and practice writing creatively.

Evaluation Questions

Fill in the blanks with the correct figure of speech:

1. He fought like a ______ (Simile).

   • a) dog
   • b) lion
   • c) tree
   • d) pencil

2. The clouds cried all night. This is an example of ______.

   • a) Metaphor
   • b) Hyperbole
   • c) Personification
   • d) Simile

3. I have told you a thousand times! This is an example of ______.

   • a) Simile
   • b) Hyperbole
   • c) Metaphor
   • d) Personification

4. He is a rock in times of trouble. This is an example of ______.

   • a) Simile
   • b) Metaphor
   • c) Hyperbole
   • d) Personification

5. The moon smiled down at us. This is an example of ______.

   • a) Simile
   • b) Metaphor
   • c) Hyperbole
   • d) Personification

6. She was as quiet as a ______.

   • a) lion
   • b) mouse
   • c) cloud
   • d) river

7. His voice was thunderous. This is an example of ______.

   • a) Simile
   • b) Metaphor
   • c) Hyperbole
   • d) Personification

8. The wind howled in the night. This is an example of ______.

   • a) Simile
   • b) Metaphor
   • c) Hyperbole
   • d) Personification

9. He is as strong as an ______.

   • a) elephant
   • b) egg
   • c) ant
   • d) feather

10. The leaves danced in the breeze. This is an example of ______.

• a) Simile
• b) Metaphor
• c) Hyperbole
• d) Personification

Assessment

• The teacher marks the students’ written paragraphs.
• Students receive feedback on their identification and use of figures of speech.

Conclusion

• The teacher summarizes the lesson by reviewing the key figures of speech covered.
• Encourages students to look for figures of speech in the books they read.
• Assigns a homework task: Find and write five sentences from a book that contain figures of speech and explain them.