Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1, JSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 9 & 10
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Literature In English
Curriculum Theme: Literature
Previous Lesson: Poetic Devices in Literature
Topic: Figures Of Speech
Subject Matter: Figures Of Speech

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Define figures of speech in literature.
(b) Identify and give examples of common figures of speech in poems, stories, and plays.
Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the beauty and creativity that figures of speech bring to literary works.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Construct simple sentences using identified figures of speech.
Social Domain:
(a) Collaborate in groups to present examples of figures of speech from everyday conversations.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Lagos State Unified Scheme of work for Junior Secondary Schools
Wikipedia – Figure of speech
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Flash cards with sentences containing figures of speech
Chart showing definitions and examples of figures of speech
Selected poems and prose excerpts
Audio recordings of literary readings
Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because figures of speech are essential tools of expression in literature, helping pupils to understand, enjoy, and creatively use language.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have previously read and discussed simple poems and stories. They are familiar with basic language expressions and can identify when words are used in unusual or imaginative ways.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Figures of Speech

Figures of speech are special ways in which words are used to create deeper meaning, beauty, and effect in speech or writing. They make language more interesting and powerful.

Types of Figures of Speech

There are different types of figures of speech in literature.

The following are common examples:

Simile – A direct comparison between two unlike things using words such as like or as.
Examples are: “Her smile is as bright as the sun.”
Metaphor – An indirect comparison where one thing is said to be another.
Example: “Time is a thief.”
Personification – Giving human qualities to non-living things or abstract ideas.
Example: “The wind whispered through the trees.”
Hyperbole – Exaggeration used to create emphasis or humor.
Example: “I am so hungry I could eat a horse.”
Onomatopoeia – Words that imitate natural sounds.
Example: “The bees buzzed in the garden.”
Alliteration – Repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words.
Example: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
Irony – Using words to mean the opposite of their literal meaning.
Example: Calling a very tall person “Tiny.”
Pun – A play on words to create humor or a double meaning.
Example: “I used to be a banker, but I lost interest.”

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Discussion, Lecture, Explanation, Reading Aloud, Group Work, Question and Answer, Demonstration

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher recites a short poem with striking figures of speech and asks pupils to identify unusual expressions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and attempt to point out unique expressions.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to figures of speech in a lively way.

Step 2: Definition of Figures of Speech

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher defines figures of speech and explains their role in literature.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and repeat the definition.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what figures of speech are.

Step 3: Explanation of Types of Figures of Speech

Time: 12 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher explains and gives examples of simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, alliteration, irony, and pun using flash cards and texts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read aloud examples and try to form their own.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and use different types of figures of speech.

Step 4: Group Work and Practice

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher divides pupils into groups to create simple sentences using assigned figures of speech.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work in groups and present their sentences.
Learning Point: Pupils practice and demonstrate use of figures of speech.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher writes the board summary and dictates for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes into their exercise books.
Learning Point: Pupils have accurate notes for study.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define figures of speech.
Give two examples of simile and metaphor.
Mention three other types of figures of speech.
Construct a sentence using personification.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer questions orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of figures of speech.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher summarizes the lesson and emphasizes the importance of figures of speech in literature.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask final questions.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate figures of speech as tools of creativity.

Home Task: Give three correct examples of Figures Of Speech and explain what each example shows.

Lesson Keywords

Simile – comparison using “like” or “as”
Metaphor – saying one thing is another
Personification – giving human qualities to non-living things
Hyperbole – exaggeration for emphasis
Alliteration – repetition of initial consonant sounds

Differentiation

Slower learners will be guided with simpler examples while faster learners will be encouraged to form creative sentences with more than one figure of speech.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Use relatable, everyday examples pupils can easily understand. Encourage creativity and make group activities interactive for better retention.