My Learning Curve

  Learning Objectives By the end of the lesson, students will be able to: Identify different types of narrative hooks and explain their impact on engaging the reader. Analyze the narrative voice in a given text and determine its effect on the reader's understanding of the story. Apply appropriate narrative hooks and voice to create engaging story openings. Introduction Reading for meaning is a crucial skill that helps students understand and interpret texts. It goes beyond simply recognizing words to fully grasp the ideas, themes, and emotions that the author conveys. Two important elements that enhance meaning in a narrative are  narrative hooks  and  voice . 1. Reading for Meaning When we read for meaning, we: v   Identify the  main ideas  and  supporting details . v   Understand the  purpose  of the text. v   Recognize the  tone ,  mood , and  perspective  of the author. v   Ana...

  Extensive Response to the Exam Question on J. B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls - Presentation of Mrs. Birling as a Powerful Character   A. What Mrs. Birling Says and Does in the Play to Show Her Power Mrs. Birling is presented as a powerful and dominant character in An Inspector Calls through both her actions and dialogue. From the beginning, she exudes an air of superiority and confidence, which is indicative of her high social status. Throughout the play, her interactions with others, particularly with those of lower social standing, emphasize her belief in her own power and influence. Her Role in the Charity Organisation: Mrs. Birling holds a prominent position in a charity organization, which is a key indicator of her societal power. She is the chairwoman of the Brumley Women's Charity Organisation , an establishment that theoretically works for the welfare of women in need. However, her behavior towards those who seek help de...

  Extensive Responses to Exam Questions on Gabriel Okara's "Once Upon a Time"   1. Explore the theme of nostalgia in "Once Upon a Time." How does the speaker’s longing for the past shape the tone of the poem? Answer: In "Once Upon a Time" , the theme of nostalgia is central to understanding the speaker's emotional state and the overall tone of the poem. The speaker, who is likely an older individual, looks back on a time when people were more genuine, more emotionally connected, and more sincere. The repetition of the phrase “Once upon a time” at the beginning of each stanza evokes a fairy-tale-like feeling, emphasizing the speaker’s longing for an idealized past. This nostalgic look back contrasts sharply with the present, where superficiality and disconnection have replaced the emotional warmth and authenticity of the past. The speaker laments that, in the past, people used to laugh with their hearts and eyes, which indicates true joy...

   '' The Breast of the Sea''   Tonight I am full of the breast of the sea, Moist as a virgin in the dews of my youth. Here I sit by the bay of my bleeding knees, And my heart's an altar stone of broken dreams.   In the pools of your face, I look for light, But the tides are tired of bringing ships to your shore, And my youth is a cigarette stubbed out too soon. Even the wind that caressed you has lost its song.   There is something dying out at sea tonight: Perhaps the soul of a sailor lost to the waves, Or the tears of fishermen spilling nets empty, While the sea whispers secrets to itself in pain.   Here I sit, trying to patch my heart with memories, Hoping the breast of the sea will suckle me whole. But tonight, the waves are mournful and wild, And even the moon refuses to rise in your name.   Explain how the poet uses the sea as a metaphor in the poem. How does the poet use imagery to...

  Path of Lucas: The Journey He Endured by Susanne Bellefeuille is an emotional novel that traces the life of Lucas Clarkson, a man whose life is shaped by hard work, family devotion, and a series of difficult choices that test his resolve and character. Based on true events from the author’s own family history, the novel offers an intimate glimpse into the trials and triumphs of Lucas’s life. Lucas Clarkson is portrayed as a simple, hardworking man from a small town in Eastern Ontario, Canada. Raised on a farm, Lucas embodies the values of diligence, integrity, and a deep commitment to family. His life begins on his father’s farm, where he learns the value of hard work and begins to form his own dreams. However, his path is far from straightforward. As Lucas transitions from working on the farm to becoming a successful mechanic, he faces a series of life-altering decisions that challenge his ideals and test his strength. He meets and falls in love with Isabelle, a poor neighbor ...

  Once Upon an Elephant by Bosede Ademilua-Afolayan critiques autocracy and the self-perpetuating tendencies of African leaders post-colonialism. Using Yoruba oral traditions and folktales, the playwright examines dictatorship, corruption, and moral decay in African governance. The play metaphorically draws from Adeboye Babalola's Salute to the Elephant and parallels works like Wole Soyinka's Kongi’s Harvest and King Baabu . It highlights the misuse of power through King Ajanaku, who, despite not being the rightful heir, schemes dishonestly to ascend the throne. He engages in rites that exploit virgins in a bid for immortality, leading to his eventual downfall, orchestrated by Iya Agba, a fearless elder who stands for justice. Through poetry, drama, and African traditional theatrical elements, Ademilua-Afolayan crafts a 14-act, 105-page story blending suspense and irony. The play is a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked power, underscoring the need for ethica...

  1. Discuss the role of Serubawon in Ajanaku’s rise to power. Serubawon, a seer and medicine man, plays an instrumental role in Ajanaku’s rise to power, using his knowledge of rituals and his influence over people to manipulate the political landscape. His betrayal of King Akinjiobi marks the beginning of the tyrannical reign of Ajanaku. Serubawon’s actions are motivated by his secret desire to place his illegitimate son, Ajanaku, on the throne. He begins by poisoning King Akinjiobi, making it appear as if the king died of natural causes, thus creating a power vacuum. This pivotal act sets the stage for Ajanaku to seize the throne. As the king dies, Serubawon ensures that Ajanaku is seen as the rightful heir, despite his illegitimacy, by using his influence to manipulate the royal succession process. Serubawon does not stop at poisoning the king; he also uses his power to manipulate the Guild of Hunters and the elders of the kingdom. Through bribes and promises of loyalty, h...