Literature – JSS1 English Lesson Note (First Term)

Behavioural objectives

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

1. define literature;
2. state the functions of literature;
3. explain oral literature and give examples;
4. describe dance as defined in the lesson.

What is literature?

Literature is any printed and unprinted material that instructs, informs, entertains, and educates people. Literature is a subject that mirrors people, their customs, and traditions for others to see and learn from. In other words, literature is the caricature of human society and all the activities embedded in it. There is a reciprocal relationship between literature and life.

What are the functions of literature?

1. Literature helps a lot in the development of language.
2. Literature creates awareness of one’s society and that of others.
3. It teaches moral lessons.
4. It corrects wrongdoings.
5. Literature recognises achievements and achievers.
6. It assists a lot in the process of projecting the customs and traditions of the people.
7. It also entertains, educates, and instructs readers.

What are the types of literature?

Oral literature

Oral literature is generally applied to spoken literary traditions such as folk tales, musical theatre, proverbs, riddles, life histories, plays, epic poems, and historical recitations. Unlike written literary genres, oral literature is conveyed or passed down to future generations by word of mouth, typically through memorisation and recitation. It is considered a verbal art form.

Dance

Dance is the movement of the body in a rhythmic way, usually to music and within a given space, to express an idea or emotion, release energy, or simply take delight in the movement itself.

Evaluation

1. List all the functions of literature.
2. What is literature?

General evaluation

1. Mention and explain the types of nouns.
2. With reference to the related text, explain the types of literature.

Assignment

Reading assignment

Literature (definition, purpose)

Reference: Essential literature, pages 1, 3 and 4

Weekend assignment

Underline the nouns in the following sentences and state their kind.

1. The book was lying on the table.
2. Love begets love.
3. We cannot live without water.
4. The jury has given its verdict.
5. The Hindus regard Krishna as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
6. Alcohol is injurious to health.
7. Smoking is a bad habit.
8. Wild animals live in forests.
9. The childhood of Peter was full of misery.
10. All the girls were singing.
11. Gold is a precious metal.
12. Rice is the staple food of South Indians.
13. The earth moves around the sun.
14. Mankind should love nature.
15. We get wool from sheep.

Reference: English Grammar for JSS 1, pages 91 and 92