Knowing Your Narrative Elements

Welcome to Year 2 of this exciting journey into the world of literature. This first section of the second year is built on the first year. Do not hesitate to go back to read concepts covered in your first year that will help with your understanding of this section. You will recall that in section two of year one, you learned about prose fiction and types of narratives.

This section revisits prose in a very important and interesting way, which is the structure of prose fiction and prose non-fiction. Additionally, this section examines writers’ use of theme and style in both prose fiction and non-fiction. Understanding these key concepts will help you analyse literary works and create your own logical and meaningful pieces of writing. Completing this section will equip you with the necessary skills of discovering themes and using suitable styles to express ideas meaningfully and convincingly through your study of texts from different writers and your own creative writing.

KEY IDEAS

• Examples of themes in prose texts include the theme of ‘Good versus Evil’, ‘Courage’ and ‘Identity versus Self-Discovery’.

• The structure of a literary work refers to the way in which authors arrange and convey information within their writing.

• The structure of a fictional text generally consists of exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution while non-fictional texts have varied structures.

• The theme of a literary work is the central message communicated throughout the work.

• Writers carefully craft their work in styles aiming to ensure that their themes connect with the reader, thus making their work more impactful and meaningful.

You remember that you learned fiction and non-fiction as the two basic forms of prose texts. I am trusting you have not forgotten their meanings. As a check, pause a minute and recollect the definitions of fiction and non-fiction.

Good! Knowing fiction and non-fiction is good but more importantly, we have to differentiate the structures of fiction from non-fiction.

What does “Structure” mean in literature?

Structure is the way in which elements are organised and arranged in a text. In other words, structure refers to how a text is organised and how the parts of the text fit together to create a cohesive whole. By organising a text, the message of the work is conveyed to guide readers’ understanding as well as to enhance the overall impression of the text.

Different Texts have Different Structures One thing that distinguishes fiction texts from non-fiction texts is their structure. Usually, fiction texts follow this pattern:

Exposition Rising

Action Climax Falling

Action Resolution

While fiction texts follow this pattern, non-fiction texts may take a different pattern depending on the type of non-fiction or the author’s aim. This is to help present the information clearly and effectively.

Figure 1.1: Structure of a non-fiction prose text Types of Fiction and Non-Fiction Text Structure Fiction and non-fiction texts could take one or more than one of the following structures.

1. Cause and effect structure Cause and effect structure is a type of non-fiction prose text that shows the correlation between two incidents, situations or events by explaining what led to the situation and its effect. The cause-and-effect non-fiction structure is usually used by writers writing science, history, and argumentative writings. You can identify this type of writing structure by looking out for causal phrases like “because of”, “due to”, “since”, “consequently” and “as a result of”. Also, consider the impact and consequence of the events described.

2. Compare and contrast structure With this structure, the text outlines two main ideas side by side and shows their similarities and differences. This type of structure deals with correlation between two subjects. They are commonly done in autobiographies, biographies and memoirs. A good example is provided in demonstrating the relationship between the autobiographies of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. To identify this kind of structure, consider words and phrases such as “similarly”, “comparatively”, “likewise”, “in a similar manner”, “on the contrary” and “on the other hand”.

3. Descriptive structure This type of structure shows a vivid explanation of something by looking at its features, traits and examples. With this, non-fiction text can be looked at to come out with the detailed description of that text. Authors adopt this structure to paint a perfect picture of the personality, object or idea being talked about. To identify this structure in non-fiction, look out for words and phrases involving adjectives and adverbs that create picturesque mental and sensory images.

4. Order and sequence structure This type of structure is mostly found in historical writings, where the events or ideas are portrayed in a sequential manner so that there is orderliness in showing the chronology.

5. Problem and solution structure This type of structure is problem-solving. A problem or an issue is given and learners are to be shown the ways in which such problems can be settled. This structure is commonly used in persuasive writing.

Activity 1.1

Revising fiction, non-fiction using activity ball

1. Below is an activity ball which contains inscriptions on the subject of prose.

Respond to the questions that come with the throw of the ball.

2. The activity ball at first throw had the inscription: Differentiate between fiction and fiction.

3. The activity ball at second throw had the inscription: Draw the plot structure of a fictional text.

4. The activity ball at third throw had the inscription: Explain the following - exposition, climax and resolution.

5. When the activity ball was thrown for the fourth time, it had the inscription:

group the following titles of prose work as fiction and non-fiction:

Under the Udala Tree

I am Malala No Easy Walk to Freedom Slave Girl Mine Boy Beyond the Horizon Petals of Blood The History of Old Ghana Empire The Old Man and the Sea No Longer at Ease Dreams of My Father Beggars Strike

Activity 1.2

Group discussion on the structure on non-fiction Form a group of four (where applicable, ensure that each group has at least, a boy and girl) and respond to the following:

1. Use your tablet or phone to download the soft copy of The Autobiography of Kwame Nkrumah.

2. Read the first five pages of the text.

3. Discuss as a group the structure of this part of the text.

4. How are sequence and order shown in the text?

Activity 1.3

Comparative Analysis and Presentation

1. In a mixed gender group of four, use your tablets to download No Sweetness Here by Ama Atta Aidoo and No Easy Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandala.

2. Read the two texts carefully.

3. Examine the structure of the two texts to show one as fiction and the other as non-fiction.

4. Write your findings as a group and present them to the whole class.

5. Put your findings into a flip chart presentation and upload it on your school’s website

6. Share your experiences in analysing the structure of the two texts with the class.

We are now going to focus our attention on the comparison of fiction and non-fiction in terms of their elements. Fiction and non-fiction elements refer to the key components or characteristics that define each genre and distinguish them from each other.

Elements of Fiction

Fiction is imaginative writing that builds a narrative from invented events, characters, and settings. It generally has 7 core elements.

Now, let us refresh our memory on what the elements mean.

1. Plot: This is the sequence of events in the story, often with a structure that includes an introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

2. Characters: These are the people, animals, or beings that are involved in the story.

They can be complex (round) or simple (flat) and may develop over time (dynamic) or remain unchanged (static).

3. Setting: This refers to the time and place - the context - where the story unfolds. This can be realistic, historical.

4. Theme: This is the central message, idea, or insight explored in the story, often reflecting universal aspects of human experience. Common themes include love, courage, morality, and good vs. evil.

5. Point of View: The perspective from which the story is told (first-person, third-person limited, or omniscient) is what we call point of view.

6. Conflict: The challenge or problem the characters face. This could be internal (character vs. self) or external (character vs. character, society, nature and so on).

7. Style and Tone: This is the author’s unique way of using language, including tone (the attitude revealed toward the subject), diction, and figurative language like metaphors and similes.

Elements of Non-Fiction

Non-fiction texts refer to texts that are grounded in real events, people, facts, and experiences, aiming to inform, explain, or persuade. There are several features that distinguish a non- fiction text from a fictional text. Let’s look closely at these key ones.

1. Layout: This is the way the text is visually organised on the page, which helps guide the reader through the content. Non-fiction texts often use headers, subheadings, bullet points, images, charts, sidebars, and captions to break down information. For example, a newspaper article may use bold headlines and columns to organise information, while a textbook may have chapters divided into sections with subheadings, diagrams, and highlighted definitions.

2. Information: This is the factual content presented in a non-fiction text, such as data, descriptions, historical facts, and explanations. In non-fiction, accurate, relevant information is critical. It serves to educate, inform, or persuade readers with credible and reliable details. For instance, in a biography, information includes dates, places, and descriptions of significant events in the subject’s life. In a scientific article, it includes research data, findings, and explanations of complex theories.

3. Characterisation: Characterisation in non-fiction is the portrayal of real people’s (namely people who actually exist or existed, such as historical figures, scientists, politicians, or the authors themselves in memoirs and biographies) personalities, motivations, and actions, providing insight into their lives or behaviour.

4. Style: Just as in fiction, this is the unique way an author uses language including word choice, sentence structure, tone, and voice. It shapes the reader’s experience and can range from formal to conversational, depending on the audience and purpose.

For example, in a travel guide, a light, conversational style may encourage readers to explore, while in a scientific journal, a formal and objective style supports the credibility of the information.

Activity 1.4

Identifying fiction and non-fiction texts

1. Write four text cards using the following sentences:

a. Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, a young prince set off to find a magical kingdom where dragons danced under the stars.

b. The first successful powered flight was made by the Wright brothers on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

c. In ancient Greece, it was said that Icarus flew too close to the sun, causing his wax wings to melt, and he fell into the sea.

d. A year on Earth is approximately 365.25 days, which is why we add a leap day every four years to keep the calendar aligned with the Earth’s orbit.

2. After writing the texts on the cards, invite one of your friends to join you. Turn the cards over and shuffle them. Close your eyes and pick any of the cards at random.

Open your eyes, turn the card over and read out loud what is on the card and decide whether it belongs to fiction or non-fiction. Let your friend also close her/his eyes and do the same.

3. Take your cards again and explain to your friend why you have categorised the text as fiction or non-fiction.

4. Discuss with your friend any other key elements that set fiction apart from non- fiction.

Themes are the main concepts, takeaways, or hidden meanings that are examined in a piece of literature. They frequently touch on basic aspects of life, society, or human nature and represent universal ideas or experiences that readers may identify with.

Common themes in literature include the theme of Love, Death and Mortality, Good versus Evil, Power and Corruption and Identity and Self-discovery.

The following are some of the themes developed in your prescribed prose texts.

Pede Hollist’s So the Path Does Not Die

Tradition vs. Modernity: Pede Hollist’s novel, So the Path Does Not Die discusses the conflict between traditional African customs and contemporary living through the experiences of Fina, the protagonist, who must balance her new life abroad with her cultural upbringing in Sierra Leone.

Elma Shaw’s Redemption Road

ₐ. War and Trauma: Redemption Road by Elma Shaw emphasises the awful impact that violence takes on both people and communities. Trauma is a major subject as characters deal with displacement, loss, and the horrific consequences of war.

b. Forgiveness and Redemption: The novel also discusses the idea of restoration (redemption), both individually and collectively, as characters seek to heal from their past mistakes and the agonies of war. Forgiveness then becomes a path to rebuilding both their lives and their country.

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird

Racial Injustice: The widespread racial prejudice in the American South in the 1930s is one of the main themes of Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. The novel portrays very convincingly the unjust treatment of African Americans in the legal system through Tom Robinson’s trial.

Susanne Bellefeuille’s Path of Lucas: The Journey

He Endured

Love and Loyalty: The relationships in the novel, especially between Lucas and his family, emphasise the enduring power of love and loyalty. These themes highlight Lucas’s determination to keep his family together, no matter the cost.

Activity 1.5

Understanding what themes are

1. Read the content of the chart below carefully. After that, explain to a friend in your own words what the meaning of the word theme is.

A chart showing some themes in literary works

2. Discuss with your friends some of the themes that can be drawn from prose narratives and how they help in the understanding of a story.

Activity 1.6

Identifying themes in prose texts

1. Invite one of your friends to join to select one each of the following prose texts:

a. So The Path Does Not Die by Pede Hollist

b. Redemption Road by Elma Shaw

c. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

d. The Path of Lucas: The Journey He Endured by Susanne Bellefeuille

2. Use your phone or tablet to search for and reread part of your selected text.

3. After reading the text, discuss it with your friend and write down what you think are the various themes of your stories. Think about the genuinely big ideas or life lessons in the stories, such as friendship, oppression, courage, justice, or love. The following questions will guide you in your discussions:

a. What major issues or topics do the characters face throughout the novel?

b. How do characters’ actions and decisions reflect important messages or lessons?

c. What are the central conflicts in the story, and what bigger ideas do these conflicts represent?

d. How does the author use the setting to highlight or reinforce key ideas?

e. How do the story’s events reflect real-world issues or universal experiences?

4. Record in your notebook specific scenes, character actions, or dialogue that reflect each of the themes you have identified.

5. Write a two-paragraph essay on why you think understanding the theme enriches the story. How do the themes help in the development of the plot?

Style in literature refers to the distinct way language is used to express ideas, tell a story, or convey meaning. It includes a variety of characteristics, including sentence structure, figurative language, word choice, and narrative techniques. A work’s style is what makes it distinct from other texts and gives it a distinct voice.

For instance, some writers may use simple, straightforward language to achieve clarity, while others might employ complex and descriptive language to create rich imagery. In the same way, an author’s tone can vary from formal and serious to light-hearted and entertaining, depending on how they wish to draw the reader in or emphasise particular themes.

Now, let us look at some of the main aspects of style in your prescribed prose texts.

1. Voice: refers to the unique perspective and personality of the writing, shaped by the author’s choices in tone, diction, and narrative style.

a. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, the voice is that of Scout Finch, a remarkably perceptive and precocious young girl who narrates the story with a mix of innocence and wisdom. Her voice evolves as she matures throughout the novel, reflecting her growing understanding of morality, racism, and justice.

b. In So the Path Does Not Die, Pede Hollist creates a voice that reflects the tension between traditional African values and modern life. The protagonist Fina’s voice, which is shaped by her diasporic experiences, conveys her inner conflict and search for identity.

2. Dialogue: refers to the spoken exchanges between characters. It helps develop character relationships, advance the plot, and reflect the themes of the story.

a. In Elma Shaw’s Redemption Road, dialogue between characters often reflects the psychological toll of war and the difficulty of finding peace in its aftermath. The conversations are often filled with tension, yet they also reveal moments of hope and unity.

b. In Path of Lucas: The Journey He Endured by Susanne Bellefeuille, dialogue in this novel often reveals deep emotional undercurrents, particularly in the way Lucas communicates with his family. It highlights the themes of love and sacrifice, revealing Lucas’s intentions and the characters’ emotional ties to one another.

3. Narrative Pacing: refers to how fast or slow the story unfolds. This can influence the emotional impact and tension within the narrative.

a. The pacing in Redemption Road alternates between fast-paced scenes of action and violence during the Liberian civil war, and slower, reflective moments of healing and rebuilding. This variation reflects the characters’ emotional journeys and the impact of the war on their lives.

b. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee uses a measured, slow pacing to allow readers to absorb the social complexities of the South with the introduction of a range of characters. The pacing builds tension, especially during the trial scenes, where the gradual unravelling of events adds to the gravity of Tom Robinson’s fate.

4. Symbolism: is the use of symbols (i.e. objects, characters, figures, colours or events that express abstract thoughts or ideas beyond their literal meaning) within a story.

a. In To Kill a Mockingbird: The mockingbird itself is a powerful symbol, representing innocence and goodness. Characters like Tom Robinson and Boo Radley are symbolically linked to the mockingbird, emphasising the theme of protecting the vulnerable from injustice.

b. In Redemption Road: The road itself is symbolic of the characters’ journey toward healing and redemption. The physical and emotional scars of war serve as symbols for the long-lasting effects of violence, but also for the possibility of recovery and rebuilding.

In each of these works, voice, dialogue, narrative pacing, and symbolism contribute to the development of the themes and the emotional depth of the story. The writers skilfully use these aspects of style to create a strong connection between the reader and the characters, while also highlighting the larger societal or personal conflicts at play.

Activity 1.7

Exploring style in prose texts

1. Get one of your friends to join you to select and read one each of the prescribed texts below which you know well. Select different texts.

a. So The Path Does Not Die by Pede Hollist

b. Redemption Road by Elma Shaw

c. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

d. The Path of Lucas: The Journey He Endured by Susanne Bellefeuille

2. As you read, make brief notes on the various styles adopted by the author. Focus on stylistic elements such as voice, dialogue, narrative pacing and symbolism.

Let the following questions guide you:

Voice

a. What tone does the narrator or main character use? Is it formal, casual, humorous, or serious?

b. How does the narrator’s perspective (first-person, third-person, etc.

influence your understanding of the story?

c. What kind of personality or mood does the narrator’s voice convey?

d. How does it make you feel about the story?

Dialogue

a. What do the characters’ words reveal about their personalities or relationships?

b. Are there any particular phrases or ways of speaking that make a character unique or particularly distinctive?

c. How does the dialogue help move the plot forward or reveal important information?

Narrative Pacing

a. Are there moments in the story where the action feels fast or intense?

b. How is this effect created?

c. Are there parts of the story that feel slower or more detailed? What might be the purpose of slowing down the pace here?

d. How does the pacing affect your emotional response to the story?

Symbolism

a. Are there any objects, colours, or repeated images that seem to carry deeper or alternative meanings?

b. How do these symbols relate to the main themes or conflicts in the story?

c. What do these symbols reveal about the characters or their struggles?

3. Based on the notes you have made, discuss with your friend specific aspects of the text that highlights the unique style of the work and how these contribute to the overall structure of the novel. Your friend should also tell you about the text she/he read.

4. In a two-page essay, explain how the unique style of the author has helped you to understand the novel’s themes.

As a birthday planner, you have been asked by your client to plan a birthday celebration on the theme, ‘Preserving Cultural Heritage’’. To achieve these, you have to consider the following:

1. What are some of the words that you think preserve cultural heritage and how will they be used on the invitation card?

2. Which catch phrases such as simile and metaphor can be used to entice readers to attend the programme?

3. Based on your response in ‘2’ above, do you think your attendees will be happy to attend the program?

Let us relate these questions to style in literature.

In literature, style is the memorable use of language used to bring out important themes in written texts. By selecting their words, figurative language, tone and point of view, authors shape how readers experience and understand the ideas in the narrative. Style does not only help readers connect emotionally to the stories they read but also develops their understanding of themes being used in the work.

Here are some key elements of style and how they help bring out themes.

1. Diction The words and phrases used in a work or text. These words can bring out characters’ personality, beliefs and background. For instance, in Pede Holist’s So the Path Does not Die, a word like ‘Musu ba’ (an initiated woman) reflects the Sierra Leonean culture which projects the theme of cultural perseverance through circumcision.

2. Figurative Language

Words or phrases that mean something beyond the exact meaning. They include features such as similes, metaphors and personification. Figurative language creates strong images in the readers’ minds that enhance the theme. For example: In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout describes Dill using the words … “his hair was snow white and stuck to his head like duckfluff.” In this case, Scout compares Dill’s hair to snow (white) when she says “…his hair was snow white…” which is a metaphor comparing his hair to the natural phenomenon of snow. She then adds “and stuck to his head like duckfluff” which is simile.

This creates a vivid image of its soft and light texture. The expression brings out the theme of racism and colourism by foregrounding physical differences in Maycomb’s society.

3. Tone and mood Tone derives from the narrator’s attitude towards the subject, while mood is the feeling created in the reader. The specific tone and mood help readers connect with the themes on emotional levels. For instance, in So the Path Does not Die, the tone is often sombre when dealing with sensitive topics like female circumcision which highlights the “theme”, “horrors of female circumcision” bringing out tension as the mood.

4. Point of View

The point of view is the perspective from which the story is told. It influences how readers interpret the theme. For example, So the Path Does Not Die is told from a third person omniscient point of view which allows the reader to share in the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters. Exploring these different emotions helps us understand much more clearly the theme of cultural conflict faced by Fina.

Activity 1.8

Reviewing Previous Knowledge

1. Get a small soft ball for this whole class activity.

2. Sit in a circle with your classmates and toss the ball around.

3. When you catch the ball, share one thing you learned on themes and stylistic elements. The following questions could guide you:

a. What is a theme in a story?

b. Mention some possible themes you can find in a story.

c. What is the significance of themes in the development of narratives?

d. Mention some examples of stylistic elements.

e. Explain a stylistic element with an example.

Activity 1.8

Introduction to Prescribed Text

Use your browser to explore the author of your prescribed novel. Consider the links between the author and the context of the novel. For example: What do you think might have motivated Harper Lee to write To Kill a Mockingbird? Explore as an extension the links between Harper Lee and Truman Capote, a great American writer who lived near Harper Lee as a child and was friendly with her.

Harper Lee supposedly wrote To Kill a Mockingbird from her own childhood experience. Growing up in a small town, Monroeville, Alabama (Finch’s Landing), Lee’s childhood played a significant role in the narrative. She witnessed a lot of racial injustice, such as racism and murder firsthand. Her father, a lawyer (Atticus Finch), defended two black men who were charged with murder but lost the case. Lee therefore aimed to expose these ills of her society during the 1930s.

Activity 1.9

Summarising Plot and Key Themes

1. Use your browser and search for the plot of the first chapter of your chosen prescribed novel text (e.g. Chapter one plot of the path of Lucas: The Journey he endured).

2. Summarise what you just read. The following questions could guide you to develop your summary:

a. How does the novel begin?

b. Who are the main characters?

c. What conflict did the characters encounter?

d. Were the characters able to overcome the conflict by the end of the chapter?

e. Remember to read from multiple sources. Do not read from just one place.

Activity 1.10

Themes Identification

1. In your group, study the table provided below and focus on the themes listed in the table for the specific texts you are studying.

(Your teacher may provide you with other themes)

2. Find your text in the table, then choose two of the themes for those texts provided (themes from your teacher are accepted).

TEXT THEMES

So the Path Does Not Die by Pede

Hollist

• Tradition Vs Modernity

• Identity and Belonging

• Social expectation vs individual desires Redemption Road by Elma Shaw • Loss and Grief

• Resilience

• Dehumanisation of war To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

• Racism and Injustice

• Childhood innocence

• Gender Expectations Path of Lucas by Susanne Bellefeuille

• Poverty

• Love and resilience

• Struggle and perseverance

3. Write down at least two examples of words or expressions from the text that depict the selected theme. For instance , if your theme is “justice’’ look for instances in the story where characters face issues of fairness or inequality.

Activity 1.11

Identifying Stylistic Elements

1. In your group, study the stylistic elements with the prompts table provided below.

2. Think of ways these elements will be used to bring out the themes you selected above for your next activity.

STYLISTIC ELEMENT

QUESTIONS TO ASK PROMPT

Point of view Who is telling the story?

Which pronouns are present?

How does this change how you see the story?

For example, if the pronoun “I”, “we” or “you” had been used instead of “he” or “they”, would you still see the story the same way?

Find a part where you notice who is telling the story.

Write down how the narration affects your view on the events or characters.

STYLISTIC ELEMENT

QUESTIONS TO ASK PROMPT

Diction Are there any outstanding words?

How do these words make you feel and why?

Do these words help you understand the theme or characters better?

Pick a sentence with interesting words.

Explain how these words help you understand a specific theme.

Figurative Language

Can you find any metaphors, similes, or descriptions that compare things?

How do these comparisons help you picture things or understand the theme?

Find metaphor or simile.

Explain how this comparison (what the metaphor or simile is comparing) helps you see the theme or imagine the scene more clearly.

Tone and

Mood How does the author feel about the subject (Is it serious, playful)?

How does the story make you feel?

Does this feeling help you understand the theme? In what way?

Choose a part with a strong feeling.

Explain how this tone and mood help understand the theme.

Activity 1.12

Discussing the impact of style on Themes

1. With your group, discuss how the author’s use of style brings out the theme (refer to table above as guide).

2. Find specific examples from the text that help you bring out the theme. For instance, you might look at how a character’s speech during a difficult time (diction) brings out the theme of “courage”. Consider the following questions given under different texts:

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

a. How does diction bring out the theme of racism and injustice?

b. How is diction used to reflect the theme of Childhood Innocence?

c. How do tone and mood reflect gender expectations?

So the Path Does Not Die by Pede Hollist

a. How is figurative language used to portray the theme of tradition vs modernity?

b. How does diction reflect identity and the sense of belonging as a theme?

c. How is the theme of social expectation vs individual desires reflected in the use of tone and mood?

Redemption Road by Elma Shaw

a. How does Elma Shaw’s choice of words reflect the themes of loss and grief?

b. How do the tone and mood of the novel reflect the theme of resilience?

c. How is point of view used to depict the theme, dehumanisation of war Path of Lucas: The Journey he Endured by Susanne Bellefeuille

a. How do tone and mood depict the theme of poverty?

b. How does figurative language depict love and resilience as themes?

c. Does the diction reflect the theme of struggle and perseverance? How/ why?

Activity 1.13

Locating Passages with Stylistic elements

1. Together with your group, locate a few passages in the text that show your assigned stylistic element in action.

2. Mark the passages and discuss how each one highlights your understanding of the stylistic elements. For example, for the theme of “justice’’, find a passage where a character defends someone else fairly.

3. Look at how the description and language bring out fairness. The following questions could guide you:

a. How does this passage connect to the theme?

b. What/how does this style of writing add to your understanding of the theme? Does it make an impact on you?

Activity 1.14

Presenting Findings to class

1. As a group, present your findings. Explain your theme(s), the stylistic element(s) and how these elements help bring out the theme.

2. Take feedback from your classmates. This is an ideal opportunity to deal fairly and politely with any negative feedback. Discussions of texts can provide opportunities for differing opinions and perspectives to be clarified.

Non-fiction texts such as memoirs, biographies and essays teach us about life. Writers of these texts make use of themes and style to communicate their message. The following are ways employed by writers to develop their themes and style:

1. Themes In Creating Non-Fiction Texts

a. Topic Selection: Non-fiction writers almost always choose topics that connect directly to their personal experiences or expertise and social issues. For instance, a writer might use his or her experience on child abuse to help bring out the theme of “psychological struggles of abuse” in his/her writing.

b. Researching Background Information: Writers of non-fiction texts can use facts, research and examples to help them craft themes for their texts.

2. Using style to Create Non-Fiction Texts Non-fiction writers employ their distinctive style in creating their texts to communicate their message. The following are the elements of style they employ.

a. Language and Tone: non-fiction writers choose language and tone carefully to match the subject and express their view on the image they want to achieve. For

example, a Ghanaian writer writing about the culture of a coastal fishing village might use colourful descriptions to show daily life and traditions. The writer could talk about the bright markets where fishermen sell their catch and how the sound of the waves creates a peaceful background. The writer helps readers see how close the villages are as they work.

b. Narrative Techniques: Like fiction writers, non-fiction authors use storytelling, interviews and case studies to make their message more engaging.

c. Structural Choice: Non-fiction writers use different structures to organise their work. They may arrange information chronologically, by theme or by contrasting points of view. In a non-fiction book about Ghana’s history for instance, the author might choose between describing major events and sharing personal stories. Some of the very best writing combines the events at a general level with memorable particular supportive examples and insights.

Activity 1.15

Revision on Non-fiction, Themes and style With your classmates, brainstorm what you already know about non-fiction, themes and style.

a. Think of examples of non-fiction texts you have seen (e.g. news articles, biographies).

b. Share your understanding of what a theme is and give examples (e.g.

“Perseverance” in the biography of a famous singer)

c. Consider what “style” means in writing. Discuss how the author’s choice of word, tone and structure affect the story.

Activity 1.16

Analysing Non- Fiction Texts

1. Create a group of five, scan the QR codes provided below to access non-fiction texts related to themes on environmental conservation and technology.

Article on Climate Change Article on AI Technology

2. As group, read the texts together and think about them, being guided by the following questions:

a. How is the message about the theme highlighted and conveyed?

b. Which specific words or phrases did you notice that stood out as part of the style?

3. Write down each theme and element of style on sticky notes. Try to allow each member to share their thoughts and work together to decide which ones are most important.

Activity 1.17

Gallery Creation

1. After your group has identified themes and stylistic elements, display your sticky notes on the walls or tables.

2. Walk around the classroom to see what other groups found. Jot down your thoughts as you observe, being guided by the following questions:

a. What differences and similarities do you notice between themes in different groups’ findings?

b. What particular elements of style seem to cut across different groups’ findings and are they the most important in your view?

Activity 1.18

Reflection and Discussions

Quietly reflect on the themes and style displayed by each group and share your thoughts with your classmates on how each theme and style was represented.

Use the question below to guide you in your discussions:

How did the gallery walk help you better understand how non-fictional authors use theme and style in their texts? After completing the task, reflect with your group on why there might have been differences in emphasis from one group to another.

• The Autobiography of Kwame Nkrumah by Kwame Nkrumah

• No Easy Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

• Desert Flower by Waris Dirie, a wonderful piece of writing by a Somali woman who was a UN ambassador during the daytime and a desert nomad at night.

1. How many out of the four stylistic elements discussed do you remember? Write them down.

2. List the structural types of non-fiction texts and explain any two of them.

3. Mention two sources of non-fiction texts.

4. You have come across many fictional texts. Select one fictional text, read part of the text and comment on its structure.

5. Explain each of the stylistic elements listed to the best of your understanding.

6. Refer to your prescribed text and bring out evidence of the stylistic elements explained above.

7. Pick three themes discussed in class and explain them.

8. Do a comparative analysis of the structure of named fiction and non-fiction texts.

9. Examine the structure of either Elma Shaw’s Redemption Road or Pede Hollist’s So the Path Does Not Die

10. Give references of the discussed themes from your prescribed text.

11. Write a one paragraph essay on how the stylistic elements bring out specific themes in the text?

12. Create a short story (with at least one specific main theme) making use of at least two of the stylistic elements.

13. Explain how the stylistic elements used help bring out the themes in your story.

14. Explain how writers can use theme and style to create non-fiction texts.

15. Create a memoir using your own theme and style. Remember to be guided by the distinguishing features of non-fiction texts.