Literature Link: The Prescribed Novel · 5 min read
Reading a novel for the exam
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Tap any word for its meaning, or to have that part explained further.
Hello my wonderful students! It's your favorite teacher here to guide you through reading your prescribed novel for your WASSCE, NECO, UTME, or NABTEB exams.
This book is super important, like your ticket to university, so we must read it smartly, not just for fun like a comic book.
Why Read the Prescribed Novel?
First, you get marks for it! Simple. Second, it teaches you about life, other people, and even yourself. Third, it improves your English.
Understanding the Story
Imagine you are watching a Nollywood movie. You need to know who is who, what is happening, and where it is all taking place. The novel is just like that.
Plot: This is the storyline, what actually happens from beginning to end. It's like the journey from Lagos to Kano. What stops did Chidi make? What did he see?
Setting: This is where and when the story happens. Is it in a bustling market in Aba, or a quiet village in the 1980s? The time and place are key.
Characters: These are the people (or sometimes animals) in the story. Aisha, Tunde, Mama Biodun – who are they? What do they do? How do they behave?
Theme: This is the main message or idea the author wants to share. Is it about love, corruption, poverty, or bravery? Think about the lessons from the story.
Literary Devices: These are the special tricks authors use to make their writing interesting and powerful. Examples include simile (comparing two unlike things using 'like' or 'as') and metaphor (comparing two unlike things directly, saying one *is* the other).
Reading for Exams
Don't just read once. Read two or three times! First, read to enjoy. Second, read to understand the details. Third, read to identify themes and literary devices.
As you read, make notes. Write down character names and what they do. List important events. Note down beautiful sentences or phrases.
If you see a word you don't know, don't just jump over it like a pothole on a bad road. Look it up! Improve your vocabulary.
Practice answering questions after each chapter, if possible. This helps you remember and understand deeply. Like revising after a lesson.
Remember, the examiner is looking for how well you understood the story, the characters, and the messages. So, pay attention to everything!
Key points
- •Read the novel multiple times for better understanding.
- •Focus on plot, characters, setting, themes, and literary devices.
- •Make notes and look up unfamiliar words to improve vocabulary.
- •Practice answering exam-style questions regularly.