Literature-in-English studies for JSS1 introduces pupils to the world of English literature, covering a variety of literary forms such as prose, poetry, and drama. Studying Literature in English helps students cultivate critical thinking abilities, refine language skills, and gain insights into diverse cultures, societies, and human experiences.
In JSS1, Literature in English teaches students basic literary analysis techniques, including recognising literary devices like metaphor, and simile. It also explores a range of literary genres such as short stories, folktales, and myths.
By studying Literature in English, students enhance their comprehension skills and develop an appreciation for the art.
In junior secondary schools, assessment methods in Literature-in-English may vary from one institution to another. However, the common approaches include regular tests or quizzes, known as Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs), and end-of-term exams.
Students’ performance is graded on a scale ranging from A to F. An A grade reflects outstanding achievement, corresponding to scores around 70% or 80%. An F grade indicates failure, typically associated with scores below 50% or 45%.
| LAGOS STATE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION: UNIFIED SCHEMES OF WORK FOR JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL | ||
| Literature in English Scheme of Work for Junior Secondary School 1(JSS1) | ||
| Class | J.S.S.1 | |
| Subject | Literature in English | |
| Term | First Term | |
| Week | Topic | Breakdown |
| 1 | The meaning, history, and functions of Literature. | |
| 10 | Types of Literature. | i. Oral Literature. ii. Written Literature. |
| 3 | i. Types of Oral Literature. ii. Categories of Written Literature. | |
| 4 | The genres of Literature. | i. Prose ii. Drama iii. Poetry |
| 5 | Genre of Literature: Prose. | i. Features ii. Types iii. Elements iv. Other aspects of Prose. |
| 6 | Genre of Literature: Drama. | i. Features ii. Types iii. Terms used in Drama |
| 7 | Genre of Literature: Poetry. | i. Features ii. Types iii. Elements |
| 8 | Poetic Devices. | |
| 9 | Figures of Speech. | |
| 10 | Figures of Speech. | |
| 11 | Revision. | |
| 12 | Examination. | |
| Term | Second Term | |
| Week | Topic | Breakdown |
| 1 | Literary Appreciation | How to Appreciate a Literary Work. |
| 2 | Reading: Drama | Reading of the drama text(s) for the term. |
| 3 | ||
| 4 | ||
| 5 | i. Background of the dramatist(s) of the read drama text(s). ii. Background and Setting of the drama text(s). iii. Plot Summary. iv. Themes. | |
| 6 | Reading: Prose | Reading of the novel(s) for the term. |
| 7 | ||
| 8 | ||
| 9 | i. Background of the novelist(s) of the read novel(s). ii. Background and Setting of the novel(s). iii. Plot Summary. iv. Themes. | |
| 10 | Poetry: Analysis of Poems for the term. | i. Background/Thematic Preoccupation. ii. Setting. iii. Poetic Devices. |
| 11 | ||
| 11 -12 | Revision/Examination |
| Term | Third Term | |
| Week | Topic | Breakdown |
| 1 | Revision/Resumption Test | |
| 2 | Types of drama | i. Tragedy ii. Comedy iii. Tragicomedy |
| 3 | Features of drama | i. Theme ii. Stage iii. Costume |
| 4 | Features of drama (contd) | i. Play director ii. Audience iii. Performance |
| 5 | Reading and explanation of a drama text. | |
| 6 | Definition of Figures of speech | |
| 7 | Use of comparison | Simile and Metaphor. |
| 8 | Literary appreciation of a poem | |
| 9 | Poetry | i. Definition ii. Types iii. Features iv. Analysis of a poem |
| 10 | Emphasis on using elevated language for writing poems to differentiate it from Prose Literature. | |
| 11 | Revision | |
| 12 -13 | Examination |
The following are the recommended Literature in English textbooks for JSS1.
Prose
Drama
Poetry
