Explication of Short Stories and Novels

Requirement: 

(a)    Literary Elements – Plot, theme, style, setting, characterisation

(b)    Literary techniques – point of view/narrative technique,  protagonist, antagonist

(c)     Literary theories – feminism,  post colonialism, formalism, structuralism

Explication of Drama

Requirements

i)        Literary Elements – plot, setting, style, characterisation, theme

i)                    Drama elements – farce, comedy, tragedy, aside, monologue,  scene, acts, cast, costume, props, stage description, flashback, reminiscent, etc.

ii)                  Literary theories – post-colonialism, Face threatening acts (FTAs), feminism, critical discourse analysis  (CDA), formalism, etc. 

Explication of Poetry

Requirement

i)                    Literary Elements – plot, theme, style

ii)                   Literary techniques – rhythm,  rhyme,  alliteration,  assonance, repetition,  refrain,  symbolism, imagery, satire, sarcasm,  etc.

iii)                 Figures of speech – simile,  metaphor,  pun, synecdoche,  irony, euphemism, hyperbole, oxymoron, personification, onomatopoeia, metonymy, 

iv)                 Literary theories – formalism, postcolonialism, structuralism, critical discourse analysis, ecocriticism, etc .                

3.0  Oral Presentation

Oral presentation refers to spoken discourses most often a composition presented to in-person or remote audiences.

Types of Formal Oral Presentation

-          Public speech

-          Keynote address

-          Debate

-          Seminar presentation

-          Conference paper presentation

-          Viva voci

 

Steps in developing Oral Compositions

a)       Define the Purpose:  The oral composer is expected to articulate aims and objectives of the presentation  i.e. why he wants to make the presentation,  what he wants to present (i.e. message), and to whom (audience).

b)      Select a Topic:  The topic should be simple and apt and provides an insight into the content of the composition. 

c)       Frame the Subject Sentence:  The subject sentences expresses the theme of the composition.  Subject sentence 8s the sentences that exposes the theme of the composition.

d)      Define Materials for Developing the Subject Sentence:  This includes collecting data from primary or secondary sources or both..  Primary sources includes interviews,  field research, experiments,  observations,  tests, questionnaire, etc).  Secondary sources are book information, internet/web publications, information from journals, magazines, bulletin,  newspapers, etc.

e)      Draw up an Outline:  The outline shows basic heading and subheadings that form the composition.  The outline is made to appear in the order the composition will be presented. Important headings are crafted to appear first.

f)        Select Mode of Oral Delivery:  Modes of oral presentation include: memorization, manuscript presentation style, extemporaneous

i)                    Manuscript Presentation:  The presenter delivers composition by reading from manuscript prepared for the presentation

ii)                   Extemporaneous:  The presenter delivers  his oral  message from a list of points.   The points will guide the presentation

iii)                 Memorisation:  Oral presentation by me memorisation means composition  delivered by heart.  The presenter does not have any written material to guide him.  Memorisation method is suitable for short oral messages.

iv)                 PowerPoint presentation:  This is a form of oral presentation.   The presenter will present his composition from the slides of the PowerPoint prepared for the presentation.

g)       Rehearsal:  Rehearsals help the oral presenter to familiarise himself with  and internalise the structure and content of the composition before delivery.

 

The Influence of Purpose in Developing the Subject of the Composition

-          A composition’s aims and objectives  will determine the content of the composition i.e. the message

-          They will help to tailor the theme and content to meet the audiences interest and need.

-          Purpose will also help in selecting suitable topic

-          It will also help in defining the composition’s target audience

Language of the Radio

Radio is one of the delivery platforms for oral messages.  The radio platform is used to transmit information  to a mass audience.  Its communication process does not include feedback as it is transmitted to an impersonal audience  except when the programme is designed to include call-in.

-          Simple Expressions:  The language of radio should be simples and direct to enable the listener to easily understand the message.

-          Foregrounding: Radio communication is transient so major theme and important points should be highlighted through repetitions, use of synonyms and antonyms.

-           Less Technical Expressions:  The language of radio should not be too technical for easy assimilation.  The use of general words and expressions should be preferred.

-          Sound Effect:  some radio presentations should be accompanied by sound so as to create a lasting effect. Such sound effects include clapping, animal sounds, rise and fall of pitch, accent, stress, onomatopoeic expression, rhythmic movements, etc.

-          Musical Accompaniment:  Some oral presentations may be accompanied by music or sounds from musical instruments.

Debates

Debate is an oral presentation that involves argument.   The basis for debate is that there are alternative ways of explaining or viewing a particular phenomenon.   Debate presents to the audience different approaches of viewing a particular topic.

Techniques for Debate

a)       Understand the Topic:  The meaning of or the sense in the topic statement should be thoroughly understood.   Understanding the topic will help the debaters consider and  analyse different ways of explaining the topic.  This may include conducting a research on the topic.

b)      Take a Stand:  This involves adopting a particular approach  after a thorough consideration and research, converting the approach unto a topic and explaining it with facts and figures.

c)       Select Speakers:  Speakers that form a team are selected based on eloquence, confidence and clear pronunciations and expression.

d)      Research:  Research for better understanding of the topic and for development of the topic.  Research also helps the debater to understand the opposing team’s claims and counterclaims.

e)      Rehearse:  Rehearse to familiarise yourself with the structure and content of the debate

During Presentation

a)       Be Firm and Logical: Logical presentation shows relatedness of ideas.  Each point should be supported with evidence, examples and facts.

b)      Style:  Vary your style of presentation.  Mix your sentence types (simple, complex and compound sentences).  Vary your tone and body language.  It is important to be audible and clear.

c)       Time Conscious:  Each speaker is allocated specific time (between 3 minutes. and 5 minutes.) Within which to explain their points.

d)      Avoid Fallacy:  Do not attack your opponent’s personality, rather refute  their claims. Avoid over generalisation,  hate speech unverified public beliefs or opinion.

e)      Be Audible and Concise:  Use clear and understandable expressions.   Each point should be explained but not overloaded with other ideas.

f)        Be Consistent. Consistency is the hallmark of debate.  One speaker cannot argue for and against in one debate.   Speakers are expected to maintain their stand or claim throughout the debate.