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Charles Dube Highway to success
THIS is a topic, which has been discussed on numerous occasions. This is not a surprise because I have always mentioned on these pages that many English language aspects will always be revisited, largely due to similarities and various explanations. There are many ways of expressing related topics.
It is quite pertinent to do this as students head towards the final public examinations. Major learning has been done and examination classes are into revision.
This topic will greatly assist them on revision. As stated earlier, they should start with planning. It does not matter that many students do not like composition planning.
The fact remains that this helps students perform better in composition writing. Better writings encourage students to start with planning. Planning sets the stage for well-organised and cohesive writing. Students are encouraged to explore the meaning of the topic by asking them what they think the topic means.
They need to be helped to brainstorm synonyms or related words to deepen their understanding of the theme.
Outline the structure of the essay. Students need to be helped to understand the story structure. It is important to teach them the purpose of key elements such as the introduction, conflict, climax and conclusion.
The introduction sets the stage, introduces the characters and presents the setting, giving the children a clear understanding of the story’s world.
The conflict, which follows, introduces a problem or challenges the characters must face, sparking excitement and curiosity.
The climax is the turning point where the tension reaches its peak and the characters take action to resolve the conflict. Finally, the conclusion wraps up the story, showing the resolution and how the characters have changed or grown.
By recognising these elements, students can better appreciate how stories unfold and develop a deeper understanding of narrative structure. Brainstorm ideas. Brainstorm with students about what type of characters work with the theme. Discuss how their physical description and character traits should align with the story’s message.
Brainstorm phrases related to the theme, helping students think of expressions that reflect the concept.
For example, with things like cheating, phrases like “caught red-handed, cheeks burned with shame, chastise severely or promised to turn over a new leaf,” would be relevant.
This activity helps students connect language, character traits and themes, enriching the understanding of storytelling. Focus on writing techniques. Show, do not tell. Students need to be taught the importance of descriptive language.
By using sensory details and vivid imagery, they can paint a clear picture for the reader, making their writing more engaging and immersive.
Sensory details involve using sight, sound, hearing, smell and taste to bring a scene to life. Following are two descriptions, which students can compare: “I went into a restaurant versus the moment I waltzed in, I was greeted by the aroma of tantalising food, the clatter of cutlery and the sight of delightful details in an array of colours.”
Obvious, if students were asked to compare the two descriptions as to which one made them feel they were really there, the second one really fits in well. This approach helps children understand how sensory details can create a vivid and immersive experience.
Craft story opening: A compelling start set the tone for the entire composition. Show students how to begin with an attention grabbing action or dialogue. Examples: “How could you do that to me? I never thought it would ever end like this. Why didn’t you tell me the truth?”
Sounds: “Bang!” The door slammed shut, echoing in the silent hallway”. “Ring, ring,” The phone call that changed everything.
Aftermath opening. “As I wrung my hands in anxiety while waiting for the principal to call me, regret washed over me. How I wish I had not cheated in my examination. My heart sank as the hard words echoed in my mind. I had lost a friend and now there was no turning back. The silence in the room felt suffocating, I couldn’t believe what I had just done.”
Flash back: “As I wiped the thin layer of dust, a picture revealing a man and a woman triggered a flood of memories that brought back a fateful day where I lost someone important.” “The old faded letter I found in the attic opened the door to memories I had buried long ago. These openings engage readers immediately, whether through emotion, curiosity or setting the tone for the rest of the story.”
Develop the theme. Ensure that the narrative remains focused on the central theme throughout the composition.
This keeps the story coherent and ensures the main message resonates with the reader. One way to ensure the plot is central to the theme is to ask students what lesson the main character will learn through the story.
“Is the lesson connected to the theme of the composition?”
Students need to be encouraged to consider what they want the reader to take away from the story. This helps ensure that the plot aligns with and reinforces the central theme.
By following these strategies, students will develop a solid understanding of how to plan, organise and refine their composition. Teaching them the art of writing takes this, but with patience and consistence, they will see significant improvement in their abilities
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Peter Tanyanyiwa