Directorate: Curriculum FET
SUBJECT and GRADE English FAL Grade 11
TERM 2 Indicate the week(s) e.g. Week 5 (2 – 3 periods)
TOPIC Short Story (Pink Bow Tie) – reading/listening/writing
AIMS OF LESSON Understanding and analyzing Short Story – literature study
RESOURCES Paper based resources Digital resources
Shuters English FAL Short Story Anthology – Page 82
Handouts – notes and questions
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INTRODUCTION Revising the structure and features of short stories, e.g. exposition (introducing the characters, plot and setting),
rising action, climax, falling action, resolutions (conclusion)
Link to previous lessons - types of characters, types of narrators, figures of speech, e.g. similes, metaphors,
personification, hyperbole, etc.)
Purpose of lesson: to explore themes evident in the short story, e.g. honesty, fear, desire, change, curiosity,
appearance versus reality (everything is not as it seems)
CONCEPTS AND Types of narration CAN YOU?
SKILLS Setting: time, place – changes in the setting
Characterization: protagonist, antagonist, flat, round, Identify and understand these concepts/skills?
dynamic, static (See the notes provided below.)
Climax of the story – where it occurs in this story
ACTIVITIES/ Notes:
ASSESSMENT 1. Structures and features of a short story:
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2. Types of narration:
a. First Person – The narrator is the main character or a witness – often relation a personal account. (The
pronouns “we” or “I” are used often in the story.)
b. Second Person - This narrator refers to the reader as “you” as if he or she was a character within the
story. This type of narration is rarely used in literature.
c. Third Person – An all-knowing, all-seeing narrator (The pronouns “he”, “she”, “it” and “they” are
used often in the story.)
3. Setting: the time and place in which the story takes place
4. Characterization:
a. Protagonist – the main character; often the hero
b. Antagonist – opposes the main character; the villain
c. Flat – a character that does not change throughout the story.
d. Round – a character that changes in some way during the course of the story.
e. Dynamic – a character that undergoes a permanent change
f. Static – a character that remains the same in the face of life-changing events.
5. Climax: the turning point or point of highest tension in the story
Pre-reading:
Work in pairs or small groups to discuss your views on the type of disciplinary measures being applied at schools.
Base your discussion on the cartoon below.
Directorate: Curriculum FET
Using the title “Pink Bow Tie” predict what the short story will be about.
During Reading:
Read the short story, then draw a diagram to show the main events of the plot: exposition, rising action, climax,
falling action, resolution (conclusion).
Draw up a list of unfamiliar words and work out the meaning using contextual clues or a dictionary.
As you read the story, identify figures of speech (e.g. similes, metaphors, personification) – Discuss the effect of
these figures of speech (Why the writer used these figures of speech).
It may be helpful to start your discussion with: The writer wants to show how …
Post Reading: Contextual questions
1. Identify the type of narrator in this short story. (1)
2. Refer to line 3 (Page 82), “Yesterday I got the strap for nothing. Nothing at all.
(a) Why is the speaker in trouble with the principal? State TWO points. (2)
(b) Discuss the effect of the word “nothing” in this line. (2)
3. Refer to lines 4 – 5 (Page 82), “It looks like a great pink butterfly attacking his neck”.
(a) Identify the figure of speech in these lines. (1)
(b) Explain why this figure of speech is appropriate. (2)
4. Prove the following statement FALSE:
The speaker is an old learner at the school. State TWO points. (2)
5. Refer to line 1 (Page 83). What is the speaker’s intention when he tries to think of “a very impressive answer”? (1)
6. Refer to Part 2, line 1.
Discuss the irony in the speaker’s description of himself as “very nervous” and “very sensitive”. (2)
Directorate: Curriculum FET
7. Briefly describe Mr Splodge’s character? (2)
8. Why is “Old Splodge” a suitable nickname for the principal? Explain. (2)
9. Write down ONE word to describe Splodge’s reaction to the speaker’s story? (1)
10.What do you assume happens to Splodge at the end of the story? (2)
11.Name ONE thing about Splodge that does not change throughout the story. (1)
12.Discuss how the theme of appearance versus reality is evident in this short story. (3)
13.The speaker ends the story by saying, “It is funny though” Do you agree with this statement? Discuss your view. (3)
CONSOLIDATION As informal assessment compare your answers with the suggested answers below. Alternatively you may discuss
them in groups. Remember the mark allocation for each question determines the length and depth of the answers
required.
Suggested answers
1. First person narration
2. (a) for commenting on the principal’s bow tie ; for “dyeing” his hair.
(b) The speaker is emphasizing that he is innocent.
3. (a) Simile
(b) It shows how much the speaker dislikes the bow time; it shows how ridiculous the principal looks wearing
this bow tie.
4. He is 14 years old ; this is only his second day at the school.
5. He wants to impress the secretary/Miss Newham
6. He claims to be nervous and sensitive, yet he isn’t afraid to comment on Mr Splodge’s bow time. (Remember, for
questions on irony you can score either 2 or 0 marks – so refer to both sides of the argument.)
7. He is ill-tempered; not gullible ; curious (Accept any TWO relevant answers.)
8. “Splodge” refers to an ugly blot . The principal is a nasty, miserable man.
9. Shocked; disgusted (Accept other suitable words.)
10. He becomes an eighteen-year-old ; he starts dating Miss Newham.
11. He wears a bow tie.
12. The discussion of the theme of appearance versus reality, should include the following points, among others:
- The speaker appears to have contravened the school rules, but he has not.
- The speaker appears to be telling lies, but he is proved to be truthful at the end of the story.
Note: For full marks, your response must be well-substantiated. You could score 1 or 2 marks for a response
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which is not well-substantiated. Your interpretation must be based on the short story.
13. Open-ended.
Give a relevant response which shows an understanding of the following viewpoints, among others:
Yes, an eighteen-year old wouldn’t wear a pink bow tie. A young lady wouldn’t date a teenage who wears a pink
bow time.
OR
No, it is not funny for an old principal to give up his career to date a young lady. He should choose a woman of
his own age.
Note: You will not be awarded a mark for YES or NO only. You may respond with a combination of Yes and No.
For full marks, your response must be well-substantiated. You could score 1 or 2 marks for a response which is
not well-substantiated. Your interpretation must be based on the story.
VALUES The short story is relevant for high school learners who are facing challenges in relationships and interacting with the
older generation. It teaches good moral values such as honesty.
