Grade 7

English Home Language

Literature Study Guide

Poetry
Drama
Short story
 Poetry 101
WHAT IS A POEM?

A poem is a composition in verse. It pains pictures by means of poetic devices

such as figurative language, rhythm and rhyme.

ELEMENTS OF A POEM

Titles

• Titles are the first impression of poems because this is usually what jumps
out at your readers.
• Titles are essential to a good poem and could implicitly captivate its reader.
• The title of a poem gives you an indication what the poem is about.
• A title can be misleading; therefore, you should always evaluate if the title
suits the poem.

The theme or main idea

• Every poem will have a theme or a main idea.

• Each poem conveys a message or intentions of the poet and these may be
obvious or implied, meaning you must read between the lines.
• A poem can contain a single, or multiple themes based on the story of the
poem that it tells.

The form in which the poem is written

• A poem is written in a particular form. Poems are usually written in lines.

These lines are grouped into stanzas.
• Poets use “poetic licence” that allows them to depart for restrictions to
express themselves more effectively. (Ex. Write in lowercase, make spelling
errors, etc.)

Word choice

• The poet’s use of words creates the mood/atmosphere and sets the poem in
its correct time and place.
• It influences the rhyming and rhythm of the poem.
• The use of repetition (using words or phrases more than once) is also very
effective.
Tone

• The tone of the poem will reveal the poet’s views and attitudes.
• It helps to create the desire mood or atmosphere.
• The tone of a poem can be described as friendly; sharp; sarcastic; ironic;
angry; humorous or condescending.

Imagery

• Imagery, often involving the senses, creates a word picture.

• The poet uses a combination of literal and figurative language.
• Poets may use metaphors, similes or personification for comparisons.
• Sound devices, alliteration, assonance and onomatopoeia is used to enhance
imagery.

Contrast

• Contrast is a literary device that explores the differences between two (or
more) things or ideas.
• Similar things require more detailed contrasts, while a contrast of dissimilar
things can be general.
• There are four common types of contrast: visual, cultural, personal, and
emotional contrast.

Rhythm

• Poetry often has a rhythm or a flow. In this way poetry is like music.
• It sets the pace of the poem and should match the meaning.
• A slow rhythm would reinforce a sad or sombre meaning while a quicker-paced
rhythm could reflect a happy mood.

Rhyme

• Rhyme depends on the sound (rhyming words).

• = E.g. Valentine/mine; born/down. These are wounds that don’t look the
same, but they sound the same.
• Rhyme schemes differ: aabb; abab; abba; abca
Poem 1: The Power of Kindness

In shadows dark, where cold winds blow,

Like fragile leaves in winter's chill,

A gentle hand, with warmth to show,

Can melt the frost, a heart to still.

As morning sun breaks through the night,

Like golden threads in skies of grey,

A kind word sparks the fading light,

And turns the dusk to brightest day.

Beneath the storm, where tempests rage,

Like angry waves on rocky shore,

A tender touch can soothe the cage,

And calm the sea, restore once more.

In fields where thorns and roses grow,

Like bitter truths and sweetest lies,

Kindness blooms where hearts bestow,

A balm for pain, where sorrow dies.

Questions – Poem 1:

1. How many stanzas are in the poem? How many lines are there in each
stanza?
2. Find the similes in the poem. What two things are being compared in each
simile?
3. What is the rhyming pattern in the poem? Look at the last words in each line
to find the pattern.
4. Can you find an example of contrast in the poem? What two opposite ideas
or images are being compared?
5. What is the main idea or message of the poem? How does the poem show
this idea through its words and images?
Poem 2: The Song of Friendship

In the garden, we plant our dreams,

Laughter flows like rivers wide,

Our bond grows strong like sturdy trees,

But doubts sometimes sneak inside.

Our friendship’s like a mountain tall,

Standing firm beneath the sky,

But sometimes a breeze of irony blows,

And quiet moments pass us by.

Our hearts beat like steady drums,

Boom, boom, through the days we try,

Together we build a song of trust,

Though sometimes notes feel shy.

Friendship’s a fire that keeps us warm,

Glowing bright like stars on high,

But shadows play in the fire’s light,

As tiny sparks of envy fly.

Questions – Poem 2:

1. How many stanzas are in the poem? How many lines are there in each stanza?
2. Identify a metaphor used in the poem. What two things are being compared.
3. What is the rhyming pattern of the poem?
4. Find an example of irony in the poem. How does this irony contribute to the
overall theme?
5. What is the main theme of the poem? How is this theme expressed through
the images and ideas presented?
6. How does the poem maintain a positive tone throughout? Quote examples from
the poem that show the positive aspects of friendship.
7. Identify the onomatopoeia used in the poem. How does this sound word add to
the imagery or emotion of the poem?
 Drama 101
WHAT IS DRAMA?

Drama is a type of storytelling where actors perform a story in front of an

audience. It involves dialogue, actions, and emotions to convey a message or tell
a story.

KEY ELEMENTS OF DRAMA:

Characters:
• Characters are the individuals who take part in the drama. They drive the
plot forward through their actions, dialogue, and interactions.
• Protagonist: The main character around whom the story revolves. They
usually face a central conflict and undergo significant development.
• Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating
obstacles and challenges.
• Supporting Characters: Additional characters who help to develop the story
and provide depth to the main characters.
• Character Traits: Each character has distinct traits (personality, goals,
strengths, weaknesses) that influence their actions and decisions.

Narrator:
• Provides Background: Explains the setting, characters, and events.
• Reveals Thoughts: Shares characters' inner thoughts and emotions.
• Sets Tone: Establishes the mood and atmosphere of the drama.
• Guides Plot: Moves the story forward and connects different parts.
• Enhances Storytelling: Adds depth and engagement to the narrative.

Dialogue:
• Dialogue is the spoken words of the characters. It reveals their thoughts,
emotions, and relationships.
• Develops Characters: Shows character traits and motivation.
• Dialogue: Conversation between two or more characters.
• Monologue: A long speech by one character, often revealing their inner
thoughts.
Setting:
• The setting is the time and place where the drama occurs. It provides
context and influences the mood of the story.
• Location: The physical place where the action occurs (a forest, city, or room).
• Time Period: The historical or future time setting (the 1800s, a futuristic
world).
• Atmosphere/Mood: The emotional tone of the setting (eerie, cheerful,
tense).

Plot:
• The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story. It outlines the
structure and progression of the drama.
• Exposition: Introduces the setting, characters, and initial situation.
• Rising Action: Builds up the conflict through a series of events and
complications.
• Climax: The turning point of the story, where the main conflict reaches its
highest intensity.
• Falling Action: The events that follow the climax, leading towards resolution.
• Resolution (Denouement): The conclusion where conflicts are resolved, and
the story reaches a conclusion.

Conflict:
• The problem or challenge that drives the story. Conflict can be between
characters or within a character’s mind.

1. Basic Drama Terms:

• Play: A written work for performance, consisting of dialogue and actions.
• Script: The written text of a play, including dialogue and stage directions.
• Stage Directions: Instructions in the script that describe the actions,
movements, and positions of actors.
• Improv: Short for improvisation, where actors create scenes on the spot
without a script.

2. Types of Drama:
• Comedy: A drama that is meant to entertain and make people laugh.
• Tragedy: A drama that deals with serious and often sad themes, usually
ending in a downfall or disaster for the characters.
• Musical: A drama that includes singing and dancing as part of the story.
Drama 1: Ella’s Enchanted Candy Shop

Characters list:
• Ella: A kind and imaginative girl who loves sweets.
• Mr. Whipple: The mysterious owner of the enchanted candy shop.
• Lily: Ella's best friend who is curious and adventurous.
• Tommy: Ella’s mischievous younger brother.

Setting: An old-fashioned candy shop with shelves full of colourful jars and
magical treats.
___________________________________________________________
Narrator: (as the scene opens) In a small town, an enchanted candy
shop awaits those who believe in magic. Today, three friends are
about to discover its wonders.

Scene 1: The Enchanted Candy Shop

(Ella, Lily, and Tommy enter the candy shop, amazed by the
colourful displays.)
Ella: (excitedly) This place is amazing!
Mr. Whipple: (smiling) Welcome! Each candy here has a special magic. Choose
wisely and see where it takes you.
(The children choose their candies.)
Ella: (holding a shimmering lollipop) I wonder where this will lead.
Lily: (holding a key-shaped candy) Maybe it will unlock something special.
Tommy: (holding a chocolate bar) This looks like it will give me superpowers!
Mr. Whipple: Enjoy, and remember, the true magic comes from within.
Narrator: (as they eat their candies) Each candy takes the friends on a
unique adventure.
___________________________________________________________

Scene 2: Ella’s Adventure

(Ella’s lollipop transports her to a magical land.)
Narrator: Ella’s candy has taken her to a land of dreams, where she learns
that helping others can be the greatest magic of all.
Ella: (to a fairy) I’m here to help! What can I do?
Fairy: (smiling) Use your kindness to bring joy to this land.
(Ella helps the magical creatures and feels a deep sense of
fulfilment.)
___________________________________________________________
Scene 3: Lily’s Discovery
(Lily’s candy leads her to a hidden room filled with magical books.)
Narrator: Lily discovers a room of secrets where imagination brings stories
to life.
Lily: (finding a glowing book) This is incredible! I can explore any
adventure I dream of.
Magical Book: (glowing) Imagination is the key to endless wonders.
(Lily explores the room, enjoying the magical stories.)
___________________________________________________________

Scene 4: Tommy’s Powers

(Tommy’s chocolate bar gives him superpowers.)
Narrator: Tommy uses his newfound powers to help a city in need.
Tommy: (using his powers) I’m helping everyone and having a blast!
City Mayor: (gratefully) Thank you for your heroism!
(Tommy learns the joy of using his abilities for good.)
___________________________________________________________

Scene 5: Farewell
(The friends return to the candy shop, beaming with excitement.)
Ella: (grinning) This was the best adventure ever!
Lily: (nodding) We’ll always remember this day.
Tommy: (waving) Thanks, Mr. Whipple!
Mr. Whipple: (waving back) Farewell, and remember, magic is within you.
Narrator: (as the scene ends) With hearts full of wonder, the friends leave,
knowing that the real magic lies within themselves.

Questions – Drama 1:

1. Identify the role of the narrator in the drama.

2. Identify who owns the enchanted candy shop?
3. Identify the number of scenes in this extract.
4. Explain why are there parts of the dialogue written in brackets?
5. What does the final scene reveal about the characters' understanding of
magic and their own inner strengths?
6. Supply a brief character sketch of Ella.
7. Identify if there is a protagonist or an antagonist in this extract? Provide
the name of the protagonist or antagonist.
 Short Story 101
WHAT IS SHORT STORY?

A short story is a brief work of fiction that centres around a single event or
theme, with a limited number of characters and a concise plot, designed to be
read in one sitting.

KEY ELEMENTS OF SHORT STORY:

1. Characters
• Main Character (Protagonist): The person or animal the story is mainly
about. They face a problem or challenge.
• Supporting Characters: Others who interact with the main character and
help or hinder their progress.

2. Setting
• Where: The location or place where the story happens (e.g., a magical
forest, a school, or a cozy house).
• When: The time period or time of day when the story takes place (e.g.,
present day, in the past, or in the future).

3. Plot
• Introduction: The beginning of the story where characters and the
setting are introduced.
• Rising Action: Events that build up to the main problem or conflict. These
events make the story interesting.
• Climax: The most exciting or important part of the story where the main
problem reaches its peak.
• Falling Action: Events that happen after the climax and lead toward the
end.
• Resolution: The conclusion where the problem is resolved, and the story
comes to an end.
4. Conflict
• Main Problem: The challenge or struggle the main character faces.
• Internal Conflict: A struggle within the character (fear, guilt).
• External Conflict: A struggle with outside forces (other characters,
nature).

5. Theme
• Main Idea: The central message or lesson of the story. It’s what the
author wants to convey through the story.

6. Dialogue
• Conversation: What the characters say to each other. Dialogue helps
reveal their personalities and move the story forward.

7. Point of View
• Narrative Perspective: The position from which the story is told:
• First Person: The narrator is a character in the story (uses "I" or "we").
• Third Person: The narrator is outside the story (uses "he," "she," or
"they").

8. Descriptive Language
• Imagery: Words and phrases that create pictures in the reader’s mind.
Descriptions help make the setting and characters come alive.

SHORT STORIES IN READER TO STUDY:

• His First Flight, p. 33

• The Empty Basket, p. 38
• You Pay for the View, p. 44
Key elements of "His First Flight" by Liam O’Flaherty:

Characters:
• The Young Seagull: The main character who is afraid to fly for the first
time.
• The Seagull's Parents: They play a crucial role in encouraging and
challenging the young seagull to overcome his fear.
• The Young Seagull’s Brothers and Sister: They successfully fly and serve
as a contrast to the young seagull’s fears. Their flying represents the
natural progression and expectation of seagull development.

Setting:
• Location: The story is set on a cliff overlooking the sea. This setting is
crucial as it represents the boundary between the known (the cliff) and the
unknown (the sky and sea).

Plot:
• Introduction: The young seagull is introduced as being fearful of flying,
contrasting with his parents’ expectations.
• Rising Action: The young seagull’s fear of flying grows as he watches his
family effortlessly soar through the sky.
• Climax: The young seagull is finally pushed to fly when he faces hunger and
desperation, which forces him to take his first flight.
• Falling Action: After initially struggling, he finds that he can fly and begins
to enjoy the experience.
• Resolution: The young seagull successfully flies and gains confidence,
overcoming his fear and fulfilling his natural ability.

Conflict:
• Internal Conflict: The young seagull struggles with fear and self-doubt
about flying. This internal struggle drives the plot and character
development.
• External Conflict: There is a tension between the young seagull’s desire to
stay safe and the need to fly as expected by his parents.

Theme:
• Overcoming Fear: The central theme is about overcoming fear and taking
risks to achieve personal growth. The young seagull’s journey illustrates how
facing one’s fears can lead to success and self-discovery.