10
-NiE ,
17 MAY 2017
ADVANCED
Setting your sights high
Short story
NiE Activity 1
ALOO had always dreamt of studying medicine in America. When he was offered a place at The California Institute of Technology, it seemed like a dream come true. He was therefore very disappointed when he realised that his family could not afford to pay for his plane ticket to, and living expenses in, America. His widowed mother, who had made many sacrifices bringing the family up by herself, was also deeply concerned about Aloo going so far away. She feared that his
Critical thinking ● Identify
● Reason
Creative thinking ● Imagine
● Connect
Problem solving ● Question
● Written
Collaborating ● Listen
– Leaving by M.G. Vassanji
Imagery is often used by writers to help readers visualise certain situations. Descriptive words or phrases can create a desired image in the mind of the readers. The following are two extracts from Leaving.
In groups of four, read both extracts and discuss the images and feelings that come to mind. In separate columns on a sheet of A4 paper, write down five words or phrases that are related to each of the extracts. (Don’t repeat any word given in the extracts.) Then, look in The Star for a place (name or picture) that is, in some way, similar to either one of the places described. Cut it out and paste it on the same paper. Next, write down at least three reasons for your choice. When you are done, decide as a group whether you would like to live in this place. Take turns to present your work in class.
● Recreate
Communicating ● Oral ● Non-verbal
leaving for America could result in her losing him completely. However, she was aware of how much this meant to Aloo. She sought the advice of Mr. Velji, one of the school officers. After the discussion, Aloo’s mother was more convinced about the significance of the scholarship and found a way for Aloo to go to America.
● Contribute respectfully
Extract 1
Extract 2
We moved to a part of town called Upanga, which was a very quiet place after the noise and hurry of Uhuru Street. We no longer heard the sounds of buses, cars, and bicycles; we heard the sounds of insects and small animals, of leaves rustling in the wind… behind the houses was wild land, with tall trees… at night it felt like a lonely, frightening place.
Mile after mile of green fields, neat green squares, even the mountains are clean and tidy. And London… Oh London! It never ends… houses, squares, parks, gardens, great buildings…
Words/phrases associated with Extract 1
Extract 2
NiE Activity 2
Aloo’s mother made many sacrifices for the sake of her children. After her two daughters had gotten married, she sold the family store because she wanted her youngest children to study hard, instead of working at the store. The following is an extract from Leaving. When Father died, she was only thirty-three. It was a hard life, with five children and no husband. In the years after his death several men asked her to marry them, but she always refused to marry again, because of us. Children of a first marriage cannot stay with their mother in a second marriage; they are sent to a children’s home. Aloo’s mother always put her children’s needs ahead of her own. She refused to remarry because she did not want to lose her children. How would you describe Aloo’s mother? Do you think that she made the right decision in her sacrifices? In groups of four, discuss. Then, look in The Star for a picture of a person who has similar qualities as Aloo’s mother. Cut it out and paste it on a sheet of A4 paper. Write short notes about how they are similar. Finally, take turns to present your work in class.
Critical thinking ● Identify
● Reason
● Imagine
Problem solving ● Recreate
● Connect
Communicating ● Non-verbal
Collaborating ● Listen
Creative thinking
● Contribute respectfully
● Written
● Brainstorm
Problem solving ● Present
NiE Activity 3 Critical thinking
● Reason
Creative thinking
A bird flying high and free; Mr. Velji sitting in his chair, his wise face full of understanding; Mother staring into the future. Symbolism is often used by writers to represent deeper meanings. In the last few lines of the story, the symbol of a bird flying high and free is used to represent Aloo leaving his home to go to America. What symbols would you use to represent the other characters in the story? In groups of four, look in The Star for pictures of objects which can be used to symbolise Mr. Velji and Aloo’s mother. Cut them out and paste them on a sheet of A4 paper. Give reasons for your choices. Then, display your work on the classroom notice board and take turns viewing what other groups have done.
● Recreate
● Connect
Communicating ● Oral
● Written
Collaborating ● Contribute respectfully