Grade Five English
COMPOSITION WITH MY FRIEND
Read and discuss the notes.
The Plot
The plot of a story is made up of three stages:
• Complications – The difficulties that the characters face or run into. • The climax – The most exciting event or the “big moment.” • Outcome – The way things turn out.
Point of View
The Narrative Composition- Part 2
The point of view refers to the narrator who is telling the story to the readers. First Person Narrator – This is the narrator of the story telling it as his or her own. The narrator uses the pronouns - I or me.
Third Person Narrator- This is the narrator telling someone else’s story. The narrator does not usually include himself in the story but refers to the characters as he or they.
ON MY OWN
Exercise
- Read at least two stories.
- Find the elements above and complete this story board. - Discuss your choices.
ON MY OWN
A) Read the story below and try to identify the beginning, middle and end.
(Pay attention also to the sequence of the details)
B) In about 120-150 words, write a story entitled “Followed by a Stranger” (Try to include the elements of the story on the story board above.)
COMPREHENSION ON MY OWN
Read the passage carefully then answer the questions which follow.
The big Town Hall was striking midnight when Frank began to cross the bridge. The night air was cold and damp. A low mist hung over the river and the streetlamps gave little light.
Frank was anxious to get home and his footsteps rang loudly on the pavement. When he reached the middle of the bridge, he thought he could hear someone approaching behind him. He looked back but could see no one. However, the sound continued and Frank began walking more quickly. Then he slowed down again, ashamed of himself for acting so foolishly. There was nothing to fear in a town as quiet as this.
The short quick steps grew louder until they seemed very near. Frank found it impossible not to turn round. As he did so, he caught sight of a figure coming towards him.
After reaching the other side of the bridge, Frank stopped and pretended to look down at the water. From the corner of his eye, he could now make out the form of a man dressed in a large overcoat. A hat was pulled down over his eyes and very little of his face could be seen.
As the man came near, Frank turned towards him and said something about the weather in an effort to be friendly. The man did not answer but asked gruffly,
“Where is Greenfield House?”
Frank pointed to a big house in the distance and the stranger continued his way.
The inquiry made Frank suspicious because he knew that the inhabitants of Greenfield House were very wealthy. Without realizing what he was doing, he began following the stranger quietly. The man was soon outside the house and Frank saw him look up at the windows. A light was still on, and the man waited until it went out. When about half an hour had passed, Frank saw him climb noiselessly over the wall and heard him drop on the ground on the other side.
Now Frank’s worst suspicions were confirmed. He walked quickly and silently across the street towards a telephone booth on the corner.
(Adapted from L.G. Alexander, Essay and Letter Writing)
Questions
Read each question carefully then draw a heavy black line through the letter (A, B, C or D) which is near the answer you choose.
1. All of these tell about the night when Frank was walking except
A) a low mist hung over the river
B) it was dark.
C) it was about midnight
D) the air was humid. 2. Which statement is false about Frank?
A) He was anxious to get home.
B) He was fearless.
C) He was walking on the pavement.
D) He had to cross a bridge on his way.
3. Which of these sentences best identifies the stranger on the bridge as a robber?
A) He made short quick steps.
B) He spoke in a gruff voice.
C) He was going to Greenfield house.
D) He was dressed in a large overcoat with a hat pulled down over his eyes.
4. What do you think is the best reason Frank went to the telephone booth?
A) He wanted to call his family.
B) He wanted to call the police.
C) He was calling his friend.
D) He was calling Greenfield House. 5. What is the most suitable title for the passage?
A) Frank’s Walk
B) A Visitor to Greenfield House.
C) A Stranger on the Bridge
D) A Robbery by the Town Hall
Goodbye boys and girls!