Sample of an Essay Question
If you are planning to design a literature class specifically
teaching short story, what would you suggest for pre-reading,
while-reading and post-reading activities. Why?
Sample AnswerPre-reading ActivitiesMind-mapping, providing
background knowledge, visual aids and brainstorming.Reasons:Helping
students with cultural backgroundStimulating student interest in
the storyPre-teaching vocabulary
While-reading Activitiesjumbled sentences or sections,
information gap tasks, multiple choice activity, read and think,
reciprocal teaching, and graphic organizers.Reasons:Helping
students to understandthe plotHelping students to understand the
charactersHelping students with difficult vocabularyHelping
students with the style and language
Post-reading ActivitiesRole-playing, note-taking, drawing
conclusion, follow-up writing, critical discussion or
debate.Reasons:Help students to make interpretations of the
textHelp students understand the narrative point of viewPrepare
students for writing activitiesPrepare students for discussion
What are the possible problems faced by student when studying a
short story?Inadequate reading strategiestendency to focus on every
word rather than general meaning.Making interpretationLack of
confidence to make own interpretationDifficulty in coping with the
ambiguityMotivation lack of confidenceContent of stories
uninterestingUnderstanding the cultural background of the
storyComprehensionFollowing the plotUnderstanding the
charactersUnderstanding the vocabularyUnderstanding the style and
language
