Essential literature must reads for high school students

Sani Moyo — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 22:41:34 +0000

Reading is an important part of a student’s academic life, and there are countless books that can help improve their English skills. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging for high school students to know where to start. In this article, we will look at ten international and 10 African essential books that every high school student should read to improve their English skills.

Here are the international classics:

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This classic novel explores themes of racial injustice and the loss of innocence in a small Southern town during the 1930s.
1984 by George Orwell
This dystopian novel explores themes of government control, individualism, and the dangers of totalitarianism.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
This novel explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream in the Roaring Twenties.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
This allegorical novel explores the dark side of human nature through the story of a group of boys stranded on a deserted island.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
This coming-of-age novel follows the story of Holden Caulfield as he navigates the complexities of adolescence and adulthood.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
This dystopian novel explores themes of consumerism, individualism, and the dangers of technology.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
This historical novel is set in London and Paris during the French Revolution, and explores themes of sacrifice, love, and redemption.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
This classic novel explores themes of race, identity, and the meaning of freedom through the story of a young boy and a runaway slave on a journey down the Mississippi River.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
This coming-of-age novel explores themes of class, violence, and the struggle for identity among a group of working-class teenagers.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
This allegorical novel explores themes of power, corruption, and the dangers of propaganda through the story of a group of farm animals who overthrow their human owner.

These ten essential books are just a few of the many classic works of literature that high school students should read to improve their English skills. By reading these books, students can gain a deeper understanding of complex themes and develop critical thinking skills that will serve them well throughout their academic and professional careers.

Here are some African books that high school students should consider reading:

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
This classic novel is set in pre-colonial Nigeria and explores the impact of colonialism on African societies and cultures.
Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga
This coming-of-age novel is set in colonial Rhodesia (present-day Zimbabwe) and explores themes of gender, race, and identity.
The Housemaid by Amma Darko
This novel is set in Ghana and tells the story of a young woman who leaves her village to work as a housemaid in the city, where she faces exploitation and abuse.
We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo
This novel is set in Zimbabwe and the United States and follows the story of a young girl named Darling as she navigates the complexities of immigration, identity, and poverty.
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This novel is set in Nigeria and the United States and explores themes of race, identity, and the immigrant experience.
So Long a Letter by Mariama Bâ
This novel is set in Senegal and tells the story of a woman who writes a letter to her friend after her husband’s death, reflecting on the challenges she has faced as a woman in a patriarchal society.
The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This collection of short stories is set in Nigeria and the United States and explores themes of identity, migration, and the African diaspora.
The Palm-Wine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola
This novel is set in Nigeria and tells the story of a young man who sets out on a quest to find the palm-wine tapster who has left his village.
The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born by Ayi Kwei Armah
This novel is set in Ghana and explores themes of corruption, disillusionment, and the struggle for moral integrity.
Dust by Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor
This novel is set in Kenya and tells the story of a family struggling to come to terms with their past and their present in the aftermath of political violence.

These African books offer rich and diverse perspectives on African cultures and experiences, as well as provide high school students with an opportunity to develop their English language skills.

Shakespeare for Beginners: A Guide to Understanding His Plays

Sani Moyo — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 04:55:10 +0000

Shakespeare is one of the most celebrated playwrights in the history of the English language. His plays are a staple in many high school curriculums, and for good reason. They explore universal themes that are still relevant today, such as love, power, jealousy, and revenge. However, many students find Shakespeare’s language difficult to understand. If you are one of those students, fear not! In this guide, we will break down the basics of Shakespearean language and give you some tips for understanding his plays. Understanding the Language The first hurdle to understanding Shakespeare is his language. Shakespearean English is different from modern English, and it can take some getting used to. Here are some tips to help you decipher his language:

Familiarize yourself with common phrases

Shakespeare has contributed many common phrases to the English language that are still in use today. Some examples include “All the world’s a stage,” “To be or not to be,” and “What’s in a name?” By familiarizing yourself with these phrases, you can start to get a feel for Shakespeare’s language.

Read slowly and carefully

When reading Shakespeare, it’s important to read slowly and carefully. Don’t be afraid to pause and reread a passage if you don’t understand it. Try to break down the language into smaller chunks and decipher each piece.

Look up unfamiliar words

If you come across a word that you don’t know, look it up! Shakespeare uses many words that are no longer in common use, so it’s important to understand their meanings in order to understand the play.

Use modern translations

If you’re really struggling to understand the language, consider using a modern translation of the play. These translations use modern language to convey the same meaning as Shakespeare’s original text. Tips for Understanding the Plays In addition to understanding the language, there are some tips you can use to help you understand Shakespeare’s plays:

Understand the plot

Before you start reading the play, make sure you have a good understanding of the plot. This will help you follow along and understand the actions of the characters.

Pay attention to the characters

Shakespeare’s plays are known for their complex characters. Pay attention to their motivations and relationships with other characters. This will help you understand their actions and the themes of the play.

Consider the historical context

Shakespeare wrote during a specific time period, and his plays reflect the values and beliefs of that time. Consider the historical context of the play to better understand the themes and characters.

Watch performances

Watching performances of Shakespeare’s plays can be a great way to understand them. Seeing the language come to life on stage can help you understand the emotions and motivations of the characters. Shakespeare’s plays can be challenging to understand, but with some effort and the right approach, they can also be incredibly rewarding. By understanding the language and following these tips, you can start to appreciate the beauty and complexity of his works. Remember to take your time, read carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Happy reading!

Literature – EduFleek

Essential literature must reads for high school students

Shakespeare for Beginners: A Guide to Understanding His Plays