BIG IDEAS: HOTS in Approaching the Literary Genres

in the SPM Literature Component.

Poem 1: The Poison Tree

Have you ever been angry at anyone?

What could someone do to make you angry?
Why?

Your friend and you had a big fight. Now he does not talk to you.
What would be the best thing for you to do?
Why?

The persona plans his revenge carefully.

Are his actions right? Why?

In your opinion, what would be the best way to settle an argument?

Would you be willing to say sorry first?
Why?

If the persona were your friend, what advice would you have given him?
Provide two suggestions.

Poem 2: What Has Happened to Lulu?

What kind of situation would make you run away from home?
Do you think running away is the best decision?
Why?

How old do you think the persona is?

Why do you think so?

How old do you think Lulu is?

What evidence can you find in the text?
Why do you think the mother crumpled the note and threw it in the fire?
What do you think Lulu wrote?

Poem 3: Living Photograph

How true do you think this statement is?

Who in your family truly holds your heart? How?

What do you remember most about your grandmother?

Do / Did you enjoy spending time with her?
State two experiences.

As your grandparents grow older, weaker, and senilewhat could you do to make life
comfortable and happy for them?

What do you think is the best way to keep your grandparents memory alive?
Why do you think so?

Poem 4: The Charge of the Light Brigade

How would you describe the soldiers?

Provide 3 characteristics of a good soldier?
Do you have what it takes to be such a soldier? Why?
In your opinion, what are some of the things you could do to show your patriotism for
your country?
Suggest 3 actions.

Not a single soldier was discouraged or distressed by the command to charge forward,
even though all the soldiers realized that their commander had made a terrible mistake.
Why do you think the soldiers obeyed the command?
Would you? Why?
The Novel : SING TO THE DAWN

Why is good education important?

How could it help the poor?

Do you know of anyone poor who has gone on a scholarship to study and has come
home a successful person?

The teacher says that getting a scholarship means that the student will be bearing
heavy responsibilities.

Do you agree?

State 2 main responsibilities.

What should a student do to make sure those responsibilities are met?

What are the dangers a girl might face in the city?

Is there no danger for the boys?

What can you do to prevent such danger?

Kwai ignores Dawan after the announcement that Dawan had won the scholarship.

Was that the right thing to do? Why?

What would you do if your sibling won a scholarship but you did not?

How would you feel?

Everyone keeps saying that Dawan is just a girl.

Why is that an issue?

Do you agree that girls cannot do what boys can do? Give reasons.
Bao says that girls are always bound by their roles as daughters, sisters, wives, and
mothers.

Do you agree?

Is that true in our own society?

How would you define your mother? Is she like Dawans mother?

And Dawan herself? What could she do? She was just a girl. Wouldnt she grow up just
to be a wife and a mother? What could she do with more learning? (Chapter 6, pg. 51)

What could you do with more learning?

Can a wife and mother have a career?

Do you think a woman can be successful and yet be a wonderful wife and mother?

How could she do that?

In chapter 11, Dawan speaks up to her father and defies him.

Why do you think she did that? Was she right? Why do you think so?

Would you stand up against your parents if you think they are wrong?

What is your opinion of Dawans grandmother?

Do you agree that Dawan is very like her grandmother? What similarities / differences
do you see?

Are you like your grandmother / grandfather? If you were to go overseas on a

scholarship, what advice do you think your grandparents would give you?