Interpreting Simple Stories

The Message from Simple Stories Read

Reading is a common practice we engage in daily—whether it's newspapers, magazines, novels, or textbooks. However, the way we read varies depending on the material. For example, reading a newspaper is different from reading literature. While newspapers are read for current information, literature is often read for enjoyment, learning, and reflection on deeper meanings.

Reading literature is an essential skill for learning English, and although reading may seem simple, there are tips and methods that can make it easier, more understandable, and enjoyable.

Types of Literature

1. Oral Literature:

   • This is literature passed down orally from generation to generation, reflecting the social realities of a community.
   • Examples: Myths, fables, legends, riddles, proverbs, idioms.

2. Written Literature:

   • Literature expressed through writing, such as novels, poetry, short stories, and plays.

Examples of Oral Literature

1. Myth: A traditional story often explaining natural events or describing the early history of people, often involving supernatural powers.

2. Fable: A short story, typically with animals as characters, teaching a moral lesson.

   Example of a Fable:

   • Mother Rat and the Lion: Once upon a time, a lion spared a rat's life, and the rat promised to help the lion if needed. Later, the lion was trapped, and the rat came to his rescue, keeping her promise. The lion was grateful and happy.

3. Legend: A story passed down through generations, which may or may not be based on real events.

4. Ballad: A long song or poem that tells a story, often about love or important events.

5. Riddles: A question that is difficult to understand, usually with a surprising or clever answer.

   Example of a Riddle:

   • "I have no wings but I can fly. What am I?"
     Answer: An aeroplane.

6. Proverbs: Well-known phrases or sentences that offer advice or express general truths.

   Examples of Proverbs:

   • "One man's meat is another man's poison."
   • "A stitch in time saves nine."
   • "Too many cooks spoil the broth."
   • "An apple a day keeps the doctor away."

7. Idiom: An expression where the meaning is different from the literal interpretation of the words.

   Examples of Idioms:

   • "Cross your fingers" – For good luck.
   • "Get cold feet" – To become nervous.
   • "It cost an arm and a leg" – It was expensive.

8. Songs: Short pieces of music with lyrics, often sung for enjoyment or special occasions.

9. Poems: Short writings that use chosen words, sounds, and imagery, often written in lines or stanzas.

10. Lullabies: Gentle songs sung to help children fall asleep.

11. Short Story: A fictional narrative, usually brief enough to be read in one sitting, featuring imaginary characters and events.

12. Tongue Twisters: Phrases that are difficult to say quickly or correctly.

    Examples of Tongue Twisters:

    • "Kantai is a Maasai boy; Kantai can tie and untie a tie. If Kantai can tie the tie and untie a tie, why can't I tie and untie a tie like Kantai?"
    • "She sells shiny sea shells at the seashore, but the shiny sea shells she sells are not seashore shells."