Narrative essay

Class: JSS 3

Topic: Narrative Composition – Writing a Story on the Theme “All that Glitters is Not Gold”

Duration: 40–45 minutes

Theme/Proverb: All that glitters is not gold (Things that look attractive or valuable on the outside may not be good or genuine).

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

explain the meaning of the proverb “All that glitters is not gold.”

Identify the features of a good narrative composition (title, setting, characters, plot, conflict, climax, resolution, and moral).

Write a well-organised short story that illustrates the proverb.

Use correct tenses, paragraphing, and linking words in narrative writing.

Previous Knowledge

Students have written simple narrative compositions and are familiar with common Nigerian proverbs and moral lessons.

Teaching Aids

Whiteboard/marker or chalkboard

Sample short story (written or projected)

Flash cards with key vocabulary (glitter, gold, appearance, reality, deception, lesson)

Introduction (5 minutes)

Teacher asks:

Have you ever been attracted to something or someone because of outward appearance and later discovered it was not as good as you thought?

What does the proverb “All that glitters is not gold” mean?

Students respond. Teacher explains: Not everything that looks beautiful, rich, or attractive is truly valuable or good. Appearance can be deceptive.

Presentation

Step 1: Meaning and Relevance (5 minutes)

Explain the proverb with Nigerian examples (e.g., a flashy car that breaks down often, a richly dressed person who is dishonest, a “cheap” phone that spoils quickly, or a friend who appears loyal but betrays trust).

Step 2: Features of a Narrative Composition (8 minutes)

Guide students on the structure:

Title

Introduction (setting and characters)

Body (series of events – rising action, conflict, climax)

Conclusion (resolution and clear moral lesson linked to the proverb)

Use of past tense, descriptive language, dialogue where necessary, and proper paragraphing

Step 3: Sample Story (10–12 minutes)

Teacher reads or writes a model story on the board/projector:

Title: All That Glitters Is Not Gold

Last year, my uncle, Mr. Bala, bought a second-hand Mercedes Benz that shone like new gold under the sun. The car had a gleaming body, soft leather seats, and a powerful engine sound. Everyone in our street admired it. My uncle was very proud and drove it everywhere, boasting that he had made a “smart deal.”

One rainy evening, while returning from the market, the car suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. Smoke came out from the bonnet. A mechanic later examined it and shook his head. The engine was almost dead, the body had been poorly re-sprayed to hide serious rust, and many parts were fake. What looked like a golden car was actually a worn-out vehicle painted to deceive buyers.

My uncle spent more money repairing it than he had paid for the car. He became the talk of the neighbourhood. From that day, he always reminds us: “My children, all that glitters is not gold. Look beyond the surface before you make any decision.”

Moral: Do not judge by appearance alone; investigate carefully before you trust or buy.

Step 4: Guided Practice (8 minutes)

Students discuss in pairs:

Who are the main characters?

What was the conflict?

How does the story illustrate the proverb?

Suggest an alternative ending or different setting (school, market, friendship, examination malpractice, etc.).

Evaluation (5 minutes)

What is the meaning of “All that glitters is not gold”?

Mention three features of a good narrative composition.

Give one Nigerian example that shows the truth of the proverb.

Conclusion

Teacher summarises: A good story must have a clear beginning, middle, and end, and must teach a lesson. Always look beyond outward beauty or attraction.

Assignment

Write a composition of about 250–300 words on the topic:

“Write a story that ends with the saying ‘All that glitters is not gold’.”

Ten Related Statements (Nigeria Examination Pattern)

These statements can be used for discussion, true/false exercises, comprehension, or as guiding points for students’ own compositions:

Outward appearance is not always a true reflection of quality or character.

Many young people are deceived by flashy clothes, expensive phones, and showy lifestyles.

A person who dresses richly may still be dishonest or poor in character.

Before buying any second-hand item, it is wise to check it thoroughly with an expert.

Friendship based only on money or physical beauty often ends in disappointment.

Examination malpractice may appear to bring easy success, but it destroys the future.

A house that looks beautiful outside may have serious structural problems inside.

True value is found in honesty, hard work, and good character, not in glittering display.

Parents and teachers should always advise children to look beyond surface attractions.

The proverb “All that glitters is not gold” teaches us to be careful and wise in our choices.

These statements follow the typical Nigerian secondary-school style used in comprehension passages, continuous writing guidance, and moral-instruction questions.