The significance of reading in the English class. A lesson plan with Khaled Hosseini's "A Thousand Splendid Suns"

by Ayse Gökce

Seminar paper from the year 2011 in the subject English - Pedagogy, Didactics, Literature Studies, 1,7, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (Lehrstuhl Fremdsprachendidaktik), Seminar "Young Adult Fiction", English, Teaching English as a foreign language means a great challenge which would certainly be answered by all English teachers in the affirmative. Today every school in Germany offers English as school subject, even the primary schools. Consequently it must be put great emphasis on teaching it accurately by taking into consideration any aspect of English language acquisition when learning it, for example the acquisition of a distinctive vocabulary, the ability to use grammar rules correctly, the ability to spell correctly, the ability to understand what is been said when native speakers talk in English which we call listening comprehension. Another very important part of learning English as a foreign language is undisputedly reading comprehension. The ability to read out correctly, to understand what is been read and to be able to work with a text effectively is not only a competence that should be concentrated on in the foreign language but also in the mother tongue. The PISA Study is a perfect proof of this which will be mentioned later on. In this paper I will try to accentuate the importance and significance of reading in the English class. In order to illustrate this I will introduce the novel A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, an American author and doctor with Afghan origins, and use it for the elaboration of the importance of reading activities in the English class. Initially I will focus on the didactic analysis which includes the reference to the syllabus. The syllabus is of course the signpost in terms of guidelines when planning the lessons, choosing age-appropriate media and methods. What role does reading play in this context? What is said in the syllabus when it comes to reading? The nex

Genres: Fiction

22 pages, Paperback

First published May 6, 2011

Reviews

[Aly Brisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A creative novel.. It depicted a harsh world in which fragile flowers grow, but they are able to shine with beauty despite violence, murder and death.

[Aletta Seales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second time reading the book. I found it more enjoyable the second time because I knew the outcome. Khaled Hosseini is an excellent writer. His book kept me turning the pages and totally absorbing the story.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the story so compelling and opened my eyes to what life was like for women in Afghanistan.
It was uplifting, shocking, compassionate, sad but eventually heart warming. I loved it. Read it.

[Shaheera Pesnani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been longing to read this book since it first came out. It's a beautiful literary masterpiece. Once I started reading it, I did not want to keep the book down. The book was thoroughly engaging and it left me quite agitated and restless.
Afghanistan, a black-listed country, has been through a lot. If it weren't for this book, I would have never realised this. As I am a citizen of Pakistan, I still remember the time when Afghan refugees sought asylum in my country. Who would have thought that the Afghanis we all used to repulse from and imagined them as a burden in our lives and country, have an ugly truth to tell us. This book beautifully portrays the events of Afghanistan through family life and friendship.
A MUST READ.

[Vanlalsiam · Rating 4 out of 5]

the book is so rich in its struggle for the female characters, the character of Miriam was filled with all the negative aspect of a life so abandoned yet accepted there is a mixed of duty and compromising nature. The book is a splendid display of what it is likely to be trapped where you are outside but not free. she bore the suffering to the end and the fact that she did not bear any heir to her husband was also a factor for her suffering, if she had a son or daughter she would have suffered less but it did not happened that way and she died free from all the concern which would have been present if she had children.

[Teresa Bettridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second of Hosseini's books I read, and with the story of Miriam and the lives and roles of women in Afghanistan, this has to be my favourite. No woman could fail to identify with her, and no male could do anything but be thoroughly grateful their sisters and daughters do not have to live her life. I feel emotional just writing this; and yet Hosseini doers not write Miriam's story in an overly sentimental way. I'm stunned that a man can write from inside a woman's head! I didn't want to finish this book and will read again. It's definitely a keeper!

[Karma Tenzin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is really a good story of two women(Mariam and Laila), who struggles to find a life in Afganistan during the time of the reign of Taliban and other tribal rulers in Afganistan.
First they were forced to marry earlier and then they are faced with all possible unfortunate situations, because of such situations Mariam and Laila develops a very strong bond, a bond strong enough to kill someone else to defend each other.

[nini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating writing style with descriptive imagery.

Hosseimi's ability to describe thoroughly conjures up a reality the reader feels a part of. Though not a wxmin he is able to speak on wxmin rights issues well and relate the wxmin's lived experience as one who has lived it. He presents a variety of characters from a number of walks of life and gives them each life. He is a truly talented author who has produced a well rounded piece of work.

Enjoy.

[Tanya Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

WONDERFUL BOOK! SIMPLY AWESOME!
The writing style of author, Khaled Hosseini is FLAWLESS. He expresses each and every thing so beautifully.
When you will read the story you will actually feel what the protagonists are feeling. I won't write any spoilers. But I would say that every person MUST read this book. Its worth it!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Like a compass needle that points north, a man's accusing finger always finds a woman. Always"
This book is amazing. I am from Pakistan. I've heard and seen the refugees coming here. But i never realized the gravity of situation in Afghanistan. Reading this book made me realize it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Afghanistan is truly a remarkable place. the stories are sad and shows how war can change your life in a heart beat. I just love the authors story telling abilities

[Xolisa Guzula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story about abuse of women and their resilience. I cried and cried and cried!

[Malvika Kankaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book!

[Bonita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this as much as his first and third books. It paints a very bleak picture for women of Afghanistan.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book; recommend it to everyone. The challenges of life in Afghanistan as a woman during periods of great social change and oppression.

[Elda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It made my heart fall to pieces and my eyes were the river of a thousand aching tears.

[Paula Mella-Aho · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

[Nancy Blades · Rating 3 out of 5]

also wrote "The Kite Runner"

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as well written as "The Kite Runner". Highly recommended!

[Chaitra C · Rating 3 out of 5]

An insight to the lives of women in Afghanistan. Loved reading it!

[Kehinde Odetunde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this has been one of my favorite books so far! If you haven't read it, read it!