ZULAIHAT AMINU MT 2308-2403-001 Group 1

Certificate in Foundation Skills

LITERACY SKILLS (LLG001)

Assignment 2
Term 3, 2024

Total number of pages including this cover page

Submission Date Due Date
Student’s ID Class Code
Student’s Full Name
Lecturer’s Name

STUDENT DECLARATION:
I declare that:
• I understand what is meant by plagiarism.
• The implication of plagiarism has been explained to me by my institution.
• This assignment is all my own work and I have acknowledged any use of the
published and unpublished works of other people.

Student’s Signature: Submission Date:

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY:

Marker’s Comments

Marker’s Name: Initial Marks Awarded /100

Penalty on Late Submission
Penalty for Plagiarism

Final Marks Awarded /100

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FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY:

Mark Template:

Student’s ID
Student’s Name
Unit Code LLG001

Criteria Base Mark Graded Mark Comments

Fluency of the English 20 marks
Language

Ability to summarize the content 20 marks

of the film or book reviewed

Ability to précis the key issues 30 marks

or narrative of the film or book
reviewed

Presentation of essay submitted 10 marks

Good use of outside sources 20 marks

with good referencing

Total 100 marks

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Contents
Option A: A Folk Tale with a Moral Lesson..........................................................................1
Title: Moral Lessons in The Folk Tale Of "The Tortoise and The Hare"......................1
Introduction.......................................................................................................................1
Summary of the Story......................................................................................................1
Moral Lessons Conveyed.................................................................................................1
Cultural Significance........................................................................................................1
Relevance in Today’s Society...........................................................................................1
Conclusion.........................................................................................................................1
Option B: Analysis of a Culturally Significant Myth or Legend.........................................2
Title: The Ramayana: Cultural Significance and Moral Lessons....................................2
Introduction.......................................................................................................................2
Summary of the Story......................................................................................................2
Themes and Moral Lessons.............................................................................................2
Cultural Significance........................................................................................................2
Relevance to Contemporary Society...............................................................................2
Reference...................................................................................................................................3
Option A: The Tortoise and the Hare.................................................................................3
1. Aesop. (n.d.) The Tortoise and the Hare. Available at: [insert URL if accessed
online] (Accessed: [date of access])...................................................................................3
2. Smith, J. (2005) Folktales and Moral Education: Lessons from Aesop's Fables. New
York: Classic Publishing....................................................................................................3
3. Brown, L. & Green, P. (2010) ‘Cultural values in folk tales: The case of the tortoise
and the hare’, Journal of Folklore Studies, 12(3), pp. 45-58.............................................3
Option B: The Ramayana....................................................................................................3
1. Valmiki. (n.d.) The Ramayana. Available at: [insert URL if accessed online]
(Accessed: [date of access])...............................................................................................3
2. Sharma, A. (2009) Understanding the Ramayana: Its Cultural and Moral Values.
Delhi: Heritage Press..........................................................................................................3
3. Patel, R. & Singh, P. (2015) ‘The Impact of the Ramayana on Cultural Values in
South Asia’, Journal of Cultural Studies, 23(2), pp. 101-115...........................................3

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1. Option A: A Folk Tale with a Moral Lesson

Title: Moral Lessons in The Folk Tale Of "The Tortoise and The Hare"

Introduction
The folk tale The Tortoise and the Hare teaches important life lessons on perseverance and
humility. This essay will explore the story, analyze its morals, reflect on its cultural
relevance, and discuss its lasting significance in today’s society.

Summary of the Story

In the Tortoise and the Hare, the hare, confident in his speed, challenges the slow-moving
tortoise to a race. The hare takes a nap midway, believing he’ll still win, but the tortoise
continues steadily and reaches the finish line first. This tale highlights that "slow and steady
wins the race."

Moral Lessons Conveyed

The primary lesson is the importance of perseverance and focus over arrogance. The hare’s
failure results from his overconfidence, while the tortoise’s success is due to persistence. The
story also warns against pride, showing how humility and steady effort can lead to success.

Cultural Significance

This story reflects values like patience, discipline, and humility in many cultures. In Western
contexts, it reinforces that diligence often brings success, while in Eastern cultures, it
resonates with the value of modesty. Elders often use such tales to impart these values, which
are central to moral education.

Relevance in Today’s Society

In today’s fast-paced world, where quick success is often idealized, The Tortoise and the
Hare serves as a reminder of the value of patience and long-term focus. Its moral message is
relevant in personal growth, career development, and overcoming challenges.

Conclusion
In conclusion, The Tortoise and the Hare remains relevant by promoting humility,
persistence, and patience. Its moral lessons transcend cultural boundaries, proving that such
folk tales continue to hold value in guiding personal and societal values today.

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 ZULAIHAT AMINU MT 2308-2403-001 Group 1
2. Option B: Analysis of a Culturally Significant Myth or Legend
Title: The Ramayana: Cultural Significance and Moral
Lessons Introduction
The Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic, is one of the most culturally significant myths in
South Asian culture. This epic tells the story of Prince Rama, his wife Sita, and the
challenges they face, offering moral guidance on duty, loyalty, and righteousness. This essay
will summarize the key elements of The Ramayana, explore its cultural significance, analyze
its themes, and discuss its relevance in contemporary society.
Summary of the Story

The Ramayana, attributed to the sage Valmiki, follows Prince Rama, the ideal king and man,
who is exiled to the forest for fourteen years. His wife Sita and loyal brother Lakshmana
accompany him. The story unfolds as Sita is abducted by the demon king Ravana, leading to
a battle where Rama, with the help of allies like Hanuman, rescues her and restores order.
The epic emphasizes virtues such as honor, duty (dharma), and loyalty.

Themes and Moral Lessons

The primary themes of The Ramayana include duty, righteousness, and the importance of
familial bonds. Rama's adherence to dharma, or duty, even when it means personal sacrifice,
serves as a moral lesson on the significance of honor and integrity. Sita’s faithfulness
symbolizes purity and resilience, while Hanuman’s loyalty to Rama reflects the virtue of
devotion. These themes offer a guide for personal conduct, underscoring values like self-
sacrifice, loyalty, and compassion.

Cultural Significance
The Ramayana is not only a story but a spiritual and cultural pillar in South Asian society. It
is recited, celebrated, and performed in various forms, from temple readings to festivals like
Diwali, which commemorates Rama's return from exile. It shapes social and moral ideals,
teaching respect for family, devotion to duty, and resilience in adversity. Across generations,
this legend reinforces a shared cultural identity and imparts enduring values to new
generations.

Relevance to Contemporary Society

In today’s world, The Ramayana remains relevant as it addresses universal human values.
The themes of loyalty, duty, and ethical leadership are timeless, guiding individuals in
personal and professional lives. For example, Rama’s integrity inspires ideals of responsible
leadership, while Sita’s resilience resonates with people facing personal challenges. The story
encourages reflection on justice, ethical responsibility, and loyalty, qualities that continue to
be highly valued in society.

Conclusion
The Ramayana is a profound cultural epic that continues to inspire through its moral lessons
and timeless themes. It conveys the importance of honor, duty, and loyalty, serving as a
model of ethical living that transcends cultural boundaries. Its teachings offer valuable
insights into human character, making it relevant and meaningful even in today’s rapidly
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changing world.

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Reference

Option A: The Tortoise and the Hare

1. Aesop. (n.d.) The Tortoise and the Hare. Available at: [insert URL if accessed online]
(Accessed: [date of access]).
2. Smith, J. (2005) Folktales and Moral Education: Lessons from Aesop's Fables. New
York: Classic Publishing.
3. Brown, L. & Green, P. (2010) ‘Cultural values in folk tales: The case of the tortoise
and the hare’, Journal of Folklore Studies, 12(3), pp. 45-58.

Option B: The Ramayana

1. Valmiki. (n.d.) The Ramayana. Available at: [insert URL if accessed online]
(Accessed: [date of access]).
2. Sharma, A. (2009) Understanding the Ramayana: Its Cultural and Moral Values.
Delhi: Heritage Press.
3. Patel, R. & Singh, P. (2015) ‘The Impact of the Ramayana on Cultural Values in
South Asia’, Journal of Cultural Studies, 23(2), pp. 101-115.