## Lesson Plan: Writing (Research Papers, Creative Writing)
### Grade Level: 11
### Duration: 1 Week (5 Class Periods, 50 minutes each)
#### Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Understand and apply the steps of writing a research paper.
2. Use creative writing techniques to enhance narrative, descriptive, and analytical writing.
3. Develop a thesis statement and support it with evidence in a research paper.
4. Collaborate with peers to provide and receive constructive feedback.
5. Reflect on their own writing process and self-edit their work.
### Common Core Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2: Write informative/explanatory texts.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4: Produce clear and coherent writing.
### Materials:
- Computers with Internet access
- Library resources (books, journals, articles)
- Writing notebooks
- Handouts (Research Paper Outline, Creative Writing Tips, Peer Review Checklist)
- Projector and screen
### Day 1: Introduction to Research Papers
#### Objective: Understand the research paper format and begin choosing topics.
1. **Warm-Up (10 minutes)**: Journaling exercise – How do you feel about writing research papers? List any previous experiences or knowledge you have.
2. **Discussion (15 minutes)**: Overview of research papers:
- Purpose and importance
- Components: Title, Abstract, Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results, Conclusion, References
3. **Activity (20 minutes)**: Students brainstorm potential topics and narrow down choices.
4. **Homework**: Complete topic selection and preliminary research.
### Day 2: Research and Thesis Development
#### Objective: Develop a research question and thesis statement.
1. **Warm-Up (10 minutes)**: Quick write – What makes a good research question?
2. **Mini-Lesson (15 minutes)**: Crafting a strong thesis statement.
3. **Activity (20 minutes)**: Students formulate their research question and develop a thesis statement. Teacher circulates to provide feedback.
4. **Homework**: Find and annotate at least three sources related to their topic.
### Day 3: Organizing Research and Creative Writing Techniques
#### Objective: Create an outline for the research paper and explore creative writing.
1. **Warm-Up (10 minutes)**: Brainstorm – Think of a story or character idea that you are passionate about.
2. **Mini-Lesson (10 minutes)**: Outlining research papers. Provide a handout and go over the main points.
3. **Activity (15 minutes)**: Students create an outline for their research paper.
4. **Mini-Lesson (10 minutes)**: Introduction to creative writing techniques (imagery, dialogue, character development).
5. **Homework**: Write an introduction for the research paper. Write a one-page creative piece on the topic brainstormed earlier.
### Day 4: Writing Workshop and Peer Review
#### Objective: Develop and refine writing through peer feedback.
1. **Warm-Up (5 minutes)**: Reflect on yesterday's creative writing piece.
2. **Activity (20 minutes)**: In pairs, students exchange research paper introductions and creative writing pieces for peer review using the provided checklist.
3. **Discussion (15 minutes)**: Open forum – What did you learn from your peer's feedback? What changes will you make?
4. **Writing Time (10 minutes)**: Begin revising based on feedback.
5. **Homework**: Revise introduction and creative piece.
### Day 5: Advanced Writing Techniques and Self-Editing
#### Objective: Enhance writing with advanced techniques and self-edit.
1. **Warm-Up (5 minutes)**: Quick grammar and style quiz.
2. **Mini-Lesson (10 minutes)**: Advanced writing techniques for research papers –
- Integrating quotations
- Varying sentence structure
- Avoiding common errors
3. **Activity (20 minutes)**: Self-editing workshop. Provide a checklist and guidelines.
4. **Discussion (10 minutes)**: Share revisions and discuss challenges faced during self-editing.
5. **Closure (5 minutes)**: Reflective journaling – What have you learned about your writing process this week? What goals do you have for future writing projects?
6. **Homework**: Finalize research paper outline and creative writing piece, ready for submission next class.
### Assessment:
- Participation in activities and discussions
- Completion of research paper outline
- Quality and creativity of the creative writing piece
- Peer review and self-editing contributions
- Final submission of the research paper outline and creative piece
### Extensions:
- Offer extra credit for students who submit a complete rough draft of their research paper for additional feedback.
- Encourage participation in writing contests or submission to the school literary magazine.
### Accommodations:
- Provide additional resources and support for students with different learning needs.
- Allow extended time for tasks as needed.
- Pair students strategically to ensure balanced peer review partnerships.
This lesson plan aims to bridge academic and creative writing skills, fostering a well-rounded approach to Language Arts in Grade 11.