**Lesson Plan: English Comprehension for Senior Secondary 1**
**Topic: Essay Writing - Informal Letter: Advising a Sister Against Divorcing Her Husband**
**Duration:** 90 minutes
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### **Objectives:**
1. Students will understand the structure and format of an informal letter.
2. Students will develop skills to express empathy and provide constructive advice.
3. Students will enhance their ability to organize thoughts logically in written form.
### **Materials:**
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts with example informal letters
- Pen and paper
- Digital projector and screen (optional)
- Laptops/tablets (if available)
### **Lesson Outline:**
#### **Introduction (10 minutes)**
1. **Greet the students and introduce the topic:** Discuss the importance of informal letters and their role in personal communication.
2. **Objective explanation:** Explain that the lesson will focus on writing an informal letter to a sister advising her against divorcing her husband, highlighting how to approach sensitive topics with empathy and respect.
#### **Part 1: Understanding the Structure (20 minutes)**
1. **Discuss components of an informal letter:**
- **Address and Date**
- **Salutation**
- **Introduction**
- **Body Paragraphs**
- **Conclusion**
- **Closing and Signature**
2. **Example Analysis:** Provide students with a sample informal letter. Discuss each component and its purpose. Ask students to identify and highlight these components within the example letter.
#### **Part 2: Generating Ideas (15 minutes)**
1. **Brainstorming Session:**
- **Open discussion:** Ask students to share reasons someone might want to divorce and why one might advise against it.
- **List potential points:** Write down reasons on the board such as emotional strain, financial concerns, social implications, and the importance of communication.
2. **Group Activity:** Divide students into small groups and ask each group to develop a list of empathetic and constructive points to include in the letter. Each group will then share their ideas with the class.
#### **Part 3: Writing the Letter (30 minutes)**
1. **Guided Writing:**
- Display an outline on the board and guide students through each step of writing the letter.
- Encourage students to start with a genuine expression of concern and gradually introduce their advice.
- Emphasize the importance of empathy, understanding, and supportive language.
2. **Individual Activity:**
- Students will write their own letters using the outlined format and ideas generated during the brainstorming session.
- Remind students to proofread their letters for grammar, spelling, and clarity before considering them complete.
#### **Part 4: Peer Review and Feedback (15 minutes)**
1. **Peer Review:** Students will pair up and exchange letters. Each student will read their partner’s letter and provide constructive feedback focusing on:
- Clarity of expression
- Empathy and supportiveness
- Logical flow of ideas
- Correct structure and format
2. **Class Discussion:** Discuss common strengths and areas for improvement observed during the peer review process. Offer additional tips and suggestions to enhance their writing.
### **Conclusion (5 minutes)**
1. **Summarize:** Recap the key points of writing an effective informal letter.
2. **Homework Assignment:** Ask students to revise their letters based on peer feedback and submit the final version in the next class.
3. **Q&A:** Open the floor for any questions or further clarifications.
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### **Assessment:**
- Participation in brainstorming and group activity
- Quality of the initial draft of the letter
- Constructive feedback given during peer review
- Final submission of the revised letter
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**Note:** Adjust the lesson plan based on the needs and pace of your students. Some sections may require more time or additional support materials based on their proficiency level.