### Lesson Plan: Writing (Critical Essays, Narratives)
**Grade:** 9
**Subject:** English
**Duration:** 90 minutes
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**Objective:**
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Understand the structure and purpose of critical essays and narratives.
2. Develop a thesis statement and outline for a critical essay.
3. Write a coherent narrative with clear character development, setting, and plot.
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**Materials Needed:**
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and computer
- Handouts with examples of critical essays and narratives
- Notebook or paper
- Pens and pencils
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### Lesson Outline
**1. Introduction (10 minutes)**
- **Greeting and Attendance**
- **Hook:** Begin with a short, compelling narrative read aloud to capture interest.
- **Objective Overview:** Explain the goals of the session.
**2. Understanding Critical Essays (20 minutes)**
- **Definition and Purpose:** Explain what a critical essay is and its objectives.
- **Components:** Discuss the typical structure: introduction with a thesis, body paragraphs with evidence/analysis, and a conclusion.
- **Example Analysis:** Provide students with a handout of a short critical essay. Read it together and highlight the thesis statement, topic sentences, and supporting evidence.
- **Exercise:** Students identify the components of the critical essay in pairs and share findings with the class.
**3. Writing a Critical Essay (20 minutes)**
- **Thesis Statement Development:** Teach students how to craft a strong thesis statement.
- **Outline Practice:** Instruct students to create a brief outline of a critical essay based on a provided prompt (e.g., analyze a character’s development in a novel they are reading).
- **Peer Feedback:** Have students exchange outlines with a partner and provide feedback.
**4. Understanding Narratives (20 minutes)**
- **Definition and Purpose:** Explain what a narrative is and its goals.
- **Elements:** Discuss the key elements of narratives: plot, setting, character development, conflict, and resolution.
- **Example Analysis:** Provide students with a narrative handout. Read and discuss the elements present in the story.
- **Exercise:** In groups, students identify and discuss elements of the narrative.
**5. Writing a Narrative (15 minutes)**
- **Prompt Choice:** Offer several prompts (e.g., a memorable adventure, a challenging situation, or a personal growth story).
- **Brainstorm:** Students brainstorm their story elements: setting, characters, and basic plot.
- **Start Writing:** Students begin drafting their narratives, focusing on engaging the reader and developing their characters and plot.
**6. Sharing and Feedback (5 minutes)**
- **Voluntary Sharing:** Encourage a few students to share a brief passage from their narrative.
- **Class Feedback:** Provide positive and constructive feedback as a class.
**7. Conclusion and Homework (5 minutes)**
- **Recap:** Summarize key points of writing critical essays and narratives.
- **Homework Assignment:** Assign students to finish their narrative drafts and revise their critical essay outlines at home.
- **Q&A:** Address any questions students might have.
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### Assessment:
- **Formative:** Observations during discussions and participation in activities.
- **Summative:** Evaluate the critical essay outlines and narrative drafts submitted as homework.
### Differentiation:
- **For Advanced Students:** Offer more complex prompts and encourage deeper analysis and sophisticated narrative techniques.
- **For Struggling Students:** Provide additional scaffolding such as templates and one-on-one support.
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**Note to Teachers:** Adjust the pacing based on the class's overall grasp of the material. Encourage creativity and critical thinking throughout the lesson.