Lesson Plan: Writing for 12th Grade (College Essays, Technical Writing, Creative Writing)
**Grade Level**: 12th Grade
**Subject**: Language Arts
**Duration**: 5 class sessions (45 minutes each)
**Lesson Topic**: Writing (College Essays, Technical Writing, Creative Writing)
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### **Objectives:**
- Students will understand the different purposes and audiences for college essays, technical writing, and creative writing.
- Students will be able to identify and utilize key components and styles specific to each type of writing.
- Students will produce drafts in each writing style and engage in peer review to refine their work.
### **Standards:**
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
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### **Materials:**
- Excerpts/Examples of college essays, technical documents, and creative writing pieces.
- Rubrics for each type of writing.
- Computers or paper for drafting.
- Highlighters, pens, and sticky notes for annotation.
- Handouts on writing tips and structure guidelines.
### **Lesson Outline:**
#### **Day 1: Introduction to Writing Styles**
**Objective:** Understand the purpose and structure of college essays, technical writing, and creative writing.
1. **Warm-Up (5 min):**
- Quick write: "What do you think is the most challenging part of writing?" Discuss responses.
2. **Presentation (15 min):**
- Overview of the three writing styles.
- Share examples of each type, highlighting key features.
3. **Group Activity (15 min):**
- Students in small groups analyze given excerpts for elements of structure, tone, and audience.
- Groups present their findings to the class.
4. **Discussion/Q&A (10 min):**
- Clarify any questions about differences and purposes of each writing style.
#### **Day 2: College Essays**
**Objective:** Identify and practice the components of a compelling college essay.
1. **Warm-Up (5 min):**
- Read an exemplary college essay. Discuss initial impressions.
2. **Mini-Lesson (10 min):**
- Key components: Personal voice, specific examples, clarity, and conciseness.
- Common prompts and how to tackle them.
3. **Workshop (25 min):**
- Students brainstorm and outline their own college essay based on provided prompts.
- Begin drafting with teacher support.
4. **Exit Ticket (5 min):**
- Share one sentence from their draft that portrays their unique voice.
#### **Day 3: Technical Writing**
**Objective:** Understand the importance of clarity, structure, and precision in technical writing.
1. **Warm-Up (5 min):**
- Read a technical passage. Identify its purpose and audience.
2. **Mini-Lesson (10 min):**
- Key components: Clarity, structure, brevity, use of visuals/data.
- Formats (reports, manuals, proposals).
3. **Workshop (25 min):**
- Students rewrite a muddled technical passage for clarity and precision.
- Begin drafting their own technical document (e.g., instruction manual for a simple task).
4. **Peer Review (5 min):**
- Exchange drafts for brief peer feedback based on a provided rubric.
#### **Day 4: Creative Writing**
**Objective:** Explore elements of style and storytelling in creative writing.
1. **Warm-Up (5 min):**
- Read a short creative piece. Discuss what makes it engaging.
2. **Mini-Lesson (10 min):**
- Key components: Character development, setting, plot, voice.
- Different forms (short story, poem, flash fiction).
3. **Workshop (25 min):**
- Free-write session to create a scene or short narrative.
- Focus on sensory details and vivid language.
4. **Sharing (5 min):**
- Volunteers share their work. Discuss what elements were compelling.
#### **Day 5: Revision and Reflection**
**Objective:** Refine drafts using peer and self-assessment.
1. **Warm-Up (5 min):**
- Reflective journal: "What did you learn about yourself as a writer this week?"
2. **Revision Activity (15 min):**
- Students choose one draft (college essay, technical document, or creative piece) to revise.
- Use peer feedback and teacher comments.
3. **Peer Review (10 min):**
- Pair up for detailed peer review sessions using provided rubrics.
4. **Finalization (10 min):**
- Students incorporate feedback and work on finalizing their draft.
5. **Wrap-Up (5 min):**
- Exit ticket: What is one new strategy or skill they will apply in future writing? Share with the class.
### **Assessment:**
- Formative: Monitor participation in discussions, group activities, peer reviews, and draft progress.
- Summative: Collect final drafts and assess using rubrics specific to each type of writing (college essay, technical writing, creative writing).
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### **Accommodations:**
- Provide additional time for drafting and revising.
- Offer one-on-one support or small group instruction as needed.
- Allow use of speech-to-text software or other assistive technology.
- Adjust reading materials to student reading levels and provide summaries if needed.
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### **Reflection:**
After completing this lesson plan, consider conducting a class survey or holding a reflective discussion to gauge student understanding and engagement. Use this feedback to inform and adjust future writing instruction.