**Lesson Plan: Writing (Arguments, Informative, Narratives)**
**Grade Level:** 8th Grade
**Subject:** Language Arts
**Duration:** 5 days (50-minute periods)
---
### Objectives:
- Students will understand the different purposes and structures of argumentative, informative, and narrative writing.
- Students will practice writing essays in each genre.
- Students will learn to develop strong thesis statements and use evidence and details to support their writing.
- Students will peer-review and revise their work based on feedback.
---
### Materials:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and computer
- Copies of sample essays (one argumentative, one informative, one narrative)
- Rubric for each type of writing
- Writing journals
- Peer review worksheets
---
### Common Core Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive detail, and well-structured event sequences.
---
### Day 1: Introduction to Writing Genres
**Warm-Up: (10 minutes)**
- Discuss students’ thoughts on the different types of writing.
- Briefly define argumentative, informative, and narrative writing.
**Activity 1: Genre Exploration (15 minutes)**
- Display a sample of each writing genre on the projector.
- Read and analyze each sample as a class.
- What is the purpose of this writing?
- What are the key features?
**Activity 2: Group Discussion (15 minutes)**
- Divide students into small groups.
- Assign each group one writing sample.
- In groups, discuss and note what makes the essay fall into its respective genre.
**Activity 3: Class Share-Out (10 minutes)**
- Groups share their discussions with the class.
- Teacher summarizes the key features on the whiteboard.
**Homework:**
- Read a short article of their choice and identify if it is argumentative, informative, or narrative. Be ready to explain your choice.
---
### Day 2: Argumentative Writing
**Warm-Up: (5 minutes)**
- Quick review of the sample argumentative essay discussed on Day 1.
**Mini-Lesson: Writing an Argument (20 minutes)**
- Discuss elements of argumentative writing: claim, evidence, counterarguments, and conclusion.
- Present example thesis statements and evidence.
**Activity 1: Thesis Statement Practice (10 minutes)**
- Students practice writing thesis statements on a given topic.
**Activity 2: Writing Time (15 minutes)**
- Students begin drafting their argumentative essay based on a prompt.
**Homework:**
- Continue working on their argumentative essay draft.
---
### Day 3: Informative Writing
**Warm-Up: (5 minutes)**
- Review of the sample informative essay.
**Mini-Lesson: Writing to Inform (20 minutes)**
- Discuss elements of informative writing: clear topic, use of facts, and logical organization.
- Show an example outline of an informative essay.
**Activity 1: Outline Practice (10 minutes)**
- Students create an outline for an informative essay on a given topic.
**Activity 2: Writing Time (15 minutes)**
- Students begin drafting their informative essay based on their outline.
**Homework:**
- Complete the draft of their informative essay.
---
### Day 4: Narrative Writing
**Warm-Up: (5 minutes)**
- Review of sample narrative essay.
**Mini-Lesson: Writing a Narrative (20 minutes)**
- Discuss elements of narrative writing: setting, characters, plot, climax, and resolution.
- Present tips for descriptive writing and dialogue.
**Activity 1: Story Mapping (10 minutes)**
- Students create a story map for their narrative.
**Activity 2: Writing Time (15 minutes)**
- Students begin drafting their narrative essay.
**Homework:**
- Complete the draft of their narrative essay.
---
### Day 5: Peer Review and Revision
**Warm-Up: (5 minutes)**
- Explain the importance of revision and feedback.
**Activity 1: Peer Review (20 minutes)**
- Students exchange essays with a partner.
- Use peer review worksheets to provide structured feedback.
**Activity 2: Revision Workshop (20 minutes)**
- Students revise their essays based on peer feedback.
- Teacher circulates to provide additional guidance and support.
**Closing: (5 minutes)**
- Quick share-out of one revision or piece of feedback that was particularly helpful.
**Homework:**
- Finalize and polish essays for submission.
---
### Assessment:
- Use provided rubrics to grade final drafts of argumentative, informative, and narrative essays.
- Participation in peer review and revision process.
---
### Reflection:
- After grading, discuss common strengths and areas for improvement observed across the class.
- Encourage students to set personal writing goals based on feedback and reflection.