### 7th Grade Language Arts Lesson Plan: Writing (Essays, Persuasive, Narrative)
#### Objective:
Students will improve their writing skills by learning to craft well-structured essays, persuasive pieces, and narratives. By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Identify and apply the components of different types of writing.
2. Develop clear thesis statements and supporting arguments.
3. Create compelling narratives with strong character development and plot.
#### Materials Needed:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Printed handouts of essays, persuasive articles, and narratives
- Descriptive writing prompts
- Laptops or computer lab access
- Graphic organizers for writing structure
- Rubrics for evaluating essays, persuasive writing, and narratives
#### Duration:
5 class periods (45 minutes each)
### Day 1: Introduction to Different Types of Writing
1. **Warm-Up Activity (10 minutes):**
- Ask students to write down what they think makes a good essay, persuasive piece, and narrative. Have them share their ideas.
2. **Direct Instruction (20 minutes):**
- Explain the key components of an essay (introduction with a thesis, body paragraphs, conclusion).
- Discuss the elements of persuasive writing (clear stance, supporting arguments, counterarguments, conclusion).
- Outline narrative writing (setting, characters, conflict, resolution, theme).
3. **Guided Practice (15 minutes):**
- Distribute examples of each type of writing. Have students read and analyze the structure and components.
4. **Homework:**
- Assign students to choose one type of writing and find an example at home (from a book, article, or website) to share with the class tomorrow.
### Day 2: Writing Essays
1. **Warm-Up Activity (5 minutes):**
- Share and discuss the examples of essays students found for homework.
2. **Direct Instruction (15 minutes):**
- Dive deeper into essay structure: forming a thesis statement, organizing body paragraphs, using evidence and examples.
3. **Guided Practice (15 minutes):**
- Use a graphic organizer to help students outline an essay on a given topic.
4. **Independent Practice (10 minutes):**
- Begin drafting the introduction and thesis statement. Share with a partner for feedback.
5. **Homework:**
- Complete the first draft of the essay introduction and thesis statement.
### Day 3: Persuasive Writing
1. **Warm-Up Activity (5 minutes):**
- Quick write: What is a topic you feel strongly about and why?
2. **Direct Instruction (15 minutes):**
- Discuss persuasive techniques: ethos, pathos, logos. Explain how to structure a persuasive piece.
3. **Guided Practice (15 minutes):**
- Students work in pairs to create a mini persuasive argument on a given topic, using at least one persuasive technique.
4. **Independent Practice (10 minutes):**
- Begin outlining their persuasive essay using a graphic organizer.
5. **Homework:**
- Finish the persuasive essay outline.
### Day 4: Narrative Writing
1. **Warm-Up Activity (5 minutes):**
- Quick write: Describe a memorable event from your life.
2. **Direct Instruction (15 minutes):**
- Discuss the elements of a good narrative: strong characters, setting, conflict, plot, and resolution.
3. **Guided Practice (15 minutes):**
- Work on character development exercises. Students create detailed profiles for their main characters.
4. **Independent Practice (10 minutes):**
- Start drafting the opening scene of a narrative story.
5. **Homework:**
- Finish the first draft of the narrative opening scene.
### Day 5: Peer Review and Revision
1. **Warm-Up Activity (5 minutes):**
- Reflect on what you found challenging and enjoyable about writing each type of piece.
2. **Peer Review (20 minutes):**
- Students exchange drafts (essay, persuasive, or narrative) and provide feedback using a rubric.
3. **Revision Time (15 minutes):**
- Students revise their drafts based on peer feedback and teacher input.
4. **Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes):**
- Discuss as a class what they learned about different writing styles, and share examples of improved work.
5. **Homework:**
- Finalize one piece (essay, persuasive, or narrative) to submit for assessment.
### Assessment:
- Completion and quality of graphic organizers for each type of writing.
- Participation in class discussions and peer reviews.
- Final draft of one chosen writing piece, evaluated using specific rubrics for structure, content, and creativity.
### Extension Activities:
- Encourage students to enter writing contests or submit their work to school publications.
- Create a class anthology of the best essays, persuasive pieces, and narratives.
By engaging in these activities, students will not only enhance their writing skills but also develop critical thinking and the ability to present their ideas coherently.