Creative Writing - Junior Secondary 2 - Composition

S/N

STEPS

TEACHER’S ACTIVITY

LEARNERS ACTIVITY

1

INTRODUCTION

The teacher revises the previous lesson and introduces the new topic by discussing the methods of opening and ending various essays

1. Narrative Essays

How to Start:

1.   Start with something exciting:

o    Grab the reader's attention with an interesting sentence.

o    Example: “The moment I opened the door, I knew something was wrong.”

2.   Start with dialogue:

o    Use a character speaking to get into the story quickly.

o    Example: “'I can’t believe this is happening!' my friend shouted.”

How to End:

1.   Finish with a lesson:

o    Explain what the character learned from the experience.

o    Example: “In the end, I realized that being brave wasn’t about not being scared, but about doing it anyway.”

2.   End with a twist:

o    Surprise the reader with an unexpected ending.

o    Example: “And then, I woke up—it had all been a dream.”

2. Descriptive Essays

How to Start:

1.   Use the senses:

o    Describe what you see, hear, feel, or smell.

o    Example: “The flowers in the garden smelled sweet, like candy in the summer sun.”

How to End:

1.   Summarize what you described:

o    Remind the reader of the important details.

o    Example: “The bright colors and sweet smells of the garden made it my favorite place to be.”

3. Informal Letter Writing

How to Start:

1.   Be friendly:

o    Write like you’re talking to your friend.

o    Example: “Hey Sarah, I hope you’re doing great!”

How to End:

1.   Say goodbye warmly:

o    Use a casual and friendly goodbye.

o    Example: “Take care, and I can’t wait to hear from you soon!”

4. Formal Letter Writing

How to Start:

1.   Be polite:

o    Use a polite greeting and say why you are writing.

o    Example: “Dear Principal, I am writing to request permission for a school trip.”

How to End:

1.   Thank the person:

o    End by saying thanks and being respectful.

o    Example: “Thank you for your time. I look forward to your response.”

5. Argumentative Essays/Debates

How to Start:

1.   State your opinion:

o    Clearly say what you believe.

o    Example: “Homework should be shorter because students need more free time.”

2.   Use a fact or a question:

o    Start with a strong fact or question.

o    Example: “Did you know most students spend over 10 hours a week on homework?”

How to End:

1.   Repeat your point:

o    Remind the reader of your main idea.

o    Example: “In conclusion, reducing homework will give students more time to relax and be creative.”

2.   Ask for change:

o    End by asking people to do something.

o    Example: “Let’s all speak up for shorter homework so we can focus on learning in other ways.

Learners observe, learn and participate

2

EXPLICIT INSTRUCTION/TEACHER MODELLING

The teacher gives more catchy examples of openings and endings for the essays discussed

1. Narrative Essays

Exceptional Openings:

1.   Start with Action:

o    “I ran through the dense forest, branches scratching my arms, my heart pounding like a drum.”

2.   Introduce a Mystery:

o    “No one had ever seen the old man who lived in the house at the end of the street.”

3.   Begin with a Flashback:

o    “Three years ago, I stood in the same place, looking out at the same ocean, but everything was different.”

Exceptional Endings:

1.   Leave the Reader Thinking:

o    “As I looked up at the stars that night, I realized the journey was far from over.”

2.   End with a Revelation:

o    “I finally understood that bravery wasn’t about not being afraid, but about facing your fears.”

3.   Circle Back to the Beginning:

o    “Just like the first time I entered the forest, I felt the same rush of excitement, but now I knew the way out.”

2. Descriptive Essays

Exceptional Openings:

1.   Begin with a Sensory Detail:

o    “The cool breeze carried the scent of salty sea air, and the soft sand slipped between my toes.”

2.   Create a Vivid Image:

o    “The mountain stood tall and proud, its snow-capped peak shining in the early morning light.”

3.   Use a Question:

o    “Have you ever felt the warmth of the sun on your face on a chilly autumn morning?”

Exceptional Endings:

1.   Leave a Lasting Impression:

o    “Even now, the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks brings me back to that peaceful beach.”

2.   Sum Up the Experience:

o    “The colors, the smells, the sounds—they all combined to create a memory I will never forget.”

3.   End with an Emotion:

o    “Standing there, in the middle of the quiet forest, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace.”

3. Informal Letter Writing

Exceptional Openings:

1.   Start with Excitement:

o    “Hey Jane! You won’t believe what happened to me last week—it was unbelievable!”

2.   Share a Personal Update:

o    “Hi Sam, I hope you’re doing well! Guess what? I finally got that new bike we talked about!”

3.   Begin with a Shared Memory:

o    “Remember the trip we took last summer? I was just thinking about it and couldn’t stop laughing!”

Exceptional Endings:

1.   End with a Warm Goodbye:

o    “Anyway, that’s all for now. Can’t wait to catch up soon. Take care!”

2.   Look Forward to Something:

o    “I can’t wait to hear from you soon, and hopefully, we can plan another trip together!”

3.   Express Gratitude:

o    “Thanks again for always being such an awesome friend. Talk to you soon!”

4. Formal Letter Writing

Exceptional Openings:

1.   Start with Purpose:

o    “Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to express my interest in the position of Marketing Assistant, as advertised.”

2.   Mention a Connection:

o    “Dear Mr. Smith, Dr. Adams recommended that I reach out to you regarding the upcoming seminar on public health.”

3.   Open with Appreciation:

o    “Dear Ms. Johnson, I would like to thank you for considering my application for the role of Sales Manager.”

Exceptional Endings:

1.   Politely Ask for Action:

o    “Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.”

2.   Express Gratitude:

o    “I truly appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.”

3.   Offer Further Contact:

o    “Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information. I look forward to your reply.”

5. Argumentative Essays/Debate

Exceptional Openings:

1.   Start with a Bold Statement:

o    “Homework is not only unnecessary, it’s harmful to students’ mental health.”

2.   Use a Shocking Statistic:

o    “Did you know that over 60% of students report feeling stressed because of homework?”

3.   Ask a Thought-Provoking Question:

o    “Why do we continue to burden students with excessive homework when it doesn’t improve learning outcomes?”

Exceptional Endings:

1.   Restate the Argument with Strength:

o    “In conclusion, the evidence is clear: reducing homework will benefit students’ well-being and academic success.”

2.   End with a Call to Action:

o    “It’s time for schools to rethink their approach to homework and prioritize students’ mental health.”

3.   Issue a Warning or Prediction:

o    “If we don’t make changes now, we risk overwhelming future generations with unnecessary pressure.”

Learners observe, learn and participate

3

EVALUATION

The Learners are asked to

1.   Give examples of appropriate opening and ending for these essays

a. narrative essay

b. descriptive essays

c. informal letter writing

d. formal letter writing

e. argumentative essay/debate

- Learners observe, learn and participate

4

CLASS-WORK

Learners are asked to write a suitable introduction for the topic, “A memorable journey”

Learners observe, learn and participate

5

ASSIGNMENT

Learners are asked to write a suitable introduction for the topic, “A letter to a friend of yours in another school telling him/her how you spent your Christmas holiday

Learners participate

6

CONCLUSION

The teacher marks their books, corrects it and commends the Learners