Creative Writing - Junior Secondary 3 - Composition

Composition

SUBJECT: CREATIVE WRITING

TERM: 1ST TERM

WEEK: 6

CLASS : Junior Secondary School 3

AGE: 14 years

DURATION : 2 periods of 40 mins each

DATE:

TOPIC : Composition

CONTENT : Elements of a composition

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: By the end of the lesson, Learners should be able to;

a.) Discuss the standard elements of a composition

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES : Discussion, group activities,

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS : New Concept English for Junior Secondary School 3 page 28-29

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1 AND 2: Elements of a 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 standard elements of a composition.

 

1. Title

  • The title gives the reader an idea of what the composition is about. It should be concise, informative, and engaging to capture attention.
  • A good title often hints at the content but doesn’t give everything away, encouraging curiosity.
  • Example: For an essay on the importance of education, a title could be “Unlocking Futures: The Power of Education.”

2. Introduction

  • The introduction is the first paragraph of the composition, setting the stage for the reader. It provides background information, states the purpose, and introduces the main topic.
  • The main function of the introduction is to grab the reader's attention while clearly presenting the focus of the composition.
  • Components of a good introduction:
    • Hook: A compelling sentence that draws the reader in. This can be a question, a quote, a startling fact, or a brief anecdote.
    • Background Information: Relevant context or information that helps the reader understand the topic.
    • Thesis Statement: A sentence that expresses the main idea or argument of the composition. This tells the reader what to expect.
    • Example: In an essay about climate change, an introduction might start with a startling statistic about rising global temperatures and end with a thesis statement like, "Addressing climate change requires immediate global action."

3. Body Paragraphs

  • The body forms the bulk of the composition and contains all the detailed information, explanations, arguments, or stories that develop the topic introduced.
  • Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea. This main idea is typically introduced in a topic sentence, which is followed by supporting details like facts, evidence, examples, or explanations.
  • Structure of a body paragraph:

1.   Topic Sentence: States the main idea of the paragraph.

2.   Supporting Sentences: Provide explanations, evidence, and examples to back up the topic sentence.

3.   Concluding Sentence: Summarizes the paragraph and provides a transition to the next idea or paragraph.

  • Coherence: Body paragraphs must flow smoothly from one to the next. This is achieved through the use of transition words like “in addition,” “furthermore,” “however,” etc.
  • Example: In an essay arguing for renewable energy, a body paragraph might focus on solar power, beginning with the topic sentence, “Solar energy is one of the most efficient renewable resources available today,” and then elaborating with facts and examples.

4. Conclusion

  • The conclusion is the final paragraph, and it should wrap up the entire composition by summarizing the main points and reinforcing the thesis statement.
  • It gives a sense of closure and leaves the reader with a final thought.
  • Key elements of a strong conclusion:
    • Restatement of the Thesis: Remind the reader of the main idea or argument without simply repeating it word for word.
    • Summary of Main Points: Briefly go over the key points discussed in the body paragraphs.
    • Final Insight or Call to Action: Provide a concluding remark or offer suggestions, solutions, or a call to action that encourages further thinking or action.
  • Example: In an essay on the importance of exercise, the conclusion might end with, “Incorporating regular physical activity into our daily lives is crucial for long-term health, and it’s time we all made a commitment to better living.”

 

Learners observe, learn and participate

2

EXPLICIT INSTRUCTION/TEACHER MODELLING

The teacher discusses other elements of a composition

 

 5. Thesis Statement

  • A thesis statement is one of the most important parts of the composition because it presents the main argument or idea. Typically, the thesis statement appears at the end of the introduction.
  • It provides a clear direction for both the writer and the reader by summarizing the central point of the essay in a concise and specific manner.
  • Example: “Public transportation should be free for all citizens to reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and provide equal access to transportation for everyone.”

6. Transitions

  • Transitions are words, phrases, or sentences that link ideas and move the reader smoothly from one point to another.
  • They play a key role in ensuring coherence and flow in a composition by connecting different sections, paragraphs, and sentences.
  • Types of transitions:
    • Between paragraphs: To show how one idea leads to the next. Example: “On the other hand,” “Similarly,” “In contrast.”
    • Within paragraphs: To connect sentences and ideas within the same paragraph. Example: “For instance,” “In addition,” “Therefore.”
  • Example: In an argumentative essay, after a paragraph discussing the benefits of solar energy, a transition like “In addition to solar, wind energy is another renewable option that has great potential” can smoothly introduce the next point.

7. Supporting Details

  • Supporting details are the facts, examples, explanations, and quotes that back up the thesis statement and topic sentences.
  • These details give depth and credibility to the argument or story and help convince the reader of your point of view.
  • They should be relevant, accurate, and clearly explained.
  • Example: In an essay about the benefits of reading, supporting details might include statistics about how reading improves vocabulary and cognitive skills, along with quotes from experts.

8. Tone and Style

  • The tone of a composition refers to the writer’s attitude toward the subject. This can be formal, informal, serious, humorous, friendly, or professional, depending on the audience and purpose.
  • The style includes the choice of words, sentence structure, and level of formality.
  • Examples of tone:
    • Formal: In a formal essay on climate change, the tone would be serious and academic.
    • Informal: In an informal letter to a friend, the tone would be friendly and casual.

9. Audience

  • Every composition should be written with the intended audience in mind. The language, tone, and content should be tailored to the reader's needs, interests, and level of understanding.
  • Example: An essay on space exploration for a group of scientists would use technical language, while the same essay for 12-year-olds would use simpler language and more relatable examples.

10. Clarity and Coherence

  • Clarity ensures that the ideas and points in the composition are easy to understand.
  • Coherence makes sure that the ideas flow logically, with each part of the composition fitting together smoothly. This is achieved by organizing the composition well and using proper transitions.
  • Example: In a descriptive essay about a beach, each paragraph should clearly describe one aspect (the sound of the waves, the feel of the sand, etc.) without jumping from one idea to another randomly

Learners observe, learn and participate

3

EVALUATION

The Learners are asked to

1. Discuss the standard elements of composition

2. Mention other elements of composition

- Learners observe, learn and participate

4

CLASS-WORK

Learners are asked to write a suitable Introduction on the topic, “A visit to the hospital”

Learners observe, learn and participate

5

ASSIGNMENT

Learners are asked to write a suitable ending on the topic, “A visit to the hospital”

Learners participate

6

CONCLUSION

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