Creative Writing - Senior Secondary 1 - Writing Popular Articles for Various Reading Audiences

SUBJECT: CREATIVE WRITING

TERM: 1^ST TERM

WEEK: 4

CLASS: Senior Secondary School 1
AGE: 15 years
DURATION: 2 periods of 40 minutes each
DATE:
TOPIC: Writing Popular Articles for Various Reading Audiences
CONTENT:

1. A list of features of typical newspaper articles differentiating them from features of a letter or a speech.
2. Articles on issues of current interest like:
   • Bribery of public officers
   • Fraudulent acquisition of properties
   • The importance of good quality of life

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: By the end of the lesson, learners should be able to:
a. Identify and list the features of a newspaper article.
b. Differentiate between the features of a newspaper article, letter, and speech.
c. Write a short article on a current issue for the school magazine.
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Discussion, demonstration, group work, writing activity
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Sample newspaper articles, whiteboard, markers, internet access (if applicable)
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

PERIOD 1 AND 2: Writing Popular Articles for Various Reading Audiences
INTRODUCTION:
The teacher introduces the topic by displaying a sample newspaper article on the board. The teacher then leads a discussion on the characteristics of a newspaper article and how it differs from a letter and speech.
CONTENT DELIVERY:

• The teacher outlines the main features of a newspaper article:

1. Headline
2. Byline
3. Introduction
4. Body of the article (details, quotes, facts)
5. Conclusion/summary

• Differences between newspaper articles and other written forms:
• A letter has a personal tone and may include informal greetings, while an article is more objective and structured.
• A speech involves direct interaction with an audience and is often motivational or persuasive, unlike a factual article.

• Students read through a sample article, highlighting the features discussed.

EXPLICIT INSTRUCTION/TEACHER MODELLING:
The teacher explains and demonstrates writing a short article on a current issue like "Bribery of Public Officers". This includes research, writing in an informative style, and presenting it within the structure of a newspaper article.

EVALUATION:
Learners are asked to identify the features in the article they read and differentiate it from a letter or speech.

CLASS-WORK:
Students are to write a short article for the school magazine, choosing one of the current issues discussed.

ASSIGNMENT:
Learners are asked to write an article on “The importance of good quality of life” for the school magazine.

CONCLUSION:
The teacher reviews students' work, provides feedback, and encourages them to improve their writing structure.