Creative Writing - Senior Secondary 2 - Argumentative Essay: Introduction; Definition and Features

TERM: 1^ST TERM

WEEK: 4
CLASS: Senior Secondary School 2
AGE: 16 years
DURATION: 2 periods of 40 mins each
DATE:
TOPIC: Argumentative Essay: Introduction; Definition and Features
CONTENT: Definition of argumentative essay, features of an argumentative essay
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: By the end of the lesson, learners should be able to:
a. Define an argumentative essay
b. Explain the features of an argumentative essay
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Discussion, group activities, examples, teacher modeling
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: board, markers
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:
PERIOD 1: Introduction to Argumentative Essays
INTRODUCTION:
The teacher revises the previous lesson and introduces the new topic by discussing the nature and importance of argumentative essays.

• Discuss what an argumentative essay is and its role in persuasive writing.
• Introduce the definition: “An argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic, collect, generate, and evaluate evidence, and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.”

Teacher Models Argumentative Essay Features:

1. Introduction:
   • Presents the topic and states the main argument or position.
2. Body Paragraphs:
   • Provide reasons supporting the argument.
   • Counterarguments (if applicable) are addressed and refuted.
3. Conclusion:
   • Summarizes the main points and reinforces the argument.

PERIOD 2: Discussion of Features and Examples
Teacher Examples:

1. Introduction:
   • Example: "The debate over whether female circumcision should be abolished has been ongoing for many years."
2. Body Paragraphs:
   • Example: "One of the main reasons why female circumcision should be abolished is that it poses significant health risks."
3. Conclusion:
   • Example: "In conclusion, the health risks associated with female circumcision far outweigh any perceived cultural benefits, and it should be abolished."

EXPLICIT INSTRUCTION/TEACHER MODELLING:

• Teacher models a sample argumentative essay on "Should female circumcision be abolished?"
• Discuss each section of the essay, highlighting the features of the introduction, body, and conclusion.

EVALUATION:

• Learners are asked to identify the features of an argumentative essay in the sample provided by the teacher.
• Learners are given another topic to practice identifying features.

CLASS-WORK:

• Learners write an introduction for the argumentative essay on “Should military rule be better than civilian rule?”

ASSIGNMENT:

• Learners write an argumentative essay on one of the following topics:
  a. "Should female circumcision be abolished?"
  b. "Military rule is better than civilian rule."

CONCLUSION:
The teacher collects the classwork, marks it, and provides feedback on how to improve argumentative essay writing.