Creative Writing - Senior Secondary 3 - Argumentative Essays, Debates

SUBJECT: CREATIVE WRITING

TERM: 2^ND TERM

WEEK: 1

CLASS: Senior Secondary School 3
AGE: 17 years
DURATION: 2 periods of 40 minutes each
DATE:
TOPIC: Argumentative Essays, Debates
CONTENT: Features of argumentative essays and debates
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: By the end of the lesson, learners should be able to:
a. Define argumentative essays and debates
b. Discuss the structure and features of argumentative essays
c. Present and defend an argument effectively
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Discussion, group activities, peer review
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Whiteboard, markers, sample argumentative essays, debate topics
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:
PERIOD 1 AND 2: Introduction to argumentative essays and debates
INTRODUCTION

• The teacher introduces the topic and briefly explains argumentative essays and debates
• The teacher explains the features of both, focusing on introduction, body, and conclusion
• Learners observe and learn as the teacher writes the structure on the board

FEATURES OF ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS

1. Introduction:
   • Define the issue and state your position
   • Example: "Students should be allowed to choose their subjects based on interests and future careers."
2. Body:
   • Provide evidence and reasoning to support the argument
   • Counterarguments should be addressed
   • Example: "Allowing students to choose subjects ensures better engagement and improved academic performance."
3. Conclusion:
   • Summarize the argument and restate the position
   • Example: "In conclusion, students should be given the freedom to choose their subjects to enhance their learning experience."

FEATURES OF DEBATES

1. Opening Statements:
   • Present the issue and take a clear stance
2. Main Arguments:
   • Provide evidence, facts, and examples to back the argument
3. Rebuttal:
   • Respond to the opposition’s points effectively
4. Closing Statements:
   • Conclude by reinforcing the stance and summarizing key points

EXPLICIT INSTRUCTION/TEACHER MODELLING

• The teacher provides examples of both argumentative essays and debates, emphasizing clarity, coherence, and strong evidence
• The teacher also demonstrates how to refute arguments in debates by addressing counterarguments

EVALUATION

• Learners are asked to:

1. Discuss the features of argumentative essays and debates
2. Present arguments on a given topic: "Should the school day start later?"

• Learners observe, learn, and participate

CLASS-WORK

• Learners are asked to write an argumentative essay on "The benefits of online learning."
• Learners work in groups to prepare for a short debate on the same topic

ASSIGNMENT

• Learners are assigned to prepare for a debate on "The impact of social media on education"

CONCLUSION

The teacher reviews key points from the lesson, marks assignments, and gives feedback on the classwork