Crafting Perfect Paragraphs: Mastering the Middle Composition English Grammar Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3

Subject: English Language
Class: Primary 6
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 10-11 years
Topic: Composition
Sub-topic: Middle Paragraph
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Create basic paragraph outlines including a topic sentence.
2. Develop three supporting details for the middle paragraph.
3. Formulate three complete topic sentences and three supporting sentences.

Keywords

• Topic Sentence
• Supporting Details
• Paragraph Outline
• Middle Paragraph

Set Induction

Start by discussing the importance of having a clear structure in writing, especially in creating a coherent middle paragraph. Show examples of well-structured paragraphs.

Entry Behavior

Pupils should have prior knowledge of basic paragraph structure and the role of topic sentences.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Sample paragraphs
• Whiteboard and markers
• Graphic organizers for paragraph outlines

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Review the concept of paragraphs, focusing on how each part contributes to the whole text. Discuss how the middle paragraph supports the main idea of the composition.

Embedded Core Skills

• Writing structure
• Sentence formation
• Paragraph development

Learning Materials

• Graphic organizers
• Examples of middle paragraphs

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Primary Schools
• English Language textbooks for Primary 6

Instructional Materials

• Whiteboard
• Markers
• Graphic organizers for outlining

Content

Creating a Middle Paragraph Outline:

1. Topic Sentence: Introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
2. Supporting Details: Three sentences that provide details, explanations, or examples supporting the topic sentence.
3. Conclusion Sentence (optional): Wraps up the paragraph and reinforces the main idea.

Example Paragraph:

Topic Sentence: My summer holiday was filled with exciting adventures.

Supporting Details:

1. I visited my grandparents on their farm, where I enjoyed feeding the animals.
2. I went to a summer camp where I learned how to canoe and made many new friends.
3. I also spent a week at the beach, where I collected shells and built sandcastles.

Graphic Organizer Example:

• Topic Sentence:
  • [Write your topic sentence here]
• Supporting Detail 1:
  • [Detail 1]
• Supporting Detail 2:
  • [Detail 2]
• Supporting Detail 3:
  • [Detail 3]

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options

1. The _______ sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph.
   a) conclusion
   b) topic
   c) supporting
   d) transition
2. Three _______ details support the topic sentence.
   a) concluding
   b) introduction
   c) supporting
   d) transition
3. A middle paragraph usually includes a _______ sentence.
   a) topic
   b) closing
   c) supporting
   d) conclusion
4. The _______ sentence helps to explain the main idea of the paragraph.
   a) topic
   b) closing
   c) transition
   d) conclusion
5. Each supporting detail should be a _______ sentence.
   a) question
   b) complete
   c) topic
   d) introductory
6. A well-organized middle paragraph has a clear _______ sentence.
   a) topic
   b) closing
   c) transition
   d) summary
7. The _______ details should relate directly to the topic sentence.
   a) introduction
   b) supporting
   c) closing
   d) transition
8. To create a strong paragraph, start with a _______ sentence.
   a) topic
   b) concluding
   c) closing
   d) transition
9. The middle paragraph helps to develop the main _______ of the essay.
   a) conclusion
   b) idea
   c) introduction
   d) summary
10. Each paragraph should have a _______ sentence.
    a) topic
    b) supporting
    c) closing
    d) concluding
11. Supporting details should be _______ sentences.
    a) complete
    b) incomplete
    c) topic
    d) question
12. A topic sentence introduces the _______ of the paragraph.
    a) conclusion
    b) detail
    c) main idea
    d) transition
13. Middle paragraphs often include _______ sentences to give examples.
    a) supporting
    b) concluding
    c) transition
    d) introduction
14. A paragraph outline should start with a _______ sentence.
    a) topic
    b) closing
    c) concluding
    d) supporting
15. The _______ sentence summarizes the main idea of the paragraph.
    a) topic
    b) concluding
    c) supporting
    d) introduction

15 FAQs with Answers

1. Q: What is a topic sentence?
   A: A topic sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph.
2. Q: How many supporting details should a middle paragraph have?
   A: A middle paragraph typically includes three supporting details.
3. Q: What is the purpose of supporting details?
   A: Supporting details provide information, explanations, or examples that reinforce the topic sentence.
4. Q: Can a middle paragraph have a concluding sentence?
   A: Yes, a concluding sentence can wrap up the paragraph and reinforce the main idea.
5. Q: What should each supporting detail be?
   A: Each supporting detail should be a complete sentence.
6. Q: Why is a topic sentence important?
   A: It introduces the main idea and sets the direction for the paragraph.
7. Q: How should supporting details relate to the topic sentence?
   A: They should directly support and elaborate on the topic sentence.
8. Q: What does a paragraph outline include?
   A: It includes the topic sentence and supporting details.
9. Q: How can you ensure your middle paragraph is well-organized?
   A: Start with a clear topic sentence and include well-developed supporting details.
10. Q: What is the role of a concluding sentence in a paragraph?
    A: It summarizes and reinforces the main idea of the paragraph.
11. Q: How do supporting details help the reader?
    A: They provide additional information and context that clarify the topic sentence.
12. Q: Can you use examples as supporting details?
    A: Yes, examples are a good way to support the topic sentence.
13. Q: What is the main function of a middle paragraph?
    A: To develop and support the main idea of the composition.
14. Q: How can a graphic organizer help with paragraph writing?
    A: It helps in structuring the paragraph by organizing the topic sentence and supporting details.
15. Q: Why is it important to use complete sentences for supporting details?
    A: Complete sentences provide clear and full explanations, making the paragraph coherent.

Presentation

1. Step 1: Revising the Previous Topic
   Review the structure of a paragraph and the role of the topic sentence.
2. Step 2: Introducing the New Topic
   Explain how to create a middle paragraph, including outlining and developing supporting details.
3. Step 3: Guided Practice
   Use graphic organizers to help pupils outline and write their own middle paragraphs.

Teacher’s Activities

• Introduce the concept of the middle paragraph and its structure.
• Provide examples and guide pupils in creating outlines.
• Assist pupils in writing and developing their paragraphs.

Learners’ Activities

• Create paragraph outlines using graphic organizers.
• Write middle paragraphs with a clear topic sentence and supporting details.
• Share and discuss their paragraphs with classmates.

Assessment

• Evaluate pupils’ ability to create a clear topic sentence.
• Assess the relevance and coherence of supporting details.
• Check the overall organization of their paragraphs.

10 Evaluation Questions

1. What is a topic sentence?
2. How many supporting details should be in a middle paragraph?
3. What is the purpose of supporting details?
4. Can a middle paragraph have a concluding sentence?
5. Why is a topic sentence important?
6. How should supporting details relate to the topic sentence?
7. What does a paragraph outline include?
8. How can you ensure your middle paragraph is well-organized?
9. What is the role of a concluding sentence in a paragraph?
10. Why is it important to use complete sentences for supporting details?

Conclusion

Review the key elements of a middle paragraph. Encourage pupils to practice writing paragraphs with clear topic sentences and supporting details.

More Useful Links

• Writing Conclusion Paragraphs Composition English Grammar Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4
• Simple Composition with Introductory, Middle, and Concluding Paragraphs Composition English Grammar Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5