Writing Introduction Paragraphs Composition English Grammar Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2

Subject: English Language
Class: Primary 6
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 10-11 years
Topic: Composition
Sub-topic: Writing Introduction Paragraphs
Duration: 60 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Identify the main point of an essay.
2. Paraphrase the identified points in a short and precise manner.
3. Write an introductory paragraph on any given topic.

Keywords

• Introduction
• Main point
• Paraphrase
• Essay

Set Induction

Start the lesson by asking pupils to think about their favorite book or movie. Ask them to share how they would introduce that book or movie to a friend in one or two sentences.

Entry Behavior

Pupils should have prior experience with writing simple sentences and organizing ideas into paragraphs.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Sample essays with highlighted introductory paragraphs
• Paper and pencils for writing exercises
• Visual aids showing examples of strong introductions

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Discuss how the introduction of a book, movie, or essay sets the stage for what is to come. Emphasize that a good introduction grabs the reader’s attention and clearly states the main point.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Writing skills
• Summarization

Learning Materials

• Sample essays
• Paraphrasing exercises

Reference Books

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

Instructional Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handouts with sample introductory paragraphs (optional)

Content

Steps to Writing an Introduction Paragraph:

1. Identify the Main Point: Before writing, understand the main idea or focus of the essay.
2. Paraphrase the Main Point: Rewrite the main idea in your own words, making it concise and clear.
3. Craft the Introduction: Combine the paraphrased main point with a sentence or two that provides context or grabs the reader’s attention.

Example of an Introduction Paragraph:

• Topic: “The Importance of Good Nutrition”
• Main Point: Good nutrition is essential for maintaining health and preventing diseases.
• Introduction Paragraph: “Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is not just about staying fit. It is crucial for overall health and well-being, helping to prevent chronic illnesses and keep the body functioning at its best.”

10 Guided Sentences for Writing Your Own Introduction

1. The topic of this essay is _______.
2. One of the main ideas is _______.
3. This essay will discuss _______.
4. The introduction will explain how _______.
5. In this essay, you will learn about _______.
6. The purpose of this essay is to _______.
7. I will start by talking about _______.
8. The main point of this essay is _______.
9. This introduction will provide an overview of _______.
10. By the end of this essay, you will understand _______.

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options

1. The first sentence of an essay is called the _______.
   a) body
   b) introduction
   c) conclusion
   d) title
2. A good introduction should _______ the reader’s attention.
   a) lose
   b) ignore
   c) grab
   d) forget
3. The main idea of an essay is usually found in the _______.
   a) introduction
   b) body
   c) conclusion
   d) title
4. Paraphrasing means to _______ the main point in your own words.
   a) copy
   b) delete
   c) rewrite
   d) ignore
5. An introduction paragraph should be _______ and precise.
   a) long
   b) detailed
   c) short
   d) confusing
6. The introduction of an essay sets the _______ for the rest of the essay.
   a) tone
   b) rules
   c) conclusion
   d) questions
7. A good introduction includes the _______ of the essay.
   a) end
   b) title
   c) main point
   d) details
8. The introduction should provide _______ about the topic.
   a) confusion
   b) context
   c) answers
   d) nothing
9. After reading the introduction, the reader should know the _______ of the essay.
   a) color
   b) topic
   c) shape
   d) title
10. A well-written introduction makes the reader want to _______ the essay.
    a) ignore
    b) rewrite
    c) stop
    d) continue
11. The introduction is the _______ part of an essay.
    a) middle
    b) first
    c) last
    d) only
12. An introduction that is too _______ can confuse the reader.
    a) clear
    b) short
    c) long
    d) precise
13. The main point should be _______ in the introduction.
    a) hidden
    b) stated
    c) ignored
    d) deleted
14. An introduction paragraph should not include too many _______.
    a) details
    b) ideas
    c) sentences
    d) words
15. A good introduction often _______ the reader to think about the topic.
    a) encourages
    b) forces
    c) ignores
    d) discourages

15 FAQs with Answers

1. Q: What is the purpose of an introduction paragraph?
   A: To introduce the main idea of the essay and set the tone for the rest of the writing.
2. Q: How long should an introduction paragraph be?
   A: It should be short and concise, typically 2-4 sentences.
3. Q: What should be included in an introduction paragraph?
   A: The main point of the essay, some context, and a sentence to grab the reader’s attention.
4. Q: Why is it important to paraphrase the main point?
   A: To express the main idea in your own words, making it clear and precise.
5. Q: Can an introduction paragraph include questions?
   A: Yes, sometimes asking a question can engage the reader.
6. Q: Should an introduction give away all the details of the essay?
   A: No, it should only give a brief overview and leave the details for the body of the essay.
7. Q: What does it mean to “grab the reader’s attention”?
   A: It means to write something interesting or surprising that makes the reader want to keep reading.
8. Q: How can you make an introduction paragraph interesting?
   A: By using a quote, asking a question, or stating a surprising fact related to the topic.
9. Q: Should the introduction be written first or last?
   A: It can be written first to guide the essay, but some writers prefer to write it last after they know what the essay contains.
10. Q: What happens if an introduction is too long?
    A: It can bore the reader and make the essay less effective.
11. Q: How do you identify the main point of an essay?
    A: By determining the central idea or argument that the essay will discuss.
12. Q: Can an introduction paragraph include examples?
    A: Generally, examples are saved for the body paragraphs, but a brief example might be included if it helps clarify the main point.
13. Q: What is the difference between an introduction and a conclusion?
    A: The introduction introduces the main point, while the conclusion summarizes the essay and reinforces the main ideas.
14. Q: How do you paraphrase a main point?
    A: By rewording the original idea in a simpler and clearer way.
15. Q: Why is the introduction important?
    A: It is the first impression the reader has of the essay and sets the stage for the rest of the writing.

Presentation

1. Step 1: Revising the Previous Topic
   Start by revising the concept of an essay and its structure, focusing on the purpose of an introduction.
2. Step 2: Introducing the New Topic
   Explain what an introduction paragraph is, its importance, and the steps to writing an effective one.
3. Step 3: Guided Practice
   Provide pupils with a sample topic and guide them through identifying the main point, paraphrasing it, and writing a short introduction.

Teacher’s Activities

• Introduce the concept of writing an introduction paragraph.
• Provide examples of good and weak introductions.
• Guide pupils in identifying main points and paraphrasing them.
• Assist pupils in writing their introduction paragraphs.

Learners’ Activities

• Identify the main point of a given topic.
• Paraphrase the main point in their own words.
• Write an introductory paragraph based on the main point.

Assessment

• Ask pupils to write an introduction paragraph on a given topic and share it with the class.
• Evaluate their ability to identify the main point and paraphrase it accurately.

10 Evaluation Questions

1. What is the purpose of an introduction paragraph?
2. How many sentences should an introduction typically have?
3. What should be the focus of an introduction paragraph?
4. Why is it important to grab the reader’s attention in an introduction?
5. What does it mean to paraphrase a main point?
6. Can an introduction include a question? Why or why not?
7. What happens if the introduction is too long?
8. How do you identify the main point of a topic?
9. What is the difference between an introduction and a conclusion?
10. Why is a good introduction important for an essay?

Conclusion

• Review pupils’ introductory paragraphs, providing feedback and suggestions for improvement.
• Encourage pupils to practice writing introductions on various topics to strengthen their skills.