Narrative Essay

English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes

Subject: Composition
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 10-12 years
Topic: Narrative Essay – My Experience in Former School
Duration: 40 Minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

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

Understand what a narrative essay is.
Write a narrative essay about their experience in their former school.
Structure their essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Keywords:

Narrative essay
Experience
Former school
Introduction
Body

Conclusion

Set Induction:

Ask students to share some interesting experiences they had in their former schools. Explain that these stories can form the basis of a narrative essay.

Entry Behaviour:

Students have experience writing simple paragraphs but need guidance in structuring narrative essays.

Learning Resources and Materials:

Sample narrative essays
Whiteboard and markers

Essay outlines

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students have previous experience writing essays, but this lesson focuses on writing about personal experiences in their former school in a structured manner.

Embedded Core Skills:

Writing skills
Organization of ideas
Critical thinking
Creativity

Reference Books:

Lagos State Scheme of Work
English composition textbooks

Instructional Materials:

Sample narrative essays
Essay templates
Whiteboard

Content:

A narrative essay is a type of essay in which the writer tells a story based on personal experience. The purpose of a narrative essay is to entertain and inform the reader.

Structure of a Narrative Essay:

Introduction:
- The introduction provides the background of the essay and introduces the topic.
- In this case, you will introduce your former school and what the essay will be about.
Body:
- The body contains the main points and details of your experience.
- Describe what happened at your former school, highlighting key events, challenges, or memorable moments.
- The body should be organized into paragraphs, each focusing on a specific event or experience.
Conclusion:
- The conclusion summarizes the essay and reflects on the overall experience.
- End with your thoughts or feelings about your former school and how the experience has influenced you.

Sample Outline for the Essay – “My Experience in Former School”

Introduction:
- Briefly introduce your former school.
- Mention why it was a special or important experience.
Body:
- Paragraph 1: First day at the school – how you felt and what happened.
- Paragraph 2: Memorable teachers or friends you met.
- Paragraph 3: Challenges you faced, such as exams or learning new subjects.
- Paragraph 4: Exciting events, such as sports competitions or excursions.
Conclusion:
- Summarize your experience.
- Reflect on how the school helped you grow and prepare for the future.

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions:

A narrative essay is a type of essay where the writer __________.
a) Argues a point
b) Tells a story
c) Lists facts
d) Describes a picture
The introduction of a narrative essay should __________ the topic.
a) Skip
b) Avoid
c) Introduce
d) Confuse
The body of the essay contains __________ of the experience.
a) No details
b) Main points
c) Only the conclusion
d) Short notes
The conclusion of a narrative essay __________ the essay.
a) Starts
b) Introduces
c) Ends
d) Avoids
In the essay “My Experience in Former School,” the introduction should mention __________.
a) New school
b) Former school
c) A different topic
d) New friends
The body of the essay can describe memorable __________ you met.
a) Trees
b) Teachers
c) Strangers
d) Houses
The conclusion should reflect on __________ of the former school.
a) The building
b) The food
c) Your overall experience
d) New challenges
The purpose of a narrative essay is to __________ and inform.
a) Confuse
b) Entertain
c) Scare
d) Avoid
The body paragraphs should be __________ into different points.
a) Combined
b) Organized
c) Skipped
d) Written in one sentence
The first day at a new school can be described in the __________.
a) Conclusion
b) Introduction
c) Body
d) None of the above
A narrative essay should be written in a __________ order.
a) Mixed
b) Confusing
c) Logical
d) None of the above

The introduction of a narrative essay should be __________.
a) Long
b) Short and simple
c) Detailed
d) Ignored
Challenges faced in school should be written in the __________.
a) Body
b) Conclusion
c) Introduction
d) None of the above
The __________ summarizes your experience in the narrative essay.
a) Introduction
b) Body
c) Conclusion
d) Title
The narrative essay is about __________ in the former school.
a) My house
b) My experience
c) My new friends
d) My exams

Reading Assignment

Reading to understand; page79/ 80

Reference:

Effective English Pages 79 and 80

Topic: Narrative Essay: My First Day in Secondary School

Content: Sample Essay

Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud, and how does it relate to the person you are?

My First Day in Secondary School

The clock struck 6:30, I was in bed, and it was time to get up. Being that my mom was the one who woke me up, I waited in bed and closed my eyes as she came near my room to cover my anxiety. It was the first day of high school and I was as excited as one could be. Taking my shower towel in with me to brush my teeth and my toothbrush downstairs with me to eat breakfast, I was oblivious to everything except for special day that I envisioned at school.

Once I was ready, my mom drove me to school, asked me several questions, told me what to do after school, and yet I came out of the car unaware of what she had said.Walking onto campus while embracing my surroundings, I kept telling myself, “This is my time, now let’s go make it happen.” After the first two classes, the day was going great; I had seen many of my friends and my teachers were presumably pleasant. We then had a ten minute break in which I decided to use the restroom.

As I walked in, I looked into the mirror and saw the face of one of my closest friends. After a few more steps, I saw the full picture. He was in a small huddle with a few other students, and in his right hand was a cigarette. I was stunned, and now knowing how to react, I quickly exited the restroom. The scene haunted me for a long time and after several weeks, it became clear that we were no longer in touch with each other.

Growing up in a family with high, positive morals, I had seemingly been blinded by reality. Seeing a kid my age, not to mention my good friend, doing drugs was beyond my belief. Although it was tough for me to get over at first, it later became mind boggling to me as to why this even affected me as much as it did. My ‘friend’ had been sucked into a poor decision that I knew I was bigger than. My parents had taught me to live above the influence and that any mistakes I make now will be evident in the future. I understand that there will always be distracters in my future but I know that they are all just trying to take me off the successful that I know I am on.

Evaluation: Write your own experience, in a narrative way, tittle: “My First Day in Secondary School”.

15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is a narrative essay?
A narrative essay tells a story based on personal experience.
What should the introduction of a narrative essay include?
It should introduce the topic and give some background.
What is the body of the essay?
The body contains the main details and events of the story.
What should be in the conclusion?
The conclusion summarizes the story and reflects on the experience.
How do I start a narrative essay?
Start with an interesting introduction that captures the reader’s attention.
What should I write about in the body of my essay?
Describe key events, challenges, or exciting moments from your experience.
Can I include my feelings in the essay?
Yes, personal reflections and emotions are important in a narrative essay.
What should the conclusion focus on?
It should focus on your overall thoughts and feelings about the experience.
Why is the structure of a narrative essay important?
It helps to organize your story in a logical way.
How many paragraphs should a narrative essay have?
A typical narrative essay should have an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
What is the purpose of a narrative essay?
To entertain and inform the reader about personal experiences.

Can I write about a bad experience?
Yes, any personal experience can be a topic for a narrative essay.
What makes a narrative essay interesting?
Interesting details, personal reflections, and a clear structure make it engaging.
How can I improve my narrative writing?
Practice writing about different experiences and focus on organizing your thoughts clearly.
What should I avoid in a narrative essay?
Avoid unnecessary details that do not contribute to the story.

Presentation:

Step 1: Introduce the concept of narrative essays and explain the structure (introduction, body, and conclusion).
Step 2: Discuss the topic “My Experience in Former School” and guide students in brainstorming ideas.
Step 3: Allow students to write their essays, focusing on organization and clear expression.

Teacher’s Activities:

Explain the structure of narrative essays.
Guide students in brainstorming experiences to write about.
Monitor students as they write and provide feedback.

Learners’ Activities:

Listen and participate in brainstorming.
Write a narrative essay about their experience in their former school.
Share their essays with the class if time permits.

Assessment:

Review the students’ essays and check for clarity, organization, and creativity.
Provide constructive feedback on their writing.

Ten Evaluation Questions:

What is a narrative essay?
What should the introduction of a narrative essay include?

What is the role of the body in a narrative essay?
How do you conclude a narrative essay?
Why is the structure important in a narrative essay?
What can you write about in the body of your essay?
What should the conclusion focus on?
How can you make your narrative essay interesting?
Why should you avoid unnecessary details?
What is the purpose of a narrative essay?

Conclusion:

The teacher will review the students’ essays, provide feedback, and highlight areas for improvement