Outlining the Differences Between Descriptive and Narrative Essays Composition English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3

English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes

Subject: Composition
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 10-12 years
Topic: Outlining the Differences Between Descriptive and Narrative Essays
Duration: 40 Minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

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

1. Identify and explain the key differences between descriptive and narrative essays.
2. Write simple examples of both types of essays.

Keywords:

• Descriptive Essay
• Narrative Essay
• Characteristics
• Structure
• Purpose
• Imagery

Set Induction:

Begin by asking students about different types of stories or descriptions they have read or written. Discuss what they remember about each type.

Entry Behaviour:

Students have basic knowledge of essay writing but need to understand the specific characteristics of descriptive and narrative essays.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Handouts with essay outlines and examples
• Sample descriptive and narrative essays

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students may be familiar with storytelling and description but need to learn how to differentiate between the two types of essays.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Writing
• Critical thinking
• Analytical skills

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Composition textbooks for JSS 1

Instructional Materials:

• Whiteboard for notes and explanations
• Handouts with essay examples
• Sample essays

Content:

1. Descriptive Essay

Definition:
A descriptive essay provides detailed descriptions of a person, place, object, or event. It aims to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.

Characteristics:

• Focus: Describes a subject in detail.
• Purpose: To paint a picture with words and evoke sensory experiences.
• Structure: Introduction (with a thesis statement), Body (detailed descriptions), Conclusion (summary or reflection).
• Imagery: Uses sensory details to describe sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures.

Example:
“A beautiful garden filled with vibrant flowers and the sweet scent of roses welcomed us as we walked through the gate. The sunlit paths were bordered with neatly trimmed hedges, and the sound of chirping birds added a soothing melody to the serene environment.”

2. Narrative Essay

Definition:
A narrative essay tells a story or recounts an event or series of events in a structured manner. It focuses on a sequence of actions or experiences.

Characteristics:

• Focus: Tells a story or narrates events.
• Purpose: To entertain or convey a lesson through storytelling.
• Structure: Introduction (setting the scene), Body (events in order), Conclusion (reflection or outcome).
• Elements: Characters, plot, setting, conflict, and resolution.

Example:
“Last summer, I went on an adventure with my friends to explore the nearby forest. We followed a winding trail and encountered various wildlife. At the end of our journey, we reached a hidden waterfall, where we spent the afternoon swimming and laughing.”

Questions:

1. A descriptive essay aims to provide __________ descriptions of a subject.
   a) Detailed
   b) Brief
   c) General
   d) Simple
2. A narrative essay focuses on telling a __________.
   a) Description
   b) Story
   c) Definition
   d) Summary
3. In a descriptive essay, __________ is used to evoke sensory experiences.
   a) Imagery
   b) Dialogue
   c) Statistics
   d) Analysis
4. The main goal of a narrative essay is to __________.
   a) Describe
   b) Narrate events
   c) Explain
   d) Compare
5. The __________ in a descriptive essay creates a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.
   a) Structure
   b) Purpose
   c) Imagery
   d) Plot
6. A narrative essay often includes elements like characters, plot, and __________.
   a) Imagery
   b) Thesis
   c) Conflict
   d) Sensory details
7. The __________ of a descriptive essay includes detailed descriptions of the subject.
   a) Introduction
   b) Body
   c) Conclusion
   d) Title
8. In a narrative essay, the __________ describes the setting and introduces characters.
   a) Body
   b) Plot
   c) Introduction
   d) Conclusion
9. The purpose of a descriptive essay is to __________.
   a) Tell a story
   b) Paint a picture with words
   c) Provide an analysis
   d) Compare and contrast
10. In a narrative essay, the __________ resolves the conflict or completes the story.
    a) Plot
    b) Conclusion
    c) Setting
    d) Body
11. A descriptive essay typically does not include __________.
    a) Sensory details
    b) A storyline
    c) Imagery
    d) Descriptions
12. __________ essays are usually structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
    a) Descriptive
    b) Narrative
    c) Both
    d) None
13. The __________ of a narrative essay is to entertain or convey a lesson.
    a) Structure
    b) Purpose
    c) Imagery
    d) Setting
14. In a descriptive essay, the introduction often includes a __________ statement.
    a) Plot
    b) Thesis
    c) Conflict
    d) Character
15. The __________ in a narrative essay are the people or entities involved in the story.
    a) Settings
    b) Characters
    c) Conflicts
    d) Descriptions

Difference between Narrative Essays and Descriptive Essays

Content:

Narrative and Descriptive essay are two different types of essay writing. The clear difference between them can be highlighted in terms of the writer’s objective. A narrative essay usually tells the writer’s  experiences to the reader. This highlights that a narrative allows the reader to immerse in a story that is composed of a sequence of events. But a descriptive essay is quite different from a narrative essay, mainly because it does not engage in relating a story but merely on providing a descriptive account ofsomething or someone to the reader. This is the main difference between a narrative and a descriptive essay.

General Evaluation:

1. Write on an essay topic: My Favourite Teacher
2. Write on the essay topic: An Unforgettable Experience.
3. Write a short note on the elements of a prose

Weekend Assignment

1. Write twenty verbs with their past and part participle forms.
2. Give five examples each of the following types of verbs: Transitive, Intransitive, 

Class Activity Discussion

1. What is the main difference between descriptive and narrative essays?
   Descriptive essays focus on providing detailed descriptions, while narrative essays tell a story.
2. What does a descriptive essay aim to do?
   It aims to paint a vivid picture with words and evoke sensory experiences.
3. What are some key characteristics of a narrative essay?
   It includes a storyline, characters, plot, and resolution.
4. How does imagery function in a descriptive essay?
   It helps create a vivid picture by appealing to the reader’s senses.
5. What is the purpose of the body in a descriptive essay?
   To provide detailed descriptions of the subject.
6. What elements are commonly found in a narrative essay?
   Characters, plot, setting, conflict, and resolution.
7. What is typically included in the introduction of a narrative essay?
   The setting and introduction of characters.
8. How does the conclusion differ between descriptive and narrative essays?
   In descriptive essays, it summarizes the description; in narrative essays, it resolves the story.
9. What role does the body play in a narrative essay?
   It describes the events of the story in order.
10. How can you use sensory details in a descriptive essay?
    By describing sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures.
11. What is a common mistake to avoid in descriptive essays?
    Avoid being too vague or general; use specific details.
12. How should you organize a narrative essay?
    With a clear introduction, body (events), and conclusion (resolution).
13. What is the purpose of the thesis statement in a descriptive essay?
    To introduce the main subject of the description.
14. Why is it important to include conflict in a narrative essay?
    To drive the plot and engage the reader.
15. Can a narrative essay include descriptive elements?
    Yes, it can use descriptive elements to enhance the storytelling.

Presentation:

Step 1: Introduce and define descriptive and narrative essays.
Step 2: Discuss the key characteristics and differences between the two types.
Step 3: Provide examples and guide students in writing their own descriptive and narrative essays.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Explain the definitions and characteristics of both essay types.
• Provide examples and clarify differences.
• Assist students in writing and organizing their essays.

Learners’ Activities:

• Identify and discuss the differences between descriptive and narrative essays.
• Write their own examples of descriptive and narrative essays.
• Participate in group discussions and review peer essays.

Assessment:

1. Evaluate students’ ability to differentiate between descriptive and narrative essays.
2. Review their written examples for adherence to essay type characteristics.
3. Provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Ten Evaluation Questions:

1. What is the main focus of a descriptive essay?
2. How does a narrative essay differ from a descriptive essay?
3. What are some characteristics of a narrative essay?
4. How can sensory details enhance a descriptive essay?
5. What should be included in the body of a narrative essay?
6. What is the purpose of the conclusion in a descriptive essay?
7. Describe the role of characters in a narrative essay.
8. What elements should be present in the introduction of a narrative essay?
9. How does the structure of a descriptive essay help in achieving its purpose?
10. How can you incorporate descriptive writing into a narrative essay?

Conclusion:

The teacher will review the differences between descriptive and narrative essays and provide individual feedback on students’ written work.