Mastering the Art of Composition Writing Composition English Grammar JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1
English Language JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes
Subject: English Language
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 1
Age: 10-12 years
Topic: Composition
Sub-topic:
- Meaning of Composition
- Types of Composition:
a. Narrative Composition
b. Descriptive Composition
c. Argumentative Composition
d. Expository Composition
Duration: 40 Minutes
Behavioural Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Define composition and explain its purpose.
- Identify the four types of composition.
- Differentiate between the types of composition.
- Write simple examples of each type of composition.
Keywords:
- Composition
- Narrative
- Descriptive
- Argumentative
- Expository
Set Induction:
The teacher will ask the students to talk about their last holiday or favourite food to introduce the concept of expressing ideas in writing.
Entry Behaviour:
Students have basic writing skills and are familiar with simple sentences and short paragraphs.
Learning Resources and Materials:
- Sample composition texts for each type (narrative, descriptive, argumentative, expository)
- Flashcards for key terms
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Students write simple sentences and paragraphs in their daily lives, so they can relate to writing compositions.
Embedded Core Skills:
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Writing skills
Reference Books:
- Lagos State Scheme of Work
- Recommended English textbooks for JSS 1
Instructional Materials:
- Flashcards with types of compositions
- Writing samples for each composition type
- Whiteboard and markers
Content:
1. Meaning of Composition
A composition is a piece of writing in which ideas are expressed in an organized manner. It can be about anything: a person, an event, an idea, or an argument.
2. Types of Composition
a. Narrative Composition:
- A narrative composition tells a story. It is written in the order in which events happen. Example: A story about a visit to the zoo.
b. Descriptive Composition:
- A descriptive composition describes a person, place, or thing in detail so that the reader can imagine it. Example: Describing your classroom or a beautiful sunset.
c. Argumentative Composition:
- An argumentative composition presents two sides of an argument. The writer gives reasons for and against an idea. Example: Arguing whether students should wear uniforms in school.
d. Expository Composition:
- An expository composition explains facts, ideas, or processes clearly. Example: Explaining how to make a sandwich or the process of recycling.
15 Fill-in-the-blank Questions:
- A composition is a ____ of writing.
a) Piece
b) Game
c) Toy
d) Speech - A narrative composition ____ a story.
a) Tells
b) Explains
c) Argues
d) Describes - A descriptive composition ____ a person, place, or thing.
a) Argues
b) Describes
c) Writes
d) Teaches - An argumentative composition presents ____ sides of an argument.
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four - An expository composition ____ ideas or facts.
a) Tells
b) Describes
c) Argues
d) Explains - A narrative composition is written in the order in which ____ happen.
a) Events
b) People
c) Arguments
d) Ideas - The composition that focuses on details to help the reader imagine is called a ____ composition.
a) Narrative
b) Argumentative
c) Descriptive
d) Expository - An argumentative composition gives reasons for and ____ an idea.
a) Against
b) About
c) Describing
d) Telling - An expository composition can explain how to ____ something.
a) Create
b) Wear
c) Argue
d) Forget - Writing about “A Day at the Beach” is an example of a ____ composition.
a) Narrative
b) Descriptive
c) Argumentative
d) Expository - Describing your favourite food in detail is an example of ____ composition.
a) Narrative
b) Argumentative
c) Descriptive
d) Expository - Arguing whether students should have homework is an example of ____ composition.
a) Narrative
b) Argumentative
c) Descriptive
d) Expository - Explaining how to wash your hands is an example of ____ composition.
a) Narrative
b) Argumentative
c) Descriptive
d) Expository - A descriptive composition focuses on ____ in detail.
a) Events
b) Arguments
c) Feelings
d) Descriptions - The type of composition that presents facts clearly is called ____ composition.
a) Narrative
b) Descriptive
c) Argumentative
d) Expository
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- What is a composition?
A composition is a piece of writing where ideas are expressed in an organized way. - What is a narrative composition?
A narrative composition tells a story in the order in which events happen. - What is a descriptive composition?
A descriptive composition describes a person, place, or thing in detail. - What is an argumentative composition?
An argumentative composition presents two sides of an argument with reasons for and against. - What is an expository composition?
An expository composition explains facts or processes clearly. - Can you give an example of a narrative composition?
A story about visiting a friend or a trip to the zoo is a narrative composition. - What does a descriptive composition focus on?
It focuses on details to help the reader imagine the subject being described. - What is the purpose of an argumentative composition?
To present arguments for and against an issue and persuade the reader. - How is an expository composition different from others?
It focuses on explaining facts, ideas, or processes clearly. - Can you give an example of an expository composition?
Explaining how to prepare a meal or how a computer works. - What is the structure of a narrative composition?
It is written in the order in which events happen. - What does a descriptive composition require?
It requires using detailed language to paint a picture in the reader’s mind. - What kind of language is used in argumentative compositions?
Persuasive language is used to present arguments. - How can you develop an expository composition?
By explaining a process step by step or providing clear facts. - Why is it important to understand different types of compositions?
To be able to express ideas effectively depending on the purpose of writing.
Presentation:
Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic and introduces the meaning of composition.
Step 2: The teacher explains the four types of composition with examples.
Step 3: The students write a short paragraph for each type of composition.
Teacher’s Activities:
- Define and explain the meaning of composition.
- Provide examples of the four types of composition.
- Guide students to write a short composition.
Composition writing
Composition writing is a process to take. One of the first things to consider is to determine what type of composition to be used. When you are going to write, you usually have a central purpose or central idea in communicating your readers. You also aim to produce some effects to the readers. These purpose or ends is the one that determines the type of discourse that you are going to use in writing a composition.
Types of composition writing
Distinguishing between types of essays is simply a matter of determining the writer’s goal. Does the writer want to tell about a personal experience, describe something, explain an issue, or convince the reader to accept a certain viewpoint? The four major types of essays address these purposes.
Narrative Essay
A narrative essay relates mainly, a sequence of events. It tells what happened and how it happened and is often indistinguishable from a short story.
Characteristics of Narrative Essay.
- It must have beginning that is interesting and arresting.
-
It must proceed in a chronological sequence to the end.
-
The use of past tense is highly essential since the narrative involves past events.
-
The narration must be presented in a sequential order.
-
You must avoid verbosity and an unnecessary elaboration of a particular incident
The Descriptive Essay
This consists of description.
A descriptive essay is one that requires a writer to write a description of an object, a person, an animal, an incident or a scene. In a descriptive essay, the writer should show, not tell, through the use of colorful words and sensory details. The best descriptive essays appeal to the reader’s emotions, with a result that is highly evocative.
Characteristics of a Good Descriptive Essay
- The writer must be orderly in the presentation of facts.
-
Clarity of expression is necessary. The use of simple and straight-forward language is required.
-
The use of simple present tense is very common but the writer is free to use other tenses as the need arises.
* There must be particular emphasis on objects or things being described. The description must be vivid enough with the use of good and appropriate vocabulary.
- The use of adjective is highly indispensable.
Argumentative Essay
An argumentative essay is the one that requires a writer to present a subject with a view of persuading the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view.
Characteristics of a Good Argumentative Essay.
- The argument must be convincingly presented.
-
There must be clarity of expression and the ideas presented must not be disjointed.
-
‘Pro’ arguments should be kept separate from ‘con’ arguments.
-
The strongest argument, both on the ‘pro’ side and on the ‘con’ side, should be left to the last.
-
Verbosity should be avoided.
Expository Essay
An expository essay is the one that requires a writer to write on an exposition or explanation of an idea or how to do or make some thing. The expository essay is an informative piece of writing that presents a balanced analysis of a topic. In an expository essay, the writer explains or defines a topic, using facts, statistics, and examples. Expository writing encompasses a wide range of essay variations, such as the comparison and contrast essay, the cause and effect essay, and the “how to” or process essay. Because expository essays are based on facts and not personal feelings, writers don’t reveal their emotions or write in the first person. The following constitute the areas in which expository essay may feature.
i. How mechanics work
ii. How things are made
iii. How certain processes are carried out
iv. Definition of concepts.
The explanation might be clean so as not to confuse the reader or audience.
It must contain a vivid explanation of things.
Evaluation
Give a brief explanation of each of the following.
i. Narrative essay
ii. Descriptive essay
iii. Argumentative essay
iv. Expository essay
Reading Assignment
Type of essay
Reference:
English Language communication skills page 103 – 108.
.
Learners’ Activities:
- Listen to the teacher’s explanation.
- Write down the definitions of the types of composition.
- Write simple examples of each type of composition.
Assessment:
- Define composition.
- List the four types of composition.
- What is a narrative composition?
- What does a descriptive composition focus on?
- Provide an example of an argumentative composition.
Ten Evaluation Questions:
- What is the meaning of composition?
- What does a narrative composition do?
- Name the type of composition that describes in detail.
- What is the purpose of an argumentative composition?
- How does an expository composition help readers?
- Give an example of a narrative composition.
- What kind of language is used in descriptive composition?
- How many sides of an argument does an argumentative composition present?
- Name an example of an expository composition.
- Why is it important to know the types of composition?
Conclusion:
The teacher will go around to assess the students’ work, providing corrections where necessary and ensuring understanding of the different types of composition.