Understanding the Writer’s Purpose in Comprehension

Lesson Plan: Understanding the Writer’s Purpose

Subject: English Language
Class: JSS 2
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 12-13 years
Topic: Reading and Comprehension
Sub-topic: Understanding the Writer’s Purpose
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

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

1. Read a given comprehension passage.
2. Explain the writer’s purpose.
3. Develop reading skills to understand the writer’s purpose.
4. Answer questions from the comprehension passage.

Keywords:

• Writer’s Purpose
• Comprehension
• Reading Skills

Set Induction:

The teacher asks students to share the title of a book or article they enjoyed reading and discuss what the author was trying to achieve with the text.

Entry Behaviour:

Students are familiar with basic reading comprehension and can identify simple facts from a passage.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Sample comprehension passage (from textbooks or provided by the teacher)
• Charts showing types of writer’s purposes (to inform, persuade, entertain, instruct)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students have been reading texts in previous lessons and answering comprehension questions.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Reading comprehension
• Critical thinking
• Communication

Learning Materials:

• English Language Textbook (Lagos State Scheme of Work)
• Writing materials (notebooks, pens)

Instructional Materials:

• Comprehension passage handout
• Posters highlighting the writer’s purpose

Content:

Definition and Explanation of the Writer’s Purpose:

The writer’s purpose is the reason why an author writes a text. It helps the reader understand the message and intent of the text.

Types of Writer’s Purpose:

1. To Inform: The writer shares facts and information.
   • Example: An article explaining how rain forms.
2. To Persuade: The writer tries to convince the reader of a viewpoint.
   • Example: A letter arguing for environmental protection.
3. To Entertain: The writer wants to amuse the reader with stories or interesting content.
   • Example: A funny short story.
4. To Instruct: The writer provides steps or guidance.
   • Example: A recipe book.

5 Examples of Writer’s Purpose in Texts:

1. A newspaper article reporting current events – To Inform.
2. A commercial persuading people to buy a product – To Persuade.
3. A comic book that tells an exciting story – To Entertain.
4. A manual for fixing a car – To Instruct.
5. A biography of a famous leader – To Inform.

Evaluation Questions

1. The writer’s purpose in an instruction manual is to ______.
   a) inform
   b) instruct
   c) persuade
   d) entertain
2. A passage that gives facts about climate change is written to ______.
   a) entertain
   b) inform
   c) persuade
   d) instruct
3. A poem written to make people laugh is written to ______.
   a) inform
   b) persuade
   c) entertain
   d) instruct
4. A political speech encouraging people to vote is to ______.
   a) instruct
   b) inform
   c) persuade
   d) entertain
5. An article explaining how a car engine works is meant to ______.
   a) inform
   b) persuade
   c) entertain
   d) instruct
6. A story about a hero saving the world is to ______.
   a) inform
   b) instruct
   c) entertain
   d) persuade
7. A passage listing instructions for assembling a chair is to ______.
   a) entertain
   b) inform
   c) instruct
   d) persuade
8. A commercial trying to sell a phone is to ______.
   a) instruct
   b) persuade
   c) entertain
   d) inform
9. An article describing the effects of pollution is to ______.
   a) instruct
   b) persuade
   c) inform
   d) entertain
10. A letter convincing someone to donate money is written to ______.
    a) entertain
    b) persuade
    c) instruct
    d) inform
11. An instructional manual for fixing a computer is written to ______.
    a) instruct
    b) inform
    c) persuade
    d) entertain
12. A fun story about a day at the beach is written to ______.
    a) entertain
    b) inform
    c) persuade
    d) instruct
13. A pamphlet describing a tourist attraction is written to ______.
    a) entertain
    b) persuade
    c) inform
    d) instruct
14. An article advocating for equal rights is written to ______.
    a) instruct
    b) persuade
    c) entertain
    d) inform
15. A scientific article detailing an experiment is meant to ______.
    a) persuade
    b) instruct
    c) inform
    d) entertain

Class Activity Discussion:

1. What is the writer’s purpose?
   • It’s the reason why an author writes a text.
2. How do I find the writer’s purpose?
   • Look at the tone, main idea, and details in the text.
3. What is the purpose of a persuasive text?
   • To convince the reader of a point of view.
4. What kind of text is written to entertain?
   • A story or joke.
5. Can a text have more than one purpose?
   • Yes, some texts can inform and entertain at the same time.
6. What is the main purpose of an instructional text?
   • To give directions or guidance.
7. What is the difference between informative and persuasive texts?
   • Informative texts provide facts; persuasive texts try to convince.
8. Why is it important to understand the writer’s purpose?
   • It helps in better understanding the message of the text.
9. How can tone help in identifying the writer’s purpose?
   • The tone shows the writer’s attitude, which can reveal their purpose.
10. What type of text is a recipe book?
    • It is an instructional text.
11. What should you focus on to find the writer’s purpose?
    • Focus on the main idea and supporting details.
12. Can fiction be written to inform?
    • Sometimes, fiction can inform while entertaining.
13. How do advertisements persuade people?
    • They use convincing language and appeals to emotion.
14. What is the purpose of an editorial?
    • To persuade or express an opinion.
15. How can structure help in identifying the writer’s purpose?
    • The way a text is organized can provide clues about the purpose.

Presentation:

Step 1: Revision of Previous Topic

• The teacher reviews the last lesson, which covered types of sentences in grammar.

Step 2: Introduction of the New Topic

• The teacher introduces the topic, “Understanding the Writer’s Purpose.” The teacher explains how to identify the purpose by using different types of passages.

Step 3: Discussion and Contribution

• The teacher asks students to read a short passage. They then discuss what they think the writer’s purpose is and why.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Explain the writer’s purpose with clear examples.
• Provide a passage for students to practice.
• Correct and guide students’ answers during the discussion.

Learners’ Activities:

• Read the given passage.
• Identify the writer’s purpose from the passage.
• Participate in the class discussion.

Evaluation Questions:

1. What is the writer’s purpose in an informative article?
2. Give an example of a text written to persuade.
3. How can you tell if a passage is meant to entertain?
4. What is the main goal of a persuasive text?
5. Why is it important to understand the writer’s purpose?
6. How does tone affect the writer’s purpose?
7. Which type of passage is written to give instructions?
8. Can a text be both informative and entertaining? Explain.
9. What clues in a text help to identify the writer’s purpose?
10. How does structure impact the writer’s purpose?

Conclusion:

The teacher walks around the class, marking students’ answers and providing feedback on the writer’s purpose.

More Useful Links

• Unveiling the Writer’s Purpose: Mastering Reading Comprehension Skills
• Understanding the Writer’s Purpose in JSS 2
• Author’s Purpose: Three Reasons for Writing