Mastering the Art of Descriptive Essay Writing JSS 3 First Term

LESSON PLAN

Subject: English Composition (Descriptive Essay)
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 13-14 years
Topic: Descriptive Essay
Sub-topic: Writing a Descriptive Essay
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

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

1. Define a descriptive essay.
2. Understand the five-step writing process for descriptive essays.
3. Write a well-organized descriptive essay using sensory details.
4. Differentiate between “showing” and “telling” in writing.

Key Words:

• Descriptive
• Sensory
• Observation
• Simile
• Metaphor

Set Induction:

The teacher will ask students, “Have you ever read something that made you feel like you were right there in the moment? What made it feel real to you?” This will introduce the concept of descriptive writing.

Entry Behaviour:

Students are already familiar with narrative essays and basic paragraph writing.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Sample descriptive essays
• Chart showing the five-step writing process for descriptive essays

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students have learned how to write narrative essays. This lesson builds on that knowledge by focusing on using descriptive language to paint a vivid picture.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Creative thinking
• Critical thinking
• Writing and communication skills

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for English
• “Essay Writing Skills for Secondary Schools” by XYZ Author

Instructional Materials:

• Chart showing sensory details (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell)
• Sample descriptive essays for class review

Content:

Descriptive Essay Writing
A descriptive essay is used to create a vivid picture of a person, place, or thing. Unlike narrative essays, which tell a story, descriptive essays focus on detailed observations of the subject, engaging all the senses. The aim is to make the reader feel as though they are experiencing the subject themselves.

Five-Step Writing Process for Descriptive Essays:

1. Prewriting:
   • Think about the subject: Is it a person, place, or object?
   • Brainstorm details (sights, sounds, smells, tastes, feelings).
   • Create an outline to organize thoughts logically.
2. Drafting:
   • Follow the outline, but remember: Show, don’t tell.
   • Use figurative language (similes, metaphors) to add depth.
   • Engage all five senses in the description.
3. Revising:
   • Reread the essay to ensure it unfolds clearly.
   • Check if all five senses are involved.
   • Ensure that the description connects to the writer’s meaning or feelings.
4. Editing:
   • Correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
   • Remove unnecessary adjectives and clichés.
5. Publishing:
   • Share the final draft with the class or submit it for grading.

Evaluation:

Fill in the blanks with appropriate descriptive words:

1. The cake smelled like _______.
   a) flowers b) vanilla c) water d) sand
2. The beach was _______ and peaceful.
   a) loud b) quiet c) sandy d) windy
3. The puppy’s fur felt _______ under my fingers.
   a) hard b) soft c) cold d) rough
4. The music played _______ in the background.
   a) softly b) loudly c) harshly d) angrily
5. The room was filled with the smell of _______.
   a) roses b) rain c) dust d) smoke

Class Activity Discussion (FAQs):

1. What is a descriptive essay?
   A type of writing that paints a picture of a person, place, or thing using sensory details.
2. How is a descriptive essay different from a narrative essay?
   A descriptive essay focuses on detailed observations, while a narrative essay tells a story.
3. What senses are used in descriptive writing?
   Sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
4. What does “show, don’t tell” mean in writing?
   It means describing the subject using sensory details instead of just stating facts.
5. Can you use similes in a descriptive essay?
   Yes, similes and metaphors help add depth to the description.
6. How should I start a descriptive essay?
   Start by describing the subject in a way that engages the senses.
7. Why is it important to revise a descriptive essay?
   To improve clarity, enhance sensory details, and correct any mistakes.
8. How does prewriting help in descriptive writing?
   It helps organize ideas and ensures all necessary details are included.
9. What role do emotions play in descriptive essays?
   Emotions help connect the reader to the subject being described.
10. Can a descriptive essay describe something abstract?
    Yes, but it should be tied to sensory experiences or emotions.
11. Should I use a lot of adjectives in my descriptive essay?
    Use enough adjectives to create a clear image but avoid overloading your sentences.
12. What is figurative language?
    Language that uses figures of speech like similes and metaphors to enhance descriptions.
13. Can I write a descriptive essay about a memory?
    Yes, memories can make excellent descriptive essay subjects.
14. What’s the best way to end a descriptive essay?
    Summarize the significance of the description and its emotional impact.
15. Why do we need to edit a descriptive essay?
    To fix grammar mistakes and improve the flow and clarity of the writing.

Presentation:

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic on narrative essays and the use of figurative language in writing.
Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic on descriptive essays, explaining how to describe a person, place, or thing using sensory details.
Step 3: The teacher allows students to describe an object in the classroom, guiding them to use sensory details. The teacher corrects and encourages students to “show, not tell.”

Teacher’s Activities:

• Explain the meaning of descriptive writing.
• Provide examples of sensory details.
• Guide students in creating descriptive sentences.
• Correct students when necessary and encourage them to engage their senses in writing.

Learners’ Activities:

• Listen to the teacher’s explanation.
• Write descriptive sentences using sensory details.
• Participate in class discussions and peer reviews.

Assessment:

Students will be assessed on their ability to write a descriptive essay about a place or object of their choice using all five senses.

Evaluation Questions:

1. What is the purpose of a descriptive essay?
2. How can you “show, not tell” in writing?
3. What are the five senses used in descriptive writing?
4. Why is prewriting important in descriptive writing?
5. Give an example of a simile.
6. Describe how a fresh apple might feel.
7. What should you avoid in descriptive writing?
8. How do you revise a descriptive essay?
9. Why is figurative language useful in descriptive essays?
10. Write a sentence describing the smell of rain.

Conclusion:

The teacher reviews students’ descriptions and provides feedback. The class discusses how using all the senses in writing makes it more vivid and engaging.

Captivating Title:

Mastering the Art of Descriptive Essay Writing

Focus Keyphrase:
Descriptive essay writing

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How to Write a Descriptive Essay for JSS 3 Students

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Learn how to write descriptive essays using sensory details and figurative language with this guide for JSS 3 students.