Composition: Revision of Second Term Topics

JSS 2 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 11

Lesson Details

• Subject: English Language
• Class: JSS 2
• Term: Second Term
• Week: 11
• Age: 11 – 13 years
• Topic: Revision of Second Term Topics in Composition
• Sub-topic: Reviewing Key Writing Skills and Essays
• Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Recall and explain the different types of composition covered in the term.
2. Identify and apply the features of different essay types.
3. Revise and improve their writing skills based on feedback.
4. Answer revision questions related to composition writing.

Keywords

• Composition – The act of writing structured essays.
• Narrative – A story-based writing style.
• Expository – A writing style that explains a topic.
• Argumentative – A writing style that presents opposing views.
• Formal Letter – An official form of communication.
• Informal Letter – A personal letter to a friend or relative.

Set Induction (Entry Behaviour)

The teacher asks students:

• “What are the different types of essays we studied this term?”
• “Which type of writing do you find easiest?”
• “What challenges do you face when writing an essay?”

This discussion will help students recall the topics covered and identify areas they need to improve.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Sample essays
• Revision notes
• Writing checklists
• Worksheets with composition exercises

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have learned different types of essays, letters, and speeches throughout the term. This revision lesson will help reinforce their understanding and writing skills.

Embedded Core Skills

• Writing skills
• Critical thinking
• Logical organization of ideas
• Communication skills

Lesson Content

Review of Second Term Composition Topics

Below is a summary of the topics covered during the term:

1. Week 1: Writing a Report – Outline and Features

   • Defined a report and its structure.
   • Discussed the importance of clarity and factual accuracy in report writing.

2. Week 2: Writing a Report – An Accident I Witnessed

   • Students practiced writing a factual report on an accident.

3. Week 3: Writing an Informal Letter – A Letter to a Friend about Your School’s Inter-House Sports

   • Discussed the structure of informal letters (address, salutation, body, and closing).
   • Emphasized friendly and conversational tone.

4. Week 4: Writing a Formal Letter – A Letter to the Local Government Chairman about Bad Roads

   • Explained the structure and tone of a formal letter.
   • Highlighted the importance of being polite and direct.

5. Week 5: Argumentative Essay – Herbal Medicines Are More Potent than Orthodox Medicines

   • Discussed how to present arguments for and against a topic.
   • Explained the structure of an argumentative essay (introduction, body, and conclusion).

6. Week 6: Expository Essay – Entrepreneurship

   • Defined expository writing and its characteristics.
   • Explained how to write an essay that informs or explains.

7. Week 7: Narrative Essay – My Last Birthday

   • Discussed storytelling techniques.
   • Highlighted the use of descriptive words and chronological order.

8. Week 8: Writing a Story – “The Meeting”

   • Focused on creativity and structuring short stories.
   • Students wrote original short stories based on a given title.

9. Week 9: Review of Types of Letters and Essays

   • Compared and contrasted formal and informal letters.
   • Reviewed narrative, expository, and argumentative essays.

10. Week 10: Writing a Speech

• Covered the structure of a speech (introduction, body, and conclusion).
• Explained how to engage an audience effectively.

Common Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Lack of structure: Always follow the correct format for each type of composition.
• Grammatical errors: Revise and proofread before submitting any written work.
• Poor paragraphing: Each paragraph should contain one main idea.
• Weak introduction and conclusion: Start strong and end with a clear summary.
• Lack of clarity: Use simple and direct language.

Class Activity Discussion

10 FAQs with Answers

1. What is the difference between a formal and informal letter?

   • A formal letter is for official communication, while an informal letter is personal.

2. What are the three main parts of an argumentative essay?

   • Introduction, body (arguments for and against), and conclusion.

3. Why is an expository essay different from a narrative essay?

   • An expository essay explains a topic, while a narrative essay tells a story.

4. What should a good speech always include?

   • A greeting, introduction, main points, and a conclusion.

5. What is the purpose of a report?

   • To provide factual information about an event or situation.

6. What tense is commonly used in narrative essays?

   • Past tense.

7. What is a key feature of a persuasive speech?

   • It tries to convince the audience to accept a viewpoint.

8. Why should a report be written in a formal tone?

   • Because it presents factual information.

9. What is the difference between an expository essay and a speech?

   • An expository essay is written to explain, while a speech is spoken to an audience.

10. What should you do before writing any composition?

• Plan the structure and main ideas.

Evaluation (Assessment Questions)

Fill in the blank with the correct option (a, b, c, or d):

1. A formal letter must include ___.
   a) Slang and jokes
   b) An informal greeting
   c) A recipient’s address
   d) A friendly closing

2. What is the main feature of a narrative essay?
   a) It explains a topic
   b) It tells a story
   c) It argues a point
   d) It is written in a list format

3. Which of these is NOT a type of composition?
   a) Descriptive essay
   b) Persuasive speech
   c) Letter writing
   d) Comic strip

4. What is the last paragraph of an essay called?
   a) Introduction
   b) Conclusion
   c) Summary
   d) Argument

5. What is the most important part of writing a speech?
   a) Using complex words
   b) Engaging the audience
   c) Making it very long
   d) Not preparing in advance

Conclusion

The teacher reviews key writing skills and allows students to ask questions about any topic they found difficult. Students are given a short composition exercise as a take-home assignment.

Assignment

Write an essay on one of the following topics:

1. A Letter to Your Principal Suggesting Ways to Improve Your School
2. A Narrative Essay on “The Best Day of My Life”
3. An Argumentative Essay on “Social Media Does More Harm Than Good”