Writing a Composition on a Favourite Topic for JSS 2

Class: JSS 2
Term: Third Term
Week: 6
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: English Language Studies
Curriculum Theme: Writing a Composition
Previous Lesson: Interpreting Speeches and Materials on Examination Malpractice
Topic: Writing
Subject Matter: Writing a composition:; Write a composition on the topic; My favorite

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Define what a composition is.
• Identify the key features of a good composition.
• Outline the steps involved in writing a composition on a favourite topic.

Affective Domain

• Show interest in writing compositions.
• Appreciate the importance of planning before writing.

Psychomotor Domain

• Brainstorm ideas for a composition on a favourite topic.
• Write a simple composition on a chosen favourite topic.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Chart showing features of a good composition
• Sample compositions on various ‘favourite’ topics
• Exercise books and pens

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it equips students with the fundamental skills required for effective written communication. Learning to write a composition helps students to organize their thoughts, express themselves clearly, and develop their creativity. These skills are essential for academic success and everyday life.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should be able to write simple sentences, construct paragraphs, and have a basic understanding of grammar and punctuation.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Writing a Composition on “My Favourite…”

What is a Composition?

A composition is a piece of writing where you express your thoughts, ideas, and feelings on a particular topic. It is usually made up of several paragraphs that are well-organized and connected.

Features of a Good Composition

1. Clear Topic: The composition should clearly address the chosen topic.
2. Good Introduction: It should have an interesting beginning that introduces the topic.
3. Well-Developed Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should discuss a main idea with supporting details and examples.
4. Logical Flow: Ideas should be presented in a sensible order.
5. Good Conclusion: The composition should end with a summary or a final thought.
6. Correct Grammar and Punctuation: Sentences should be grammatically correct and properly punctuated.
7. Appropriate Vocabulary: Use words that fit the topic and convey meaning effectively.

Steps to Writing a Composition on “My Favourite…”

To write a good composition on a topic like “My Favourite Food” or “My Favourite Hobby,” follow these steps:

1. Choose a Specific Topic: Decide exactly what your favourite thing is (e.g., My Favourite Teacher, My Favourite Sport, My Favourite Book).
2. Brainstorm Ideas: Think of all the points, reasons, experiences, and details related to your chosen favourite.

   For example, if “My Favourite Food” is the topic, brainstorm:

   1. Name of the food.
   2. Ingredients.
   3. How it is prepared.
   4. Taste and smell.
   5. When and where you eat it.
   6. Why you like it so much.
3. Create an Outline: Organize your brainstormed ideas into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

   A simple outline could be:

   1. Introduction: Introduce your favourite thing and why it is special.
   2. Body Paragraph 1: Describe its appearance or characteristics.
   3. Body Paragraph 2: Explain specific reasons or experiences why you like it.
   4. Body Paragraph 3: Share a memorable moment or further details.
   5. Conclusion: Summarize why it remains your favourite and a final thought.
4. Write the First Draft: Write out your composition following your outline. Focus on getting all your ideas down.
5. Revise and Edit: Review your draft for clarity, organization, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

   Ask yourself:

   1. Are my ideas clear?
   2. Does the composition flow well?
   3. Are there any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes?
   4. Is my punctuation correct?
   5. Have I answered the topic fully?

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Guided Practice, Individual Practice

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging learners

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to mention some of their favourite things (e.g., food, sport, colour). The teacher then introduces the topic of writing a composition about a favourite thing.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond by mentioning their favourite things and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to composition writing

Step 2: Explanation of Composition

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining concepts

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a composition is and discusses the general features of a good composition, using the chart as a visual aid.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen, ask questions, and contribute to the discussion on features of a good composition.

Learning Point: Meaning and features of composition

Step 3: Choosing a Topic and Brainstorming

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guiding brainstorming

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to choose a specific “favourite” topic (e.g., “My Favourite Food”). The teacher then leads a class brainstorming session, writing ideas on the board related to the chosen topic.

Pupils’ Activity: Students suggest ideas and details for the chosen topic, actively participating in the brainstorming session.

Learning Point: Topic selection and idea generation

Step 4: Outlining the Composition

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Structuring ideas

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides the students to organize the brainstormed ideas into a simple outline (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion) on the board, showing how to structure their thoughts logically.

Pupils’ Activity: Students follow the teacher’s guidance to create a simple outline for the chosen topic in their notebooks.

Learning Point: Composition outlining skills

Step 5: Writing the First Draft

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Facilitating writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher instructs students to begin writing the first draft of their composition in their notebooks, encouraging them to follow their outlines and focus on expressing their ideas.

Pupils’ Activity: Students individually write the first draft of their compositions based on their outlines.

Learning Point: Drafting composition content

Step 6: Revision and Editing Tips

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining revision

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly explains the importance of revision and editing, highlighting what students should look out for (grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity).

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen to the tips on revising and editing their work.

Learning Point: Revision and editing importance

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is a composition?
2. Mention two features of a good composition.
3. List two steps you would take before writing a composition.
4. Why is it important to brainstorm ideas before writing?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding composition writing process

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on writing a composition into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarizing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher concludes the lesson by reiterating the importance of practicing composition writing and encourages students to continue developing their writing skills. The teacher reminds them that good writing comes with practice.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and prepare for the next lesson.

Learning Point: Reinforcement of writing importance

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Complete the composition you started in class or write a new one on a different favourite topic. Ensure it has an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, and check for grammar and spelling errors.

1. Write a composition of at least 150 words on “My Favourite Holiday Destination.”
2. Highlight the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion in your composition.
3. Check your work for correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Lesson Keywords

• Composition – A piece of writing on a particular subject.
• Brainstorming – Generating a large number of ideas or solutions to a problem.
• Outline – A plan for a piece of writing, showing the main points.
• Draft – An early version of a piece of writing.
• Revise – To re-examine and make changes to a piece of writing to improve it.
• Edit – To correct errors in a piece of writing.

Differentiation

For struggling learners: Provide a simpler outline template with guiding questions for each section. Offer sentence starters or a word bank related to common “favourite” topics. Allow them to write shorter compositions if needed. Provide one-on-one support during the brainstorming phase.

For advanced learners: Encourage them to use more descriptive language, varied sentence structures, and complex vocabulary. Challenge them to include figurative language (similes, metaphors) in their compositions. Ask them to peer-edit a classmate’s work and provide constructive feedback.

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