Expository Composition, Generating Ideas and Drafting for JSS 2

Class: JSS 2
Term: First Term
Week: 7
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: English Language Studies
Curriculum Theme: Writing
Previous Lesson: Critical Reading, Meaning, Steps and Surveying
Topic: Writing
Subject Matter: Type of composition:

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Define composition.
• Identify different types of composition.
• Explain the characteristics of expository composition.
• State methods for generating ideas for a composition.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of planning before writing.
• Show interest in developing their writing skills.

Psychomotor Domain

• Generate ideas for a given composition topic.
• Draft a simple composition following basic guidelines.

Social Domain

• Collaborate with peers during brainstorming activities.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable English Language textbook for JSS 2
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Whiteboard or chalkboard
• Markers or chalk
• Sample composition topics
• Chart showing different types of composition
• Students’ notebooks

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps students understand that different writing tasks require different approaches. By learning about various composition types and practical steps for generating ideas and drafting, students can improve their ability to produce clear, well-structured, and purposeful written work, which is essential for academic success and effective communication.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students have basic knowledge of sentence construction, paragraph writing, and simple storytelling.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Writing: Type of Composition

What is Composition?

Composition refers to the act or process of writing a piece of text. It is the art of putting words, sentences, and paragraphs together to form a complete and coherent piece of writing, such as an essay, story, or article. A good composition expresses ideas clearly and effectively.

Types of Composition

There are generally four main types of composition, each with a distinct purpose:

1. Narrative Composition: This type tells a story. It often includes characters, a setting, a plot, and a conflict. Examples include short stories, novels, and personal anecdotes.
2. Descriptive Composition: This type aims to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind by describing a person, place, object, event, or feeling using sensory details (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch).
3. Expository Composition: This type explains, informs, or clarifies a topic. It presents facts, discusses ideas, or provides instructions in a clear and logical manner. Examples include essays, reports, news articles, and instruction manuals.
4. Argumentative Composition: This type aims to persuade the reader to agree with a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. It presents a claim, supports it with evidence, and often addresses counterarguments.

Focus on Expository Composition

Expository composition is a common type of writing that aims to explain and inform. Its main purpose is to present facts, ideas, and information clearly and logically. Key characteristics include:

1. Clarity: Ideas are presented in an easy-to-understand way.
2. Objectivity: It focuses on facts and evidence rather than personal opinions (unless the opinion is supported by facts).
3. Structure: It typically has an introduction, body paragraphs (each with a main idea and supporting details), and a conclusion.
4. Examples: School essays, reports, summaries, and explanations of concepts are all forms of expository writing.

Generating Ideas for Composition

Before writing, it is important to gather and organise your thoughts. Here are some methods for generating ideas:

1. Brainstorming: Write down every idea that comes to mind about your topic, no matter how silly it seems. Do not stop to judge or organise; just list.
2. Mind Mapping/Clustering: Start with your main topic in the centre of a page. Draw lines outwards to connect related ideas, sub-topics, and details. This helps to visualise connections.
3. Asking Questions: Use “Wh-” questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) to explore different aspects of your topic.
4. Freewriting: Write continuously for a set amount of time without stopping, editing, or worrying about grammar. This helps to unlock ideas.

Drafting a Composition

Drafting is the stage where you write the first version of your composition. The goal is to get your ideas down on paper, focusing on content rather than perfection. Key points for drafting:

1. Focus on Content: Do not worry too much about grammar, spelling, or punctuation in the first draft. The main aim is to develop your ideas fully.
2. Follow Your Outline (if you have one): Use the ideas you generated to structure your writing.
3. Write Continuously: Try to write from beginning to end without stopping.
4. Develop Paragraphs: Ensure each paragraph has a main idea and supporting details.
5. Introduction and Conclusion: Include a clear introduction that states your topic and a conclusion that summarises your main points.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating prior knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall what they understand by “writing” and what they usually write in school.

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond by mentioning essays, letters, and notes as forms of writing.

Learning Point: Understanding of writing

Step 2: Defining Composition

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what composition is, emphasising it as the art of putting thoughts into written form. The teacher writes the definition on the board.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen attentively and contribute simple examples of compositions they have written.

Learning Point: Meaning of composition

Step 3: Introducing Types of Composition

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Classification/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the four main types of composition (Narrative, Descriptive, Expository, Argumentative) and briefly explains each, focusing on their main purpose. The teacher uses a chart to illustrate.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and ask questions for clarification about each type.

Learning Point: Different composition types

Step 4: Focusing on Expository Composition

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Detailed explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the characteristics and importance of expository composition, providing examples relevant to students’ academic work (e.g., explaining a science concept, writing a report).

Pupils’ Activity: Students identify examples of expository writing they encounter daily.

Learning Point: Expository composition characteristics

Step 5: Generating Ideas for Composition

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guided practice

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents a simple topic (e.g., “The Importance of Education”) and demonstrates brainstorming and mind-mapping techniques on the board, encouraging students to contribute ideas.

Pupils’ Activity: Students actively participate in the brainstorming session, suggesting ideas for the given topic.

Learning Point: Idea generation methods

Step 6: Drafting a Composition

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Instruction/Guidance

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the concept of drafting, emphasising that the first draft is for getting ideas down, not for perfection. The teacher guides students on what to focus on during drafting (content, structure).

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and understand the purpose of drafting.

Learning Point: Purpose of drafting

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 composition?
2. Mention two types of composition.
3. What is the main purpose of expository composition?
4. Name one method for generating ideas.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding composition basics

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 types of composition, idea generation, and drafting 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: Summarisation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reiterating the importance of understanding different composition types and using idea generation and drafting techniques to write effectively. The teacher encourages students to practice writing.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and acknowledge the importance of the lesson.

Learning Point: Reinforcement of lesson

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Practice Exercise

Instruction: Choose one of the following topics. Generate at least five ideas using brainstorming or mind mapping, then write a first draft of a short expository composition (about 1-2 paragraphs).

1. The benefits of reading books.
2. How to stay healthy.
3. The importance of clean environment in our community.

Lesson Keywords

• Composition – A piece of writing.
• Narrative – Telling a story.
• Descriptive – Creating a vivid picture with words.
• Expository – Explaining or informing.
• Argumentative – Persuading with reasons.
• Brainstorming – Generating many ideas quickly.
• Drafting – Writing the first version of a composition.

Differentiation

For weaker learners, provide simpler topics for idea generation and drafting, and offer more direct guidance during the brainstorming and drafting stages. For faster learners, challenge them to explore more complex topics or to write a longer draft, perhaps focusing on incorporating more detailed explanations in their expository piece.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding of composition types and writing processes, search on YouTube for: types of composition jss2 english and generating ideas for writing jss2

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have a chart displaying the different types of composition and a few simple, engaging topics suitable for JSS 2 expository writing. Begin by linking to students’ existing knowledge of writing to make the topic relatable. Clearly explain each type of composition, especially expository, using practical examples. When teaching idea generation, actively involve students in brainstorming and mind-mapping exercises on the board. Emphasise that drafting is a creative process where content takes precedence over perfection. During the note-taking stage (Step 8), ensure students copy the key points accurately. Provide individual feedback on their homework assignments to reinforce learning and address common errors in idea generation and drafting. Encourage a supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas and drafts.