Composition I

Tasked with making a composition class, here are some guidelines and sample 5 and 10 minute actitivities which can be used to make a class.

• Must use words and grammar from the Magazine since technically we're still teaching that

Here's a 50-minute lesson plan for teaching grade 11 students how to describe an object in a well-structured paragraph. The plan consists of 5-minute activities to keep students engaged.

• Write “Describe an Apple” on the whiteboard.
• Ask students to call out words that describe an apple using the five senses (sight, touch, smell, taste, sound).
• Write their responses under each sense category.
• Highlight the importance of using descriptive language.

• Write a short descriptive paragraph on the board (or read one aloud).
• Ask: What senses are used? What details make the description vivid?

• When writing use different colored chalk for:
  • Introduction sentence (ex. blue)
  • Topic sentence (Introduce the object) (ex. yellow)
  • Information Sentence: Sensory details (Describe using sight, touch, etc.) (ex. white)
  • Concluding sentence (Summarize or give an impression) (ex. green)
  • Provide an example based on the mystery object. (ex. red/orange)

• Place an object (e.g., a key, a book, a scarf) where students can’t see it.
• Describe it verbally using only sensory details (without naming it).
• Have students guess what it is.
• Discuss how detailed descriptions create strong mental images.

• The only 10 minute activity, extended to 15 min.
• Students choose an object from their bag or classroom.
• They write a short paragraph using the structure provided.
• Encourage them to include at least 3 senses in their description.

• Students exchange their paragraphs with a partner.
• They underline strong descriptive words and suggest one improvement.

• A few students volunteer to read their paragraphs
• Discuss what makes each description effective.