Unit
Plan
Course
Title:English-
Nada AbiSamra
Grade
Level:9
(Brevet)
Duration
of Unit:10
to 12 cycles
Take advantage of opportunities to use new words:
Use a variety of cues to extract meaning from a text
(e.g., cues such as headings, subheadings, graphics, questions).
Written Communication
Identify the parts of an essay;
Understand the components of a well-written essay;
Demonstrate the linguistic and stylistic quality of good writing;
Apply process writing skills;
Utilise a wide range of vocabulary and grammar;
Communicate a coherent thesis that conveys a clear perspective on a subject and remain consistent throughout the piece of writing (Organization and focus);
Write an essay using evidence in support of a thesis and making distinctions between the relative value and significance of specific facts;
Revise written work independently and collaboratively, with a focus on support for ideas and opinions, accuracy, clarity, and unity;
Edit and proofread to produce final drafts, using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation;
Identify the mistakes in a poorly
written essay;
Practice error analysis in own/peer work.
Oral Communication:
Participate fully and effectively
in casual conversations;
Choose effective verbal and nonverbal techniques (e.g.
voice, gestures, eye contact) for presentations.
Technology
Do a web search on the essay writing process (several sites are provided).
Character Education
Reflect on the importance of collaboration/Team Work
in our world.
How do I start planning
my essay?
The essay needs to
be a certain length, how do I work to that?
How should an essay
be set out?
What is a good structure?
What are the different
parts of an essay?
Why write a thesis
statement?
What does a thesis
statement include?
How do we write a
good thesis?
Which are the common
errors in writing a thesis?
How do we evaluate
a thesis statement?
What is a topic sentence?
What does the conclusion
include?
How do we write a
good introduction?
Which are the common
methods of introduction?
Which are the common
methods of conclusion?
What is an expository
essay? a persuasive essay? What are their
characteristics?
Why should we provide
specific evidence and how do we do that?
What is my line of
argument?
Do my arguments flow
smoothly?
Is there a logical
progression of ideas in my essay?
·A concise, well-written essay.
·An oral/written presentation (respect the essay format in written presentation, including the outline.)
·Practice quizzes
·An interactive notebook containing journal entries and reflections.
Activities may take the form of individual or group effort.
·Students will do a research on Essay Writing.
·Students will share their findings with their peers.
·Students will do a series of exercises that prepare them for good essay writing.
·Students will file materials in their portfolios/writing folders.
·Students will edit their own/peers’ essays.
·Handout prepared for this unit; compiled from “Introduction to Academic Writing” by Oshima & Hogue (1988)- Addison-Wesley.
·Handout: Linking/transition words & exercises
·Model paragraphs/essays:
1."Mountain climbing"
2."Skydiving"
3."Animals in captivity"
4."The Computer Revolution" part I
5."The Computer Revolution" part II
·Several web sites:
1.https://nadabs.tripod.com/writing/(developed for this unit)
2.https://nadabs.tripod.com/presguide.html (developed for oral/written presentations)
3.http://www.mandia.com/kelly/write-essay.htm
4.http://iris.woodstock.edu/elc/extended_learning_center/writing/five_paragraph_essay.html
5.http://www.ipl.org/teen/aplus/linkscommon.htm
6.http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Atrium/1437/expo.html
7.http://english.ttu.edu/uwc01/Resources/
8.http://www.powa.org/revision.htm
9.http://www.aresearchguide.com/
10.http://www.bowdoin.edu/~prael/writing_guides/structure.htm
11.http://www.canadiana.org/eco/lesson_plans/overviewhand.htm
12.http://www.citadel.edu/citadel/otherserv/wctr/essayorg.html
Art: Include in the journal drawings that illustrate reflections.
Music: Find a song in which the essay writing format is respected.
Most of the written presentations ended up being very well done. The essay format was well respected, especially in the introduction and conclusion.
The oral presentations were an excellent learning experience.