New lesson plan: Writing Opinion Paragraphs

Azar Taj

Writing Opinion Paragraphs - Upper Intermediate level

Writing Opinion Paragraphs
Upper Intermediate level

Description

This lesson maintains the context from the previous two and picks up on some of the points they have discussed. It introduces some time phrases, including idiomatic ones, which might be new to the Ss and they should use them in writing a short paragraph.

Materials

Sort out Handout

Matching Handout Key

Visuals

Choose a Writing topic

Writing Paper

Matching

Exposure Sentences

Sort out Handout

Matching Handout Key

Visuals

Choose a Writing topic

Writing Paper

Matching

Exposure Sentences

Main Aims

To give Ss practice in writing opinion paragraphs in the context of “What are you optimistic about?” using time phrases refering to near/distant future

Subsidiary Aims

Grammar (in the form of peer feedback on written paragraphs)

Procedure (37-45 minutes)

Warmer/Lead-in (2-3 minutes) • To set lesson context and engage students

Show Ss some pictures about important things happening in near/distant future. Ss comment whether they are optimistic or pessimistic about the topics. Elicit responses from some of them along with brief reasons.

Exposure (1-2 minutes) • To provide a model of production expected in coming tasks through reading/listening

Focus Ss on the examples from the listening in ex1. Get Ss to decide on the meanings of the time phrases – as in ex1.

Useful Language (8-10 minutes) • To highlight and clarify useful language for coming productive tasks

Give the Sort out Handout to Ss. Ss work in pairs/small groups to categorise the phrases. Take FB and be ready to deal with any questions. Controlled practice: Give the Matching Handout to Ss. Ss work in pairs/small groups to match the phrases. Ask Ss to check with the key in PPT file.

Productive Task(s) (18-20 minutes) • To provide an opportunity to practice target productive skills

Writing Preparation: Show the PPT Slide 2. Ask Ss to choose a topic they are optimistic about. Put Ss with the same topics into groups. Ss discuss in their groups why they are otpimistic about the topic and give examples. Writing: Ask Ss to look at the text in Lesson 1 again and notice the organisation. Highlight the points to include in their paragraphs. Give writing paper to Ss. Ss work alone to write their own paragraphs about the topic they chose in the previous stage.

Feedback and Error Correction (8-10 minutes) • To provide feedback on students' production and use of language

Ss swap their texts and check for and correct any errors – helping each other in pairs. Monitor and help where needed. Put the Ss’ writing on the walls. Ss walk around and read each other’s texts and decide who is most optimistic.