Essay Writing Lesson Plan

Lesson Outline:

Lesson 1: What Is an Essay?

Objective: Identify the structure and purpose of essays; introduce essay types.

Teacher Script:

Hi everyone! This week, were learning how to write a complete essay. I know writing essays might seem

tough, but its really just about organizing your ideas clearly.

Lets begin with a question: What is an essay?

[Take responses.]

Great! An essay is a piece of writing that gives an opinion, explains something, or tells a story always with a

clear structure.

Essay Type | Purpose | Key Features | Prompt Example

--- | --- | --- | ---

Narrative | Tell a story | First person, events, reflection | Tell about a time you learned something important.

Expository | Explain a topic | Facts, clear order, no opinions | Explain how a volcano erupts.

Persuasive | Convince someone | Emotion, opinion, call to action | Convince your school to offer more clubs.

Argumentative | Defend a claim with evidence | Counterarguments, logic, research | Should students wear
 Essay Writing Lesson Plan

school uniforms?

Descriptive | Describe something | Sensory details, imagery | Describe your favorite holiday memory.

1. Introduction (10 mins)

Greet the students.

Ask: What is an essay? Have you written one before?

Show a simple essay sample on the board/screen.

2. Diagram of Essay Structure (10 mins)

Essay Structure:

1. Introduction

- Hook

- Background information

- Thesis statement

2. Body Paragraph 1

- Topic sentence

- Supporting detail

- Example

3. Body Paragraph 2

- Topic sentence

- Supporting detail
 Essay Writing Lesson Plan

- Example

4. Body Paragraph 3

- Topic sentence

- Supporting detail

- Example

5. Conclusion

- Restate thesis

- Summary of points

- Closing statement

3. Types of Essays with Examples (15 mins)

Cause and Effect Essays: Explain reasons/results (e.g., Causes and effects of online game addiction)

Persuasive Essays: Convince the reader (e.g., Why we should improve communication skills)

Expository Essays: Explain clearly/logically (e.g., The role of AI in the 21st century)

Argumentative Essays: Argue with evidence (e.g., Modern technology has more advantages than

disadvantages)

Opinion Essays: Justify your opinion (e.g., Parents should limit screen time for kids)

4. Model Essay (15 mins)

Title: Reading Is the Best Hobby

Introduction: Reading is one of the most rewarding hobbies. It not only improves language but also broadens

our knowledge and imagination. In this essay, I will explain why reading is the best hobby.

Body:

- Reading strengthens vocabulary and language.

- Books offer knowledge.

- Reading reduces stress and gives peace.

Conclusion: Reading is enriching and healthy. It helps us grow intellectually and emotionally.

5. Practice (1530 mins)

Choose a topic and write a short outline. Then begin the draft.

Topics:

How to deal with stress (Expository)

Why students should wear school uniforms (Persuasive)

Causes and effects of global warming (Cause & Effect)

Money can make everything (Argumentative)

Facebook should be banned (Opinion)

Homework:

Finish writing the essay. Type it if possible. Submit tomorrow.

Essay Structure Guide:

INTRODUCTION

- Hook

- Background Info

- Thesis Statement

BODY PARAGRAPH 1

- Topic Sentence

- Evidence/Example

- Explanation

- Transition

BODY PARAGRAPH 2

- Topic Sentence

- Evidence/Example

- Explanation

- Transition

BODY PARAGRAPH 3

- Topic Sentence

- Evidence/Example

- Explanation

- Transition

CONCLUSION

- Restate Thesis
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- Summarize Points

- Final Thought

Lesson 2: Brainstorming and Outlining

Objective: Create an outline based on a thesis and supporting points.

Teacher Script:

Now that you understand the essay structure, lets start your own. Think of a topic you care about, and write a

sentence that expresses your opinion. Thats your thesis.

Example Thesis:

All middle schools should offer free after-school tutoring because it helps students improve grades, build

confidence, and prepare for high school.

Outline Example:

I. Introduction

- Hook: Imagine struggling with homework every night and having no one to help.

- Background: Many students fall behind because they dont get extra help.

- Thesis: All middle schools should offer free after-school tutoring because it helps students improve

grades, build confidence, and prepare for high school.

II. Body Paragraph 1: Improves Grades

- Students raise scores with tutoring

- Example: Study shows a 15% GPA boost

- Explanation: Regular help reinforces learning

III. Body Paragraph 2: Builds Confidence

- One-on-one support helps students feel successful

- Example: A shy student begins participating

- Explanation: Confidence boosts engagement

IV. Body Paragraph 3: Prepares for High School

- Practice good habits early

- Example: Time management, note-taking

- Explanation: Eases transition to harder courses

V. Conclusion

- Restate thesis

- Summarize benefits

- Final thought: Invest in student success

Lesson 3: Writing the First Draft

Objective: Turn outline into a full draft using proper structure.

Teacher Script:

Use your outline to guide your writing. Dont worry about perfection. Just focus on completing the draft.
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Model Introduction:

Imagine struggling every night with homework, not because you dont try, but because you dont understand.

Many students face this every day. Without help, they fall behind and lose motivation. All middle schools

should offer free after-school tutoring because it helps improve grades, build confidence, and prepare for high

school.

Model Body Paragraph:

Tutoring helps students improve academically. Extra help boosts understanding and test performance. A

study showed students attending tutoring twice weekly improved GPA by 15%. Tutoring reinforces learning

and supports success.

Model Conclusion:

Free tutoring boosts grades, builds confidence, and prepares students for future challenges. Schools should

invest in these programs.

Lesson 4: Revising and Editing

Objective: Revise for clarity, organization, and grammar.

Teacher Script:

Today is about revision not just fixing typos. Ask your partner during peer review:

Peer Review Checklist:

Is the thesis clear?

Are the paragraphs organized?

Does each topic sentence link to the thesis?

Are there examples and explanations?

Are grammar and spelling correct?

Is the conclusion strong?

Revise based on the feedback.

Lesson 5: Final Draft and Reflection

Objective: Finalize essays and reflect.

Teacher Script:

Today, reread and fix anything awkward or unclear. Submit your final essay.

Reflection Questions:

1. What part of your essay are you most proud of?

2. What did you struggle with?

3. Whats one skill you improved this week?

Youve completed the full writing process. Be proud!