Lesson Report:
**Title: Unlocking Word Meanings and Essay Writing Strategies**
**Synopsis:** In this session, students worked to deepen their understanding of meaningful vocabulary by examining and refining their interpretations of complex words. This exercise aimed to clarify doubts and enhance analytical thinking. Thereafter, students were introduced to their first major essay assignment, focusing on assessing their written English skills through thematic connections between texts. The session emphasized clarity, organization, and planning in writing.
**Attendance:**
– 1 student mentioned as absent.
**Topics Covered:**
1. **Clarifying Vocabulary Doubts:**
– Students were asked to sit with their previous partners to revisit words they found challenging.
– Exercise involved:
– Removing aspects of ‘doubt’ from their understanding of words.
– Example given: “Witness” – originally defined as someone who sees and remembers something important; reconsidered by removing ‘importance’, leaving seeing and memory.
– Aim: Develop a clear, personal interpretation of words after discussions, ultimately reducing ambiguity.
2. **Introduction to Major Essay Assignment:**
– The assignment’s objective was to evaluate students’ English writing skills for their FYS professor.
– Emphasis on expressing ideas clearly and concisely without superfluous language.
– Prompt: Connect two texts from the course reader through a single theme and examine the significance and effects on text interpretation.
– Detailed explanation of expectations and common misconceptions was provided.
– Previous issue: Overreliance on AI for essay writing addressed, prompting a rule against using electronic devices during initial essay drafting.
3. **Essay Writing Strategies:**
– Encouragement to outline before drafting: Emphasized organization to avoid disproportionate essay structure.
– Outline components: Thesis statement, topic sentences, supporting evidence.
– Detailed instructions on structuring essays, with focus on content and clarity rather than length.
– An emphasis on balanced paragraph development, typically five sentences per paragraph, totaling approximately 20 sentences.
**Actionable Items:**
– **Pre-Essay Preparations:**
– Students to begin drafting essays in class without electronic aids.
– Essays to be handwritten and submitted by the end of class for weekend review.
– **Monday Follow-Up:**
– Allowance of class time for essay revision on Monday before final submission.
– Encourage outline revisions and focusing on developing strong arguments.
– **Future Coordination:**
– Absent students advised to select writing prompts from previous lessons for additional practice.
– Emphasis on honest, personal development through consistent writing exercises.
By concentrating on structured writing techniques and personal reflection, this lesson aimed to empower students to develop their analytical skills and clearly articulate their insights through writing.
Homework Instructions:
ASSIGNMENT #1: Essay on Thematically Connected Texts
You are tasked with writing an essay that explores a thematic connection between two texts. This assignment is designed to assess your ability to express ideas clearly and organize them effectively without relying on advanced vocabulary or external assistance. The essay will be shown to your FYS professor to gauge your current level of written English.
Instructions:
1. Choose two texts from the class reader. These can be any two texts, regardless of whether we’ve discussed them in class.
2. Identify one theme that connects both texts. Consider how this theme is significant to both texts and how it affects your understanding of them.
3. Write a written essay by hand in class, with no use of phones or electronic devices. Your initial draft will be written during this class session.
4. Plan your essay before writing. Create an outline that includes:
– Your thesis statement.
– Topic sentences for each paragraph.
– Supporting details or evidence you will use.
5. Follow a structure of approximately five sentences per paragraph. Aim for about four paragraphs, resulting in approximately 20 sentences in total. The focus should be on clarity, coherence, and the strength of your argument.
6. Handwrite your essay draft in class, making sure to label each page with your name.
7. Submit your handwritten draft at the end of class. You will receive it back on Monday to make final revisions.
8. On Monday, use the first 20 minutes of class to revise your essay before submitting the final draft. Your revisions should reflect your initial draft’s style and clarity.
9. Once your essay is finalized, type up your essay for your portfolio submission later.