### Class Summary Report
**Title:**
Post-Break Re-engagement and Essay Analysis
**Synopsis:**
This session aimed to re-engage students after spring break, address concerns about midterm essay submissions, and introduce the final assignment of the semester, which involves writing an argumentative essay with a focus on policy solutions to current problems. The lesson also included discussions about the unexpected low grades received by students on their entrance exam essays.
**Attendance:**
– Number of students absent: 5 (No Allah, No Robert, No Abdul Tawab, No Atay Bek, John quit)
**Topics Covered:**
1. **Re-engagement Post-Break:**
– Acknowledged the typical post-spring break lull in student energy and encouraged students to discuss any issues affecting their performance.
2. **Midterm Essay Submission Issues:**
– Noted that nearly half of the class did not submit their midterm essays, which accounts for 25% of their grade.
– Urged students to communicate any difficulties they’re facing.
3. **Entrance Exam Essay Concerns:**
– Discussed the concerning low grades received by students on entrance exam essays.
– Planned an in-class TOEFL style essay writing session for the following week to assess students’ writing abilities.
4. **Final Assignment Introduction:**
– Introduced the final assignment: an argumentative essay on a current problem with a policy solution.
– Discussed the difference between persuasive and argumentative essays, emphasizing counterarguments and refutations.
– Outlined the requirements for choosing a problem related to a country, city, or educational institution with which the student has a personal connection.
5. **Topic Brainstorming Activity:**
– Students brainstormed issues at various levels (campus, local, national) and identified potential consequences for each problem.
**Actionable Items:**
– **Addressing Midterm Submissions:**
– Follow up individually with students who did not submit midterm essays.
– **Exam Essay Grades Inquiry:**
– Continue to investigate the cause behind the low grades on entrance exam essays.
– Prepare for next week’s in-class essay writing session.
– **Final Assignment Preparation:**
– Ensure students understand the difference between persuasive and argumentative essays.
– Clarify the concept of policy solutions and how to propose them.
**Homework:**
– Complete the brainstorming activity by identifying two potential consequences for each problem listed by their partners.
– Prepare for a discussion on policy solutions in the next class.