V5D - 16-5-25 90 min

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Welcome! You need notebook, book + pen (+ homework/work from last lesson). 

Program

1. CNN 10 + speaking exercise (10 mins)

2. Important info on (mock) test (10 min)

3. Recap essay structure + thesis statement (20 minutes)

4. Taking notes on essay: formal language (10)

5. Talk about your book / read/take notes (30 minutes)

(show your teacher your planning / how far are you with reading?)

6. Reflection/Evaluation 

Learning goals

At the end of this lesson...

 

- I will have practised my speaking skills

- I will have refreshed my knowledge of an essay structure

- I will know what makes a good thesis statement and be able to define one

- I will have talked about my book with my speaking partner. 

CNN 10 / Speaking 

Watching/Listening to spoken English can improve

your speaking skills. 

2 mins to exchange with your neighbour:

1. What were your speaking goals again? 
2. How far are you with reading your book? 
3. Talk about characters/setting/mood/narration so far. 

Do you remember?

2 mins to discuss with your neighbour:

- 3 elements of a thesis statement

- at least 3 other characteristics of a thesis statement

- build-up of an introduction

Try to remember without looking into your notebook

Thesis statement, 2 elements:

1. It describes your topic, what your essay will be about.

2. It introduces a specific claim you are making about your topic.

(the two major points/reasons which will support and develop your claim about the topic, will be used in the first two body paragraphs).

                 

                The 3 elements

of an essay introduction

Title

Introduction

- opening sentence(s) /'hook'

- background info

- thesis statement

Paragraph 1: pros

- topic sentence

- argument(s)

- example(s)

- wrap-up

Paragraph 2: cons

- topic sentence

- argument(s)

- example(s)

- wrap-up

Conclusion

- reference to thesis statement

- short summary

- name most benificial + arguments

(no examples, no new info)

The coming weeks, we will address alle these elements and practise

TITLE

Introduction

- opening sentence(s) /'hook'

- background info

- thesis statement

Body paragraph 1: 1st argument for

- topic sentence

- 2 explanations/examples/evidence

(- concluding sentence)

Body paragraph 2: 2nd argument for

- topic sentence

- 2 explanations/examples/evidence

(- concluding sentence)

Body paragraph 3: 1 argument against

- topic sentence

- 1 explanation/example/evidence

(- concluding sentence)

Conclusion

- reference to thesis statement

- name most beneficial + arguments

(no examples, no new info)

Body paragraphs

Each body paragraph has its own miniature introduction, body, and conclusion in the form of sentences:

T:  topic sentence

E:  explanations/ examples/ evidence

(C:  concluding sentence)

Step 1: 

Your paragraph always needs to start with a topic sentence. Your topic sentence should include: the topic and the main point/theme of the paragraph. After the topic sentence, you explain and give examples to prove your argument/support your main point/theme. Then you wrap it all up in 1 sentence

1. Topic sentence

Watching a video: 2:10 mins 

(question after watching: characteristics of a topic sentence)

A topic sentence...

1. Indicates what a paragraph is about
2. Is made up of: topic + central point
3. Is short & to-the-point
4. Should expand on the thesis statement
5. Goes at the start of a paragraph
6. Can be used as transition between paragraphs                        (> linking words)

Thesis statement:

Homework should be banned in secondary schools

(2 major points: it takes too much time and is demotivating)

What would be your 2 topic sentences (of the first 2 paragraphs)?

Homework should be banned in secondary schools (it takes too much time and is demotivating)
What are your topic sentences?

Topic sentences: homework should be banned, because (1) it takes too much time and (2) is demotivating 

Firstly, the amount of time spent on homework is disproportionate and has a negative effect on mental wellbeing.

Secondly, homework demotivates students by limiting time for relaxation and social interaction.

Topic sentences: other examples

Our school's dress code policy has many negative consequences for girls.

The world population is strongly impacted by a lack of access to water.

Cats are very good pets for various reasons.

Body paragraphs

T:  topic sentence

E:  explanations/ examples/ evidence

C:  concluding sentence

Step 1: 

Your paragraph always needs to start with a topic sentence. Your topic sentence should include: the topic and the main point/theme of the paragraph. After the topic sentence, you explain and give examples to prove your argument/support your main point/theme. Then you wrap it all up in 1 sentence

What is the topic sentence?

Well done! You...

- have practised your speaking skills

- have refreshed your knowledge of an essay structure

- know what makes a good thesis statement and are able to define one

Homework: check Magister before next lesson (BOOK)

Make sure you bring today's notes

Formal writing in a nutshell

• Formal language → more 'expensive' wording
• No contractions → can’t = cannot / won’t = will not
• Do not use questions
  
• In an essay → do not use ‘I’ or 'we'
  
• Use linking words
  
• Focus on lay-out: Empty line between each paragraph

Make more formal:

Study the language (left: informal right: formal)

Also very useful for CITO texts