This exercise practises writing skills. The linked lesson plan includes details on how to structure the essay. Discuss this with the students and talk about using the correct tone. Review useful linking expressions. After correcting their work, have the student read their essay back to you.
05mins - Conversation: What do you think is the most useful device that has been invented in the last 20 years? Why? Do you think technology reduces or increases stress? Which jobs do you think will be replaced by robots in the future? How have advances in technology changed the way people communicate with each other?
05mins - Review the online homework. What topics were discussed? Was the homework easy, medium or difficult? Answer any questions the students may have.
05mins- Review: Countable and uncountable nouns.
10mins - Discussion: We use 'the' for (a) person/people/thing that we have mentioned before. Someone/something that is unique. Someone/something that the speaker and listener already know about. Can be used with singular countable nouns, plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns.
Make a chart on the whiteboard to demonstrate the usage of 'the' for places: We use 'the' for: oceans, seas, rivers, regions, groups of islands, countries that include a word such as Republic, Kingdom, States or Emirates, deserts and mountain ranges. We DO NOT use 'the' for: lakes, continents, most countries, cities, states, towns, villages, most buildings and places such as schools, universities (unless it contains 'of' Ex: The University of Maryland) stations and airports that use the name of their town.
10mins - Worksheet: 15 countable and uncountable nouns
10mins - Writing: Writing Part 1 Requirements -
Essay structure practice: Discuss the structure of a 5-paragraph essay style. Introduction - point 1 - point 2 - point 3 - and conclusion. Create an outline for the following prompt:
10mins - Test: 15 writing practice - Create an outline and write the first paragraph together - assign paragraph 2 for homework.
05mins - Warm down: Goodbye, see you next time!
00mins - Homework: Complete the next section of the online homework.
1) Successful essays address the question or statement in a clear and logical way.
2) Be sure to keep all ideas and opinions relevant to the question.
3) Students need to be capable of discussing the advantages and disadvantages of all kinds of topics at the B2 level.
4) Students are required to support their opinions with examples and additional information.
5) Practise planning and organising your essay by preparing an outline which states the core points and reasons you will discuss in the essay.
6) Use effective linking expressions and cohesive tools to keep the essay well connected.
7) Use a variety of methods for introducing and concluding your arguments.
8) A five-paragraph essay style is a good way to keep everything organised and structured.
Check:
- Is the essay organised into paragraphs?
- Have both suggested ideas been discussed?
- Has the student written about a third idea?
- Is the language used moderately formal?
- Has the student written between 140 and 190 words?
- Has the student used linking expressions?
- Is the spelling correct?