Lesson Plans
Essay Writing Mastery
Argumentative Essay Structure
Lesson Objectives
- Write a well-structured argumentative essay with a clear thesis
- Use sophisticated linking phrases and discourse markers
🌅 Warm-Up (5 min)
Thesis statement challenge: read 5 essay titles — write a clear thesis statement for each in under 5 minutes.
Main Activities
- 1Analyse a model argumentative essay: identify thesis, topic sentences, evidence, counter-argument, and conclusion
- 2Discourse markers toolkit: أولا (firstly), ثانيا (secondly), علاوة على ذلك (furthermore), من ناحية أخرى (on the other hand)
- 3Plan an argumentative essay on "Social media does more harm than good" with thesis and 3 supporting points
- 4Write the introduction and first body paragraph using the plan and discourse markers
Resources Needed
⭐ Extension Challenge
Complete the full essay (300+ words) with counter-argument and conclusion.
Persuasive Writing Techniques
Lesson Objectives
- Employ a range of persuasive techniques in Arabic writing
- Recognise and use rhetorical devices
🌅 Warm-Up (5 min)
Persuasion hunt: read a short Arabic persuasive text — how many persuasive techniques can you identify?
Main Activities
- 1Teach persuasive techniques in Arabic: rhetorical questions (ألا تعتقد أن), emotive language, rule of three, direct address
- 2Technique practice: rewrite 5 bland sentences to make them persuasive using different techniques
- 3Read and analyse a persuasive Arabic speech or article — annotate the techniques used
- 4Create vocab cards for 12 persuasive phrases and rhetorical devices
Resources Needed
⭐ Extension Challenge
Write a 200-word persuasive speech arguing for or against school uniforms.
Discursive Essay Writing
Lesson Objectives
- Write a balanced discursive essay presenting multiple viewpoints
- Distinguish between argumentative and discursive essay styles
🌅 Warm-Up (5 min)
Style comparison: read two essay openings on the same topic — which is argumentative and which is discursive? How can you tell?
Main Activities
- 1Key difference: argumentative essays take a side; discursive essays explore both sides before concluding
- 2Discursive phrases: يرى البعض أن (some believe that), بينما يعتقد آخرون أن (while others think that)
- 3Guided writing: plan and write a discursive essay on "Is technology making us smarter or lazier?"
- 4Writing practice: write balanced paragraphs presenting opposing viewpoints fairly
Resources Needed
⭐ Extension Challenge
Write a complete discursive essay (300+ words) on a topic of your choice.
Essay Writing Under Exam Conditions
Lesson Objectives
- Produce a complete essay within exam time limits
- Evaluate and improve essay writing for clarity and impact
🌅 Warm-Up (5 min)
Quick plan: read the essay title, plan your response in 5 minutes — thesis, 3 points, conclusion.
Main Activities
- 1Timed essay writing (40 minutes): choose argumentative or discursive style, 250+ words
- 2Self-evaluation using exam mark scheme criteria: content, language, accuracy, range
- 3Tracing practice for advanced essay vocabulary and discourse markers
- 4Peer assessment: mark a partner's essay using the same criteria and give written feedback
Resources Needed
⭐ Extension Challenge
Rewrite your essay incorporating self and peer feedback, aiming for top-band marks.