Writing: Descriptive Basic 5 English Studies Lesson Note

Behavioural Objectives By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Identify the characteristics of a descriptive essay.
2. Describe their favourite friend using vivid adjectives and details.
3. Write a short essay about their favourite friend.

Keywords • Descriptive • Favourite • Friend • Characteristics • Adjectives

Set Induction Start by asking the pupils to think about their closest friend and share one thing they like most about that friend.

Entry Behaviour • Pupils can describe people and objects using simple sentences.

Learning Resources and Materials • Sample descriptive essays • Writing materials (paper, pencil) • Chart showing adjectives and descriptive phrases

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge • Pupils have learned about describing objects and people in previous lessons, and this will focus on a more personal and detailed description.

Embedded Core Skills • Writing • Communication • Social Awareness

Learning Materials • Adjectives list • Descriptive essay examples

Reference Books • Lagos State Scheme of Work • Primary 5 English Language Textbook

Instructional Materials • Whiteboard and markers • Printed descriptive essay samples

Content

Features of a Descriptive Essay:

1. Introduction: Introduce the person you are describing.
2. Body: Describe the person’s physical appearance, personality, and why they are your favourite friend.
3. Conclusion: Summarize why you value your friendship with this person.

Example of a Short Descriptive Essay: “My favourite friend is Ada. She has long, curly hair and always has a big smile on her face. Ada is very kind and always helps others. We love to play games together during break time. I like Ada because she is a good listener and always makes me laugh. She is the best friend anyone could have.”

Evaluation

1. The introduction of a descriptive essay should _______ a) describe the setting b) introduce the person or object being described c) conclude the story d) list adjectives 
2. The body of the descriptive essay is where you _______ a) describe the person or object in detail b) introduce the topic c) conclude the story d) list events 
3. The conclusion of a descriptive essay should _______ a) introduce new characters b) summarize the description and feelings c) describe the setting d) start a new story 
4. A descriptive essay is usually written in _______ tense. a) past b) present c) future d) continuous 
5. The word “descriptive” means _______ a) storytelling b) explaining c) describing in detail d) listing 
6. Adjectives are used in descriptive writing to _______ a) add detail and vividness b) create new stories c) list items d) write dialogues 
7. The physical appearance of a person should be described in the _______ a) conclusion b) body c) introduction d) title 
8. The emotions of the writer should be expressed in the _______ a) body and conclusion b) title and introduction c) introduction and body d) conclusion and title 
9. The main idea of the descriptive essay should be found in the _______ a) title b) body c) introduction d) conclusion 
10. A good descriptive essay makes the reader _______ a) sleepy b) confused c) imagine the description clearly d) forget the details

Presentation

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, which was “Narrative Writing: My First Day in My New Class.”

Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic: “Descriptive Writing: My Favourite Friend.”

Step 3: The teacher allows the pupils to describe their favourite friend, focusing on physical appearance, personality, and reasons for their friendship.

Teacher’s Activities

• Explain the structure and elements of a descriptive essay. • Provide examples and guide pupils in writing their descriptions. • Encourage pupils to use vivid adjectives and detailed descriptions.

Learners’ Activities

• Describe their favourite friend to the class. • Identify the parts of a descriptive essay in the examples. • Write their own descriptive essay about their favourite friend.

Assessment

• Pupils will write a descriptive essay about their favourite friend and submit it for grading.

Evaluation Questions

1. What is a descriptive essay?
2. How should the introduction of a descriptive essay be structured?
3. What should the body of a descriptive essay focus on?
4. What is the purpose of the conclusion in a descriptive essay?
5. In what tense is a descriptive essay usually written?
6. What role do adjectives play in descriptive writing?
7. How should you describe the physical appearance of a person in a descriptive essay?
8. Why is it important to express emotions in a descriptive essay?
9. What should be the focus of the descriptive essay?
10. How should a descriptive essay make the reader feel?

Conclusion

• The teacher will review the pupils’ descriptive essays, provide feedback, and correct any mistakes.