Lesson 2: Writing an Essay (Cognitive Focus: Structuring Arguments) using Bloom's Taxonomy
Lesson 2: Writing an Essay (Cognitive Focus: Structuring Arguments) using Bloom's Taxonomy
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Learning Objectives:
Identify and label the introduction, Body Paragraphs, and conclusion sections in a sample essay.
Apply the T.E.X.A.S. paragraph structure to create cohesive and well-developed body paragraphs.
Analyze the effectiveness of a sample essay by evaluating its structure, coherence, and persuasiveness.
Write an essay that includes a clear introduction with a hook and thesis statement, well-organized body paragraphs using the T.E.X.A.S. structure, and a conclusion that restates the thesis and summarizes key points.
Reflect on peer and group discussions to enhance essay-writing skills through collaborative feedback.
Remember
Remember
Activating Prior Knowledge
Activating Prior Knowledge
Question: "What do you already know about the structure of an essay? List the parts you think are essential and briefly describe their purpose."
Instructions
Click the link to the Google Form below. In the comment section, list the parts you believe are essential in an essay and explain the purpose of each part. After submitting, take a moment to review others' responses to see if there’s anything new or surprising!
Lesson1: Understand
Learn About Essays
👉 Click here to discover the purpose, structure, and key elements of an essay.
Purpose: Essays are typically written to argue a point or present an opinion on a topic. They are used to analyze arguments in a structured format.
Audience: Generally directed at a general or academic audience.
Structure:
Introduction: Present the topic and state your main argument or position.
Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph discusses one point, with supporting evidence or examples.
Conclusion: Summarize key points and restate your position.
Thesis Phrases
Thesis Phrases
👉 Click here. Use these helpful phrases to guide you in crafting a strong introduction and making your thesis clear and focused.
"This essay will argue that..."
"In this essay, I will explore..."
"The purpose of this essay is to..."
"This essay examines the importance of..."
"I will demonstrate how..."
Building a Strong Paragraph with the T.E.X.A.S. Structure
Watch the Video
Click the button to watch a video that explains the T.E.X.A.S. paragraph structure. Pay close attention to how each part of the structure builds a strong, cohesive paragraph. Take notes as you watch to help reinforce your understanding.
2. Review the T.E.X.A.S. Structure Image
Look at the image below to see a breakdown of each part of the T.E.X.A.S. paragraph structure. You’ll also find helpful phrases to guide you in starting each section (Topic Sentence, Expand, Example, Analysis, Summary). Use these phrases to kickstart your writing and make each part of your paragraph clear and organized.
Apply
Test Your Knowledge of Essay Structure
Instructions:
Click the link (Nearpod) to take a quiz on key terms and concepts related to essay structure. This quiz will help you check your understanding of each part of an essay, from the thesis statement to the conclusion. Choose the best answer for each question and see how much you've learned about organizing a well-structured essay!
Lesson 2: Analyze
Examining the Full Essay Structure
Work in groups to highlight key parts of a sample essay, focusing on how each part builds a cohesive argument.
Instructions:
Carefully read the provided sample essay as a group.
Highlight Key Parts:
Introduction: Highlight the hook, background, and thesis.
Body Paragraphs: Use T.E.X.A.S. to highlight topic sentences, expansions, examples, analyses, and summaries.
Conclusion: Highlight the restated thesis, summary, and final thoughts.
Evaluate
Assessing Essay Effectiveness
Instructions:
Now, continue working with the same sample essay you highlighted in the previous activity. This time, you’ll evaluate the effectiveness of each part and discuss how well the structure, transitions, and arguments support a cohesive, persuasive essay.
Use the points below to guide your analysis and discuss as a group.
Group Discussion Points:
Introduction:
Does it have a clear hook, background, and thesis statement?
How well does it set up the main argument?
Body Paragraphs:
Are the T.E.X.A.S. elements (Topic, Expand, eXample, Analysis, Summary) clear and well-organized?
Does each paragraph support the thesis effectively?
Conclusion:
Does it restate the thesis, summarize key points, and leave a final thought?
Coherence and Flow:
Are transitions smooth, and do paragraphs connect well?
Clarity and Persuasiveness:
Are the arguments clear and compelling, or are there areas for improvement?
Be ready to share your observations on the strengths and areas for improvement in the essay with the class.
Lesson 3: Create
Lesson 3: Create
Draft Your Essay 📝 Select 1 of 3 essay prompts
Draft Your Essay 📝 Select 1 of 3 essay prompts
Click the link below of Google Classroom to access assignment 1. This will take you to our Google Classroom page where you’ll find all the details for this assignment.
Follow the Instructions: Once in Google Classroom, choose a topic, review the supporting documents, and submit your essay draft directly in the assignment.
Lesson 4: Peer Review and Feedback
🔄 Peer Review and Feedback
Work in pairs to review each other's essays using structured, supportive feedback.
Key Reminders for Constructive Feedback:
Key Reminders for Constructive Feedback:
Be Specific and Clear 🎯: Focus on particular aspects of the essay, not just general comments.
Example: Instead of saying, "Your essay was good," say, "Your introduction clearly outlined the argument, which set a strong foundation."
Balance Positive and Constructive Remarks ⚖️: Provide both positive feedback that acknowledges what was done well and constructive feedback that identifies areas for improvement. This helps your peer feel encouraged while also knowing how to make their work better.
👉 Good feedback helps your classmate know exactly what they did well and how they can improve!
Use the Peer Review Rubric (Google Classroom)
Use the Peer Review Rubric (Google Classroom)
To guide your feedback, you’ll use a peer review rubric posted in Google Classroom.
The rubric helps you stay focused on:
Structure (T.E.X.A.S. model)
Clarity and persuasiveness
Grammar and mechanics
Paragraph unity and transitions
Make sure your comments are based on the criteria in the rubric.
🔗 For more specific feedback examples, click here to access feedback phrases suitable for the essay
Examples of Feedback Phrases:
Excellent job! You have covered all the key points, and your writing is clear and concise.
You have a good thesis statement, but adding practical examples would make your argument stronger.
You have made several good points, but expanding on them with more examples would strengthen your argument.
You have met the word count requirement but ensure that each paragraph directly relates to the essay question.
The examples you used are interesting, but you could explain more about how they relate to the essay.
You did a great job, but you missed an important part of the essay question.
You answered the question well, but you could improve your writing style by making it more concise.
The structure of your essay is well-organized; however, there is room for improvement in your grammar and spelling.
Your essay is well-written, but it would be helpful to provide more analysis of the topic.
There are some grammar and spelling errors, but your essay is generally well-structured.
Although there are a few minor errors, the overall essay is well-written and easy to follow.
Lesson 5: Finalize and Submit Your Essay + Teacher Feedback
Revise Your Draft
Use the feedback from your peer (from Lesson 4) to improve your essay.
Focus on:
Structure and organization
Grammar and clarity
Argument strength and coherence
📥 Submit Your Final Version
Once you’ve revised and proofread your essay, upload your final draft to Assignment 3 in Google Classroom.
This version will be assessed by the teacher using the same rubric.
📩 Receive Feedback from Your Teacher
After submission, you’ll get individual teacher feedback on:
Essay structure
Argument strength
Clarity and accuracy
Areas for improvement
Reflect on Your Learning Experience 💭
Answer the following questions in your reflection:
What challenges did you face in writing the essay?
How did peer feedback help you improve?
What skills can you apply in future activities?
Write your answers in the class comments section 💭 of Assignment 4 in Google Classroom.
Lesson 6: Final Timed Essay – Exam Instructions
This is your final writing exam. You will write an academic essay to show how well you can apply what you’ve learned about structure, coherence, argumentation, and genre-based writing.
📝 Instructions:
Go to Google Classroom and open Assignment 5: Final Timed Essay.
You will see 3 essay questions
Ways of keeping the urban environment clean and tidy
Ways of looking after young children
Why stories are important for young children
Choose ONE question to answer.
Write an essay of 220–260 words.
You have 40 minutes to complete the task.
Submit your essay directly in the assignment before the timer ends.
✅Important Notes:
Use your knowledge of essay structure and the T.E.X.A.S. model.
Organize your ideas clearly with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
This essay will be assessed using the same rubric as before and compared to your pretest.
Good luck! Do your best and show how much progress you’ve made as a writer.
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