Composition Development: Kinds of Writing (Descriptive & Expository)

Grade 9 · English

Semester 2 | Period 4 | Week 19

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Subject: English

Semester: 2

Period: 4

Week: 19


School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: English Language
Grade Level: Grade 9
Date:
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 19, Period 4
Topic:
Sub-topic: Composition Development: Kinds of Writing (Descriptive & Expository)
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Use sensory details to write descriptive compositions.
  2. Organize and present information clearly in expository writing.
  3. Differentiate between descriptive and expository writing.

Previous Knowledge
Students already know:
• Basic paragraph structure (topic sentence, supporting details, conclusion)
• Introduction to narrative writing

Instructional Materials
• Textbook: English Language textbooks for Grade 9
• Teaching aids:
• Students' notebooks and writing materials

Lesson Development – ABC Model

A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Activity: The teacher will ask the class:
• Describe a favorite place or event using as many sensory details as possible.
• How would you explain the steps of a familiar task (e.g., cooking, cleaning, planting) to someone else?
The teacher will record their responses on the board.
Teacher’s Role: Guide a short brainstorming session and correct misconceptions about sensory details and explanatory writing.
Learner’s Role:
• Share descriptive and explanatory ideas verbally.
• Participate actively in discussion and provide examples.

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)

Time: 25–30 minutes

Teacher’s Role

  • Explain Descriptive Writing
    • Uses sensory details (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch).
    • Creates a mental picture or emotional effect.
    • Example: A description of Waterside Market in Monrovia—the colors of fruits, the sounds of bargaining, the smell of smoked fish.
  • Explain Expository Writing
    • Provides facts, organizes ideas clearly, and avoids exaggeration.
    • Aims to inform or explain.
    • Example: A step-by-step explanation of how to register for a library card or the importance of palm oil in Liberian cuisine.
  • Model Writing
    • Teacher writes 1 short descriptive paragraph (6–7 sentences) about a Liberian cultural festival.
    • Teacher writes 1 expository paragraph explaining how rice is prepared in different parts of Liberia.
    • Highlight: descriptive = picture with words; expository = explanation with facts.
  • Guide Comparison
    • Show learners how to spot sensory words in descriptive writing vs. logical connectors in expository writing (“first, next, because, therefore”).

 

Learners’ Activities (Expanded)

  • Read two sample paragraphs (one descriptive, one expository).
    • Identify sensory details in descriptive (e.g., “red peppers,” “shouting sellers”).
    • Identify factual statements and organization in expository (e.g., “The library is divided into reference, fiction, and non-fiction”).
  • Write a descriptive paragraph (5–6 sentences) about:
    • Their classroom during break, OR
    • A local football match, OR
    • A family celebration.
  • Write an expository paragraph (5–6 sentences) explaining:
    • How to plant cassava, OR
    • Why education is important in Liberia, OR
    • Steps in cleaning a compound.
  • Share drafts in pairs, highlighting where they used sensory details (descriptive) and facts/organization (expository).

 

Assessment Checks

  • Observation: teacher circulates to monitor group/pair work.
  • Mini Quiz (oral or written):
    • Identify whether a short passage is descriptive or expository.
    • Example: “The market is noisy, with women calling out prices and boys carrying buckets of fish.” → Descriptive
    • “A market is a place where goods are bought and sold. It is usually divided into stalls, each selling different items.” → Expository
  • Written Work: collect 1 descriptive and 1 expository paragraph from each learner for feedback on structure, word choice, and clarity.

 

Notes (Expanded & Detailed)

  • Descriptive Writing
    • Focus = sensory imagery + emotional appeal.
    • Useful in creative writing, storytelling, personal reflections.
    • Key words: colorful, fragrant, loud, rough, sweet, etc.
  • Expository Writing
    • Focus = facts, logic, explanation.
    • Useful in essays, reports, instructions, academic work.
    • Key words: first, next, finally, because, for example.
  • Practical Value
    • Descriptive helps students bring stories alive.
    • Expository helps them succeed in academic and professional communication.
    • Using local Liberian contexts ensures relevance (markets, festivals, farming, schools).

 

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary:
• The teacher will ask the students to recall the key features of descriptive and expository writing.
Evaluation Method (Expanded):
• Exit slip/quiz: Students will write short responses to:

One sensory-rich descriptive sentence about a familiar place.

One expository sentence explaining a process clearly.
• Teacher will collect and quickly review for understanding.
• Provide oral feedback and clarify misconceptions before class ends.
Assignment (Expanded):
• Write a descriptive paragraph (8–10 sentences) about a cultural event in Liberia.
• Write an expository paragraph (8–10 sentences) explaining a simple community activity (e.g., how to plant cassava).
Follow-up Activity:
• Peer review paragraphs in the next class to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
• Struggling Learners: Provide sentence starters and sensory word lists.
• Advanced Learners: Encourage use of figurative language or additional examples in paragraphs.
• Students with Disabilities: Allow use of assistive devices or oral dictation for paragraph drafts.

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
• What worked well? ______________________________________________________
• What needs improvement? _________________________________________________
• Students’ engagement level: □ High □ Medium □ Low