In this lesson, students focus on writing essays based on notes from discussions or readings. The task involves evaluating the usefulness of memorisation of facts and figures and expressing personal opinions. Students are guided to select key ideas, explain their importance, and provide supporting reasons. For example, memorisation can be a necessary first step in learning, such as remembering letters and sounds, and it can free mental resources for more challenging tasks. However, over-reliance on memorisation or technology may hinder one’s ability to think critically or retain information effectively.
The lesson also introduces participle clauses as a way to explain reasons and results more concisely, helping students avoid repetition and make their writing smoother. Students practice replacing underlined phrases with participle clauses, for instance, “which meant that I missed my bus” or “which left me struggling during the match.”
Another focus of the lesson is writing essays about practical topics, such as different ways to learn a language. Students compare methods like using a self-study app, learning with a teacher, or living in a country where the language is spoken. They evaluate the advantages of each approach, considering factors like immersion, explanation from teachers, and accessibility.
Finally, students complete a writing task where they discuss two methods, explain which one is more effective, and provide clear reasons to support their opinions. The lesson encourages critical thinking, structured writing, and the ability to express ideas in a clear and formal manner using advanced grammar and vocabulary.