Essay Conclusions-Lesson Plan

Content Standards :
3.8.3 A use criteria, feedback, and checklists to assess, self-evaluate, and refine writing

3.8.6 D form a conclusion that restates a position

Materials :

Lesson 54 from Lessons That Change Writers by Nancie Atwell (a copy is available at every middle school)
Sample conclusions on overhead transparencies
An example of a poorly written conclusion on an overhead

Activities :
1. Introduce the five types of conclusions:

Admonition or instruction: what the reader can do about the issue
Prediction: an insight into how the future could be different, better or worse
Strong, punched statement: perhaps a one-sentence paragraph
Anecdote: a brief story that reiterates the essence of the issue or situation
Pointed question: leaves the reader thinking
Echo: circles back to the lead

2. Provide examples of each type of conclusion. Discuss with students the components that make each conclusion effective -- strong, precise language, compelling reasons, clarity, brevity, and relevance.

3. Place the sample conclusions on the overhead. Ask students to come up and point out the elements that make the conclusions effective.

4. Place the poorly written conclusion (one that you have written prior to class) on the overhead. Ask students to work in pairs to fix the conclusion. Allow time for students to share their final products.

5. Before students begin writing their rough draft, encourage them to choose a conclusion that will be consistent with the style and format of their entire essay.

6. Allow students an opportunity to begin drafting. Provide feedback when applicable.

Closings Mini-Lesson Plan Content Standards : 3.8.3 A use criteria, feedback, and checklists to assess, self-evaluate, and refine writing 3.8.6 D form a conclusion that restates a position Materials : Lesson 54 from Lessons That Change Writers by Nancie Atwell (a copy is available at every middle school) Sample conclusions on overhead transparencies An example of a poorly written conclusion on an overhead Activities : 1. Introduce the five types of conclusions: Admonition or instruction: what the reader can do about the issue Prediction: an insight into how the future could be different, better or worse Strong, punched statement: perhaps a one-sentence paragraph Anecdote: a brief story that reiterates the essence of the issue or situation Pointed question: leaves the reader thinking Echo: circles back to the lead 2. Provide examples of each type of conclusion. Discuss with students the components that make each conclusion effective -- strong, precise language, compelling reasons, clarity, brevity, and relevance. 3. Place the sample conclusions on the overhead. Ask students to come up and point out the elements that make the conclusions effective. 4. Place the poorly written conclusion (one that you have written prior to class) on the overhead. Ask students to work in pairs to fix the conclusion. Allow time for students to share their final products. 5. Before students begin writing their rough draft, encourage them to choose a conclusion that will be consistent with the style and format of their entire essay. 6. Allow students an opportunity to begin drafting. Provide feedback when applicable.
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