Introduction to Essay Writing Lesson Plans
Essay writing is an important skill for high school students to develop as they prepare for college and career. Teaching students the essay writing process through thoughtful lesson plans is essential for ensuring they know how to thoughtfully plan, organize, write and revise essays of varying styles and lengths. This article provides detailed lesson plans and activities teachers can use to introduce essay writing skills to high school students in a step-by-step manner.
Lesson Plan 1: What is an Essay? (2 class periods)
Objectives:
Students will understand the basic definition and purpose of an essay
Students will recognize the different types of essays
Activities:
Day 1: As a class, brainstorm what an “essay” means. Chart student responses and arrive at a working definition together. Distribute essay examples in different styles/formats for students to analyze. Discuss format, structure and elements they notice. Introduce essay types like expository, persuasive, narrative, etc. Give an overview of what will be covered in upcoming lessons.
Day 2: In small groups, have students each examine one essay type more closely. Assign students to create a graphic representation (diagram, poster etc.) that explains the key characteristics of their assigned essay type to present to the class. Review essay types presented and clarify any misunderstandings. As an exit ticket, have students write one paragraph explaining the defining features of one essay type.
Lesson Plan 2: Developing a Strong Thesis Statement (1 class period)
Objective:
Students will understand the importance of a clear, focused thesis statement and be able to write effective thesis statements for different types of essays
Activities:
Provide examples of strong thesis statements from sample essays. Identify key components of each.
In groups, have students analyze thesis statements – what makes them strong? weak? Is the stance clear?
Assign topics to groups and have them draft thesis statements working through revisions.
Groups present thesis statements for peer/teacher feedback. Select strongest example of each type to display.
As an exit ticket, students write a thesis statement for an assigned essay prompt with feedback.
Lesson Plan 3: Outlining and Organizing Ideas (1-2 class periods)
Objective:
Students will learn strategies for outlining and organizing the body of an essay in a logical flow
Activities:
Day 1: Model outlining a sample essay topic step-by-step on the board. Discuss importance of main points/body paragraphs and topic sentences. Practice outlining as a class.
Day 2: In groups, provide essay prompts/topics and have students outline full essays collaboratively receiving feedback. Review common outlining symbols/abbreviations.
Individually, have students outline a short essay based on a new prompt applying what they’ve learned about structure and flow. Peer review outlines providing constructive criticism.
Lesson Plan 4: Drafting Body Paragraphs (2 class periods)
Objective:
Students will learn techniques for writing effective topic sentences, providing relevant evidence/examples, analysis
Activities:
Day 1: Analyze sample body paragraphs pointing out strong/weak points. Identify essential components – topic sentence, evidence, commentary/analysis, and conclusion. Brainstorm examples/evidence for given topics.
Day 2: Using outlines from last class, students draft first body paragraph receiving peer feedback. Bring drafts to teacher to discuss revisions/next steps. Address common issues and clarify expectations.
Lesson Plan 5: Introduction and Conclusion Paragraphs (1-2 class periods)
Objective:
Students will comprehend the functions of effective intro/conclusion paragraphs in anchoring and wrapping up an essay
Activities:
Provide models of intro/conclusion paragraphs and identify their unique components/structures.
In groups, have students brainstorm introduction/conclusion strategies for given prompts.
Individually, students write intro/conclusion paragraphs for the essays they’ve been drafting for in-class feedback and revision.
Volunteers share revised intros/conclusions getting peer input on strengths/areas needing work.
Lesson Plan 6: Revising and Editing (1-2 class periods)
Objective:
Students will learn revision/editing techniques to improve content, structure and mechanics of their essays
Activities:
Review guidelines/checklists for content and copy editing essays.
Assign partners – students exchange drafts and provide detailed, constructive feedback using revision templates.
Give time in class for revision based on partner comments. Scheduling writing conferences as needed.
Volunteers share excerpts and self-assess revisions showing how feedback informed changes.
Review common grammar/usage issues and workshop final revisions.
Lesson Plan 7: Presenting Final Essays
Objective:
For students to gain confidence presenting their work to peers
Activities:
Volunteers present final essays to the class and get positive feedback.
Display exemplar essays in class for others to reference as models.
Students conduct peer evaluations on essays using a rubric.
Assessments returned with teacher comments on growth/strengths/next steps.
Celebrate accomplishments and pre-assess readiness for next writing assignments.
This lesson plan sequence provides a comprehensive introduction to the essay writing process with multiple opportunities for students to practice each step with guidance and support. The collaborative revision activities help promote a growth mindset around writing. With practice applying these skills to various prompts, high school students can gain confidence and proficiency in essay composition.
Andrew Stroud