Egypt Secondary 1 English (Connect), Week 7: Planning a short essay and giving feedback

Unit 3 Truth Vs. Lies: rumours, essay plans and story tension

Week 7 · Unit 3 Truth Vs. Lies (B) and Chapter 3 of the novel: a text on rumours and misleading words (reference only), rumour / misinformation / awareness, questions about causes and effects, an essay outline with a hook and a thesis, peer feedback (two stars and a wish), Chapter 3 of the novel (reference only) · 3 lessons

Planning a short essay and giving feedback

English Secondary 1 Term 1, Unit 3 Lesson 5: pp. 46–47

GoalPlan a short essay with an outline and give peer feedback with two stars and a wish.

New words

outline · a short plan that shows the main parts of a piece of writingcall to action · a sentence that asks the reader to do somethingfeedback · comments that help someone to improve their workfurthermore · also; used to add another pointhowever · used to show a different or opposite idearevise · to read your writing again and make it better

Explanation

An outline is a map of your essay. Introduction: a hook question, one or two sentences of background and the thesis. Body paragraph 1: a topic sentence and one example. Body paragraph 2: a topic sentence and one example. Conclusion: restate the thesis in different words and end with a call to action, for example Next time, check before you share. Use linking words to connect the parts: Firstly, Furthermore, However, In conclusion. Peer feedback means helping a classmate to improve. Use two stars and a wish: say two things that are good (stars) and one thing to improve (a wish). Be specific and kind: Your hook is interesting; your examples are clear; I wish you would add a linking word between the paragraphs. Do not say only good or bad; give a reason.

Part	What to write
Introduction	Hook question, background, thesis
Body 1	Topic sentence + example
Body 2	Topic sentence + example
Conclusion	Restated thesis + call to action

Worked examples

Part	Plan
Introduction	Hook: Have you ever shared a message and then found out it was false? Thesis: I always check a message before I share it because wrong information can harm other people.
Body 1	Topic sentence: Firstly, a false message can make people worry. Example: a rumour about a cancelled exam.
Body 2	Topic sentence: Furthermore, a quick check is easy. Example: ask a teacher or look at a reliable website.
Conclusion	Restated thesis: A careful reader protects others. Call to action: Next time, stop, check and then share.

Here is an outline for the essay “Why I Check Before I Share”.

Linking words in the outline: Firstly and Furthermore add points. However would show a different idea, for example: However, some messages are true, so check them before you decide.

Peer feedback example. Star 1: Your hook is a question that makes me think. Star 2: Your examples are clear and short. Wish: I wish you would add a linking word at the start of the second body paragraph.

Call to action: “Next time, stop, check and then share.” It asks the reader to do something.

Class activity

Feedback exchange. Write a short outline for the essay “Why I Check Before I Share”. Give it to a friend or family member. Ask them to write two stars and a wish. Then change one part of your outline using their wish.

Practice

Which sentence is a good call to action for the conclusion? (a) Rumours exist. (b) Next time, check before you share. (c) I like school.

Which linking word shows a different idea? (a) Furthermore (b) However (c) Firstly

Write a hook question for an essay about checking messages.

Peer feedback: choose the best comment. (a) Bad. (b) Your examples are clear, but I wish you would add a conclusion. (c) I do not like it.

Write a topic sentence for Body 1 of an essay called “Why I Check Before I Share”.