Title: Crafting Compelling College Essays

Grade Level: 12th Grade

Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to write effective and compelling college essays that showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations.

Duration: 2 class periods (90 minutes each)

Materials: - Whiteboard or blackboard - Markers or chalk - Handouts with essay prompts and sample essays - Laptops or computers with internet access - College essay writing guidebooks (optional)

Lesson Plan:

Day 1:

Introduction (10 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by discussing the importance of college essays in the admissions process. 2. Explain that the purpose of this lesson is to equip students with the necessary skills to write compelling essays that reflect their individuality and stand out to college admissions officers.

Understanding the Prompt (20 minutes): 1. Distribute handouts with a variety of college essay prompts. 2. Instruct students to choose one prompt that resonates with them the most. 3. Discuss the importance of understanding the prompt and its requirements. 4. Guide students through a brainstorming session, encouraging them to jot down ideas related to their chosen prompt.

Structuring the Essay (30 minutes): 1. Explain the basic structure of a college essay: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. 2. Discuss the importance of a strong thesis statement and how it guides the essay’s content. 3. Provide students with a sample essay and analyze its structure together. 4. In pairs or small groups, have students outline their own essays based on their chosen prompts.

Homework: 1. Instruct students to complete a rough draft of their college essays, following the outline they created in class. 2. Encourage them to seek feedback from peers, teachers, or family members.

Day 2:

Peer Review and Revision (30 minutes): 1. Divide students into pairs or small groups. 2. Instruct them to exchange their rough drafts and provide constructive feedback to their peers. 3. Emphasize the importance of constructive criticism and the need for specific suggestions for improvement. 4. Encourage students to revise their essays based on the feedback received.

Polishing the Essay (30 minutes): 1. Discuss the importance of grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary in college essays. 2. Provide students with a checklist of common errors to review in their essays. 3. Instruct students to proofread and edit their essays for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. 4. Encourage them to use online grammar and spell-check tools to ensure accuracy.

Sharing and Reflection (20 minutes): 1. Allow students to share excerpts or summaries of their revised essays with the class. 2. Facilitate a discussion on the challenges they faced during the writing process and how they overcame them. 3. Discuss the importance of self-reflection and authenticity in college essays.

Conclusion (10 minutes): 1. Recap the key points covered in the lesson. 2. Remind students to submit their final essays by the designated deadline. 3. Encourage them to continue refining their writing skills and seeking feedback throughout the college application process.

Note: The lesson plan can be adjusted based on the specific needs and requirements of the students and the available resources.