Reflection 3

Up to the first progress test in semester 2 we concentrated on 2 types of essays:

(a) description of graphs

(b) problem & solution

For graphs,we started with pie charts, moving from single pies to double pies, e.g. Valentine's Day gifts. We moved on to bar charts, e.g. date-producing countries. Finally we looked at tables of information, e.g. hurricanes & tornadoes.

We followed a simple 3 paragraph construction. I encouraged students not just to describe the information in the graphs/charts/ tables,but to draw attention in the conclusion to the most striking features, e.g. the growth of Lagos in the city agglomerations chart.

For problem/solution essays we used a 4-paragraph construction: brief introduction stating the problem. Then a paragraph giving 4/5 causes of the problem. Then a paragraph stating 4 or 5 possible solutions. In their concluding 4th paragraph I emphasised the importance of students saying what were the most viable solutions.