Top 6 Best Lesson Plans for "Practicing the Use of Literary Devices in Expository Texts" for Grade 9

SAMPLE OUTLINE

1. Introduction

Throughout their school years, students are always accompanied by books, notebooks, pens, and rulers, all essential tools for studying. Among these, my favorite is the ballpoint pen, a tool that has been by my side for many years and will surely continue to be useful in the future! The ballpoint pen is not only indispensable for students but also for any tasks involving paperwork and records.

2. Body

a. Origin

• No one can pinpoint exactly when the ballpoint pen was invented to become a part of human life. However, since the invention of writing, pens have always been in use.
• In the past, people used quill pens made from bird feathers for writing or drawing. These pens, made from chicken or goose feathers, were quite inconvenient as they required constant dipping in ink and cleaning after use, which led to the creation of the fountain pen.
• The first ballpoint pen was introduced by Laszlo Biro, a Hungarian journalist working in England, in 1938. His motivation for inventing this pen stemmed from the frequent issues with fountain pens, which caused paper damage, ink smudges, and constant maintenance. On June 15, 1938, Biro received a British patent. Since its invention, the ballpoint pen has undergone several improvements to meet user needs and has become a global staple.

b. Structure

The ballpoint pen consists of several key parts:

• Pen Body: Typically made from plastic or metal coated with paint, the pen's body protects internal components and enhances its appearance. The body is usually cylindrical, ranging from 14-20 cm long, and often features branding and technical details depending on the pen model. It comes in a variety of colors for aesthetic appeal.
• Pen Mechanism: At the pen's tip, there is a small ball that rolls as we write, regulating the flow of ink. This component works in conjunction with a metal coil spring that controls the pen tip. By pressing the button at the top, the nib extends; pressing again retracts it when not in use.
• Ink Cartridge: Made from flexible plastic, the cartridge holds ink and is about 10 cm long, slightly thicker than a toothpick. The metal nib is fitted with a tiny chrome or nickel-coated steel ball that ensures smooth, even ink flow.
• Ink Color: Ink comes in various types, including oil-based, water-based, gel ink, and even fluorescent ink in colors like red, blue, and black. There are pens designed for regular use and even specialized pens for extreme conditions, such as those used in space or underwater. Some pens offer multiple ink colors in one, like blue, red, and black, or even purple.

c. Uses

• Using a ballpoint pen is easy—simply twist, press the button, or remove the cap. Once finished, remember to cap it securely to prevent it from drying out.
• Ballpoint pens are essential tools that accompany people in all aspects of life. They are used by students and professionals alike, for studying, note-taking, and record-keeping. The pen also makes a meaningful and practical gift.
• Ballpoint pens are affordable, which contributes to their widespread use and high consumption rates.
• Compared to fountain pens, ballpoint pens are more convenient as they don’t require ink refills and are less likely to smudge. However, they do have drawbacks, such as causing poor handwriting due to their small, slippery ballpoint. It’s best to use a ballpoint pen when your handwriting is already neat and quick.

d. Storage

The pen's nib is a delicate part and can easily break, so after use, it is advisable to press the pen’s tip back in or replace the cap to avoid damage. Avoid dropping it on the ground or storing it in high temperatures.

3. Conclusion

The ballpoint pen plays an important role in both education and work. For me, it is an essential tool that helps me write neat, round letters, work quickly, and express my creativity. I can't imagine going to school without my ballpoint pen, which is why I cherish and take good care of it every day. The ballpoint pen will always be a convenient and indispensable tool in human life.

Exercise 1: Write an exposition on one of the following items: fan, pen, scissors, or conical hat.

a) Define the specific topic of the assignment.

b) Create a detailed outline and write the introduction.

Writing Guide

Exposition on the Conical Hat

a. Outline

Introduction: General introduction to the conical hat.

Body:

- History of the conical hat and the profession of hat making.

- Structure of the conical hat.

- Process of making the conical hat.

- Economic, cultural, and artistic value of the conical hat.

Conclusion: General thoughts on the significance of the conical hat in present-day life.

b. Guide to writing the introduction:

When we talk about the items that are closely associated with the Vietnamese people, we cannot ignore the conical hats. The conical hat has been with the Vietnamese people throughout history. It has been a companion during happy and sad moments, used for protection from the sun and rain while working hard in the fields, or adding beauty to a smiling young girl or the shy bride on her way to her new home.

Exposition on the Electric Fan

a. Outline

Introduction: General introduction to the electric fan.

Body:

- Origin and invention of the electric fan.

- Structure, function, usage, and maintenance of the electric fan.

- The role of the electric fan in urban and rural life.

Note: Use artistic techniques like narration and personification.

Conclusion: General thoughts on the electric fan's role in modern life.

b. Guide to writing the introduction:

1. Vietnam has many hot days due to its tropical climate near the equator. During these days, we all need the electric fan – a daily companion in every household.

2. When thinking about the rural Vietnam, we picture vast rice fields, hardworking farmers, green meadows, children flying kites, and the tropical gardens, especially the banana groves. These images are synonymous with the Vietnamese countryside and the farmers' lives.

I. GUIDELINES FOR PREPARING AT HOME

1. Create an outline for the following topic: Explain one of the following items: a fan, a pen, a pair of scissors, or a hat.

2. Write an introductory paragraph for the above topic.

Suggestions: The outline should meet the following requirements:

Content for explanation:

Create an outline with three sections;
Describe the purpose, features, and history of the selected item.

Explanation style:

Use common explanatory techniques;
Apply artistic methods to make the explanation more engaging (personification, comparison, description, storytelling, etc.).

II. IN-CLASS PRACTICE GUIDELINES

1. Present your outline in front of the group and read your introductory paragraph.

2. Discuss and review your outline with classmates, listen to feedback from the teacher, and make necessary revisions.

3. Read the following essays and evaluate their explanatory content and methods:

THE KIM FAMILY

Among all human tools, we might be the smallest. Yet, every household needs us. Do you know who we are? We are the sewing needle, made of metal, about half a centimeter wide and two to three centimeters long, with one sharp end and one blunt end, with a hole for threading. A needle must be tough to be used. When buttons fall off or threads snap, you’ll need us to fix them.

We’ve been around for a long time, though no one knows exactly when. But it’s certain that we’ve existed since humans started growing cotton, weaving fabric, and making clothes, so they must have needed needles for sewing. Creating the needle was probably very difficult in the beginning, which is why there’s a proverb: 'To sharpen iron into a needle.'

The Kim family is large. Apart from the sewing needles for clothes, we also have smaller needles for embroidery, surgical needles for operations, large needles for shoes, and bookbinding needles... Our purpose is to thread soft threads through various materials to bind them together. Without us, many industries would face difficulties. It’s said that in the late 18th century, an Englishman invented the sewing machine, but it still needs a needle to sew!

Our family even includes acupuncture needles. These are small, long, made of silver, and used for inserting into pressure points for healing. The needles created by Nguyen Tai Thu are internationally famous!

We also have syringes. Despite our tiny and tough appearance, they have a hollow center and are used to inject medicine into the body. When seriously ill, having a clean needle is crucial for injections!

We may be small, but we’re far from ordinary! We accomplish tasks that even the largest creatures cannot. Isn’t that something to be proud of?

(Student's essay)

THE STRANGE ANT

Among all the animals around us, no one is unfamiliar with ants. There are red ants, black ants, fire ants... everyone knows them, right? But ants are quite a strange species!

The first strange thing is that ants don’t have brains, eyes, ears, or a voice box. They rely on their sense of touch, yet they know everything, and even lead entire colonies to follow them. If there’s food like cakes, candy, or honey left carelessly, ants will come rushing! They can even predict the weather. When the sky looks like it’s about to rain, ants start gathering food and sealing up their nests.

The second strange thing is their immense strength. Each ant can carry a weight up to 40 times its body weight. There’s no other creature on Earth with such strength. Also, ants can survive falls from great heights. Even when thrown from thousands of times their height, ants land safely and walk away as if nothing happened!

The third oddity: Ants are expert architects. Have you ever seen an ant nest? If you cut one open, you’ll find it’s like a city with multi-story buildings, clear pathways, a royal palace, a nursery, food storage, and even residential apartments! In Africa, there are ant nests shaped like pillars or pyramids, towering over ten meters! These nests are made from just dirt and their saliva, but they are so strong that even an axe can’t cut through them!

The fourth strangeness: Ants are incredibly brave and ferocious. Whenever they face an enemy, regardless of its size, they charge without fear of sacrifice, continuing until they defeat their foe, either eating it on the spot or bringing it back to the nest. In America, many people have been attacked by ants, stung by their venom, and within moments, the ants devour their flesh!

Ants are harmful creatures because they tend to farm aphids and build nests on dikes, which can lead to dike breakage during floods. However, some places use ants as food, and it’s said they have three times the nutritional value of beef!

The issue is that we need to study ants to limit their damage while also exploiting their capabilities for human benefit.

(Based on Encyclopedia of Animals)

Suggestions:

For explanatory content:

What is the main topic of the text?
What has the text introduced and described about the subject? Is the explanation complete and detailed?

For explanatory methods:

What common explanatory techniques has the text used?
Has the text combined artistic methods? If so, what are they? Analyze the effect of these artistic techniques.

Choose a description of the pen

Outline:

* Introduction: Present the importance of the ballpoint pen

* Main Body:

a. Origin and history: Invented by Hungarian journalist Lazo Biro in the 1930s

- He discovered that ink dries quickly on paper

- Decided to research and create a pen that uses such ink

- The ballpoint pen was born

b. Structure: 2 main parts:

- Pen body: A cylindrical tube, 14-15 cm long, made of flexible plastic, often marked with information about the manufacturer and date

- Pen refill: Inside, made of flexible plastic, containing thick ink or liquid ink

- Other components: Cap, clip, spring, button…

c. Types:

- Different shapes and colors based on the user's age and preferences

- Attractive colors and a variety of designs (the article uses personification as an artistic technique)

- Many well-known pen brands available in the market today

d. Working principle and maintenance:

- Working principle: The pen tip contains a small ball that rolls ink to create writing

- Maintenance: Handle with care

e. Advantages and disadvantages:

- Advantages:

+ Durable, beautiful, compact, easy to carry

+ Inexpensive, suitable for students

- Disadvantages:

+ Because of quick writing, ink may smudge, and the writing lacks boldness or thinness

+ Often requires replacing the refill or purchasing a new pen when the ink runs out

* Conclusion: Emphasize the role and importance of the ballpoint pen in human life

Topic 1: Explanation about the Fan

I. Introduction: A brief introduction to the importance of a fan in daily life.

II. Main body:

1. History of the fan:

- In ancient times, people used the fan made of palm leaves.

- With the advancement of science and the invention of electricity, fans with plastic and metal blades were created and powered by motors.

2. Types of fans and their components:

- There are various types of fans: large and small, depending on users' needs. Different types of fans are named based on their features and structures.

3. Function: The fan provides cool air during hot summer days, ensuring comfort and health during both work and rest.

4. Usage:

- Manual fans like palm leaf fans, bamboo fans, and paper fans require manual effort.

- Electric fans, such as pedestal, table, wall-mounted, and ceiling fans, work with electric motors.

5. Maintenance:

- Fans made from materials like leaves, palm leaves, and bamboo should be kept dry and handled gently without folding or crumpling them.

- Electric fans require proper voltage adjustments during use, should be turned off when not in use, and periodically cleaned and lubricated to protect the motor.

III. Conclusion:

- Evaluate the role of the fan in daily life.

- Share personal thoughts about the fan in your household.

I. Preparing at Home
The assignment: Describe one of the following items: fan, pen, scissors, hat.
1. Requirements for the exercise:
– Content to be explained: describe the function, structure, type, and history of the fan (pen, scissors, hat).
– Presentation style: use artistic techniques such as storytelling, self-narration, question-and-answer in the form of personification to make the writing engaging and lively.
Answer:– Content explanation: describe the function, structure, type, and history of the object.
– Presentation style: employ artistic techniques to make the text lively and engaging.
2. Preparation Requirements:

- Assignment: Describe the fan

1. Introduction: General introduction to the fan

2. Body:

a. History of the fan.

b. Types of fans in daily life.

c. General structure of the fan

d. How to use and maintain the fan in daily life.

e. The value of the fan...

3. Conclusion: General thoughts about the fan in today's life.

- Assignment: Describe the scissors

1. Introduction: General introduction to the scissors

2. Body:

a. History of scissors.

b. Types of scissors in daily life.

c. General structure of the scissors

d. How to use and maintain the scissors in daily life.

3. Conclusion: General thoughts about the scissors in today's life.

- Assignment: Describe the hat

1. Introduction: General introduction to the hat

2. Body:

a. History of the hat.

b. Structure of the hat

c. The process of making the hat

d. The economic, cultural, and artistic value of the hat.

3. Conclusion: General thoughts about the hat in today's life.

II. In-class Exercise:

1. Introduction: General introduction to the importance of the ballpoint pen.

“Handwriting reflects one's character.” Indeed, this simple proverb has deeply embedded itself in the Vietnamese people's consciousness, reminding us of the significance of handwriting. Studying is a challenging journey to cultivate talents for the nation’s prosperity. Throughout this process, the ballpoint pen plays a vital role.
2. Body:
a. Origin and background: The ballpoint pen was invented by Hungarian journalist Lazo Biro in the 1930s. He discovered that ink dried quickly on paper, which led him to develop a pen using such ink.
b. Structure: Two main components:
- Pen body: A cylindrical tube of 14-15 cm made from flexible plastic or colored plastic, usually with details about the production date and place.
- Ink refill: Inside the pen, made from flexible plastic, filled with either gel ink or liquid ink.
- Additional parts: spring, button, cap, and a ring on the outside for attachment to a pocket or notebook.
c. Classification:
- Designs and colors vary according to the user's age and preferences.
- Attractive colors and various styles (using personification art techniques in writing)
- Many famous brands of pens are now available on the market.
d. Operating principle and storage (using artistic techniques like comparison and personification in writing)
- Operating principle: The pen’s tip contains a small ball that rolls out ink as it writes.
- Storage: Keep carefully.
e. Advantages and disadvantages:
- Advantages:
+ Durable, compact, and easy to carry.
+ Affordable, making it suitable for students.
- Disadvantages:
+ Writes quickly, which can cause ink smudges and the text may not be neat. However, with careful writing, it can produce beautiful handwriting.
- Movement: “Contribute to Thiên Long’s pen collection, accompany your school journey” stimulates creativity.
g. Significance:
- Its position is increasingly solidified.
- These little pens in pencil cases showcase one's aesthetic sense.
- Used for writing, drawing.
- Pens express mood.
They serve as companions reflecting one's dreams and ambitions. “Show me your handwriting, and I’ll know who you are.”
3. Conclusion: Conclude and emphasize the importance of the ballpoint pen in life.
The role of artistic elements in descriptive writing: they make the composition more dynamic and attractive, highlight the subject's characteristics, and engage the reader.