Lesson Plan | Traditional Methodology | Conjunctions

Objectives

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to prepare students to understand and effectively use conjunctions in English, an essential component for constructing complex and cohesive sentences. By clearly defining the objectives, students will know what to expect and can direct their attention to the most relevant points, facilitating learning and the practical application of conjunctions.

Main Objectives

1. Explain the main conjunctions in English, including coordinating, subordinating, and correlative conjunctions.

2. Demonstrate the appropriate use of conjunctions in sentences and various contexts.

3. Teach how to identify and differentiate conjunctions in written and spoken texts.

Introduction

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to prepare students to understand and effectively use conjunctions in English, an essential component for constructing complex and cohesive sentences. By clearly defining the objectives, students will know what to expect and can direct their attention to the most relevant points, facilitating learning and the practical application of conjunctions.

Context

To start the lesson on conjunctions, explain to students that conjunctions are essential words in constructing sentences in any language. They connect words, phrases, clauses, and ideas, allowing communication to be more fluid and cohesive. Conjunctions in English can be coordinating (e.g., 'and', 'but', 'or'), subordinating (e.g., 'because', 'although', 'if'), and correlative (e.g., 'either...or', 'neither...nor', 'both...and').

Curiosities

Conjunctions play such an important role in communication that, without them, our sentences would be short and fragmented. For example, in political speeches or in writing books and articles, the proper use of conjunctions can make a significant difference in the clarity and persuasion of the message. Additionally, in many English proficiency exams, such as TOEFL and IELTS, knowledge about conjunctions can help students achieve a higher score, as it demonstrates skill in creating complex and well-structured sentences.

Development

Duration: 40 to 50 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to allow students to apply the knowledge acquired about conjunctions through practical examples and exercises. This will help reinforce the understanding of the appropriate use of conjunctions in different contexts, ensuring that students can correctly identify and use conjunctions in their own sentences.

Covered Topics

1. Coordinating Conjunctions: Explain that these conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. Examples include 'and', 'but', 'or', 'nor', 'for', 'so', 'yet'. 2. Subordinating Conjunctions: Detail that these conjunctions connect a subordinate clause to a main clause, indicating a relationship of dependence. Examples include 'because', 'although', 'since', 'unless', 'if', 'when', 'while'. 3. Correlative Conjunctions: Inform that these conjunctions work in pairs to connect equivalent elements in a sentence. Examples include 'either...or', 'neither...nor', 'both...and', 'not only...but also'. 4. Practical Examples: Provide sentences and varied contexts using each type of conjunction. For example: 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.' for coordinating; 'She stayed home because she was feeling sick.' for subordinating; 'Either you can call me, or I will call you.' for correlative.

Classroom Questions

1. Create a sentence using a coordinating conjunction and explain your choice of conjunction. 2. Write a sentence that demonstrates the use of a subordinating conjunction and identify the main and subordinate clauses. 3. Develop a sentence using a correlative conjunction and explain how the conjunction connects the parts of the sentence.

Questions Discussion

Duration: 20 to 25 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to provide a moment of reflection and discussion, allowing students to review and consolidate the knowledge acquired about conjunctions. Through the discussion of answers, students can clarify doubts, reinforce learning, and apply concepts critically and collaboratively.

Discussion

• Discussion of the Presented Questions:

• 1. Creating Sentences with Coordinating Conjunctions: Ask students to share the sentences they created and explain why they chose the specific conjunction. For example, a student may have written 'I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.' Explain that 'but' is used to contrast two opposing ideas.
• 2. Sentences with Subordinating Conjunctions: Request that students read their sentences aloud and identify the main and subordinate clauses. For example, 'She stayed home because she was feeling sick.' Here, 'She stayed home' is the main clause and 'because she was feeling sick' is the subordinate, indicating the reason.
• 3. Use of Correlative Conjunctions: Ask students to show their sentences and discuss how correlative conjunctions connect the parts of the sentence. For example, 'Either you can call me, or I will call you.' Discuss how 'either...or' offers two equivalent options.

Student Engagement

1. Questions and Reflections to Engage Students: 2. 1. Why is it important to use conjunctions in your sentences? How do they improve clarity and cohesion? 3. 2. Did you encounter any difficulties using subordinating conjunctions? If so, what was challenging? 4. 3. How can correlative conjunctions be used to emphasize the equivalence between two options or ideas? Provide additional examples. 5. 4. In your opinion, which type of conjunction is the most difficult to use correctly and why? 6. 5. Share a real-life situation where the correct use of a conjunction could change the meaning of a sentence.

Conclusion

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to summarize and review the main points addressed during the lesson, reinforcing the knowledge acquired by students. This helps consolidate understanding of the correct use of conjunctions and their importance in effective communication, allowing students to leave the class with a clear and practical view of the topic.

Summary

• Conjunctions are words that connect words, phrases, clauses, and ideas, allowing for fluid and cohesive communication.
• There are three main types of conjunctions in English: coordinating, subordinating, and correlative.
• Coordinating conjunctions connect elements of equal importance, such as 'and', 'but', 'or'.
• Subordinating conjunctions connect a subordinate clause to a main clause, indicating a relationship of dependence, such as 'because', 'although', 'if'.
• Correlative conjunctions work in pairs and connect equivalent elements in a sentence, such as 'either...or', 'neither...nor'.
• Practical examples were provided for each type of conjunction, allowing students to understand their use in various contexts.

The lesson connected theory with practice by providing detailed explanations of the different types of conjunctions and their uses, followed by practical examples and exercises. This allowed students to apply the concepts learned in real sentences and varied contexts, facilitating understanding and retention of the content.

Knowledge about conjunctions is essential for constructing complex and cohesive sentences, both in writing and speaking. Conjunctions improve clarity and persuasion in communication, being especially important in academic and professional contexts. Moreover, the ability to use conjunctions correctly can increase scores in English proficiency exams, such as TOEFL and IELTS.