Paragraph Writing, Week 5 Describing a Famous Person

Overview In this one-class activity, students will write a short paragraph in small groups describing one famous Moroccan person. The idea of this activity is to try to give “clues” in English without giving away the identity of the person being described. This is a grammatically simple task but one that is rhetorically very sophisticated.

First Hour In one of three possible formats—projection on the wall, handouts, or reading aloud—present the three descriptions of famous people to the students WITHOUT naming them, and try to have the students guess who the person is. Announce that this week we are playing this game: In small groups of 3-4, students will write a paragraph describing one famous Moroccan and students in the other Paragraph Writing class will have to guess who they are. Each paragraph must contain at least six facts about the person, but they must be written as “clues” so that the identity of the person is suggested but not given. Have students form groups of 3-4. Have each group select one famous person of their choosing (the class may possibly brainstorm and the names can be written on the board). Students should write down the six clues before they begin to write their paragraph, using the examples given as models.

Second Hour Students will continue to draft their paragraphs; the instructor circulates, offering advice, vocabulary, etc. When it seems most paragraphs are almost complete, collect a few and read them aloud to the class; discuss what worked well and what needs revision. Students can begin their final draft, due at the end of class.

Follow Up Collect the papers with student names on them at the end of class. In another Paragraph Writing class, share these and see if students can guess (trade paragraphs between the classes) the identity of the famous Moroccan who is described. Note: If there isn’t a second paragraph writing class to share, divide the class in half and have them try to guess.