This is age-appropriate, aligned with NZ curriculum expectations (clear ideas, structure, vocabulary development).
Lesson Focus
Skill: Paragraph structure and style through imitation
Level: Year 8 – First language speakers
Time: 45–60 minutes
1. Model Paragraph (Teacher Example)
Write this on the board or give it as a handout:
> The school library is my favourite place to be during lunch. It is quiet, warm, and filled with the smell of old books. I like sitting near the window and getting lost in adventure stories. Spending time in the library helps me forget about stress and feel peaceful.
Teaching Point (Say to students):
“This is a model paragraph. You’re not copying the words — you’re copying the structure and style.”
2. Break Down the Structure (Teach This Explicitly)
Show them the “job” of each sentence:
1. Topic sentence – What is the place?
2. Descriptive sentence – What does it look/feel/smell like?
3. Personal action – What do you do there?
4. Reflection – How does it make you feel?
You can write this on the board as:
Place → Description → Action → Feeling
---
3. Imitation Template for Students
Give students this structure to follow:
> __________ is my favourite place to be during __________.
It is __________, __________, and __________.
I like __________ and __________ when I am there.
Being in this place helps me feel __________ and __________.
Let them choose their own place:
bedroom
beach
sports field
gaming area
park
kitchen
---
4. Example Student Model (Show a Sample)
You can show them this “student-level” example:
> The basketball court is my favourite place to be after school. It is loud, energetic, and full of movement. I like practising my shots and playing games with my friends. Being there helps me feel confident and free.
This helps them understand expectations.
---
5. Extension for Strong Writers
Challenge students to:
Add figurative language (simile or metaphor)
Use precise verbs
Add one extra detail sentence
Example upgrade:
> The ocean stretched out in front of me like a sheet of moving glass.
---
6. Marking Checklist (Easy for Teachers)
You can assess quickly using:
✅ Clear topic sentence
✅ Strong description
✅ Personal voice
✅ Varied vocabulary
✅ Correct punctuation
---
7. If You Want a Second Model (Emotion-Based)
Here’s another model paragraph you can use another day:
> Winning my first rugby game was a moment I will never forget. My hands were shaking as I ran onto the field, and my heart was pounding in my chest. When the final whistle blew and we had won, I felt a rush of pride and excitement. It was the first time I truly believed in myself.
---
If you’d like, I can also create:
Persuasive model paragraphs
Narrative model openings
PEEL / TEEL paragraph models
1. TEEL / PEEL Structure (Student-Friendly)
Write this on the board:
Topic sentence – Make your point
Evidence – Give an example
Explanation – Explain why it matters
Link – Link back to the question/topic
(You can call it TEEL or PEEL — both work.)
2. Model TEEL Paragraph – Persuasive Writing
Question: Should homework be banned?
Model Paragraph:
Homework should be reduced in intermediate school because students already spend long hours learning in class. For example, many students go home tired and still have sports, family responsibilities, and hobbies to manage. This makes them feel stressed and overwhelmed, which can affect their mental health and sleep. Therefore, reducing homework would help students feel more balanced and motivated to learn.
3. Student Imitation Template (Persuasive)
Give students this structure to copy:
__________ should/should not be allowed because __________.
For example, __________.
This shows that __________.
Therefore, __________.
4. Second Model – Literary TEEL Paragraph
Text type: Novel or short story study
Question: How does the author show that the character is brave?
Model Paragraph:
The author shows that the main character is brave through her actions in dangerous situations. For example, she enters the burning building to save her younger brother even though she is scared. This moment shows that she values other people’s lives more than her own safety. As a result, the reader sees her as a courageous and admirable character.
5. Student Imitation Template (Literature)
The author shows that __________ is __________ through __________.
For example, __________.
This shows that __________.
As a result, the reader __________.
6. Narrative Writing – Model Opening Paragraph
Model:
The wind rattled the windows as I stood alone at the bus stop, clutching my bag tightly. The streetlights flickered, and shadows moved strangely across the road. That was when I noticed the footsteps behind me, slow and heavy. I knew something was about to happen.
7. Narrative Imitation Template
The __________ __________ as I __________.
The __________ __________, and __________.
That was when I noticed __________.
I knew __________.
8. Descriptive Writing – Model Paragraph
Model:
The beach stretched out in front of me like a golden blanket. The salty air filled my lungs, and the waves crashed loudly against the rocks. Seagulls circled above, crying out as they searched for food. Everything about the beach made me feel calm and alive.
9. Descriptive Imitation Template
The __________ stretched out __________ like __________.
The __________ filled my __________, and the __________ __________.
__________ circled above, __________.
Everything about the __________ made me feel ________