Unit 2: C1 Writing a Narrative or Descriptive Piece

Unit 2: C1 Writing Assignment— Writing a Narrative or Descriptive Piece

Objective:

Students will write a narrative or descriptive piece that incorporates at least ten idiomatic expressions and collocations. This assignment aims to help students practice using idiomatic language naturally and effectively in their writing.

 

Materials Needed:

  • List of idiomatic expressions and collocations
  • Examples of narratives and descriptive pieces
  • Writing materials (notebook, pen, or computer)

Duration:

  • 45 minutes to brainstorm and outline
  • 45 minutes to write and edit

Procedure:

  1. Warm-Up (5 minutes):
    • Discuss the importance of idiomatic expressions and collocations in making writing more vivid and engaging.
    • Provide a few examples from the previous lessons and ask students to share any idioms they know.
  2. Introduction to the Assignment (10 minutes):
    • Explain the assignment and the goal of incorporating idiomatic expressions and collocations.
    • Provide students with the list of idiomatic expressions and collocations previously discussed.
  3. Brainstorming and Outlining (15 minutes):
    • Ask students to brainstorm ideas for their narrative or descriptive piece. They can choose a familiar situation, such as a day at school, a family event, or an adventure.
    • Encourage them to outline their story or description, making notes on where they can incorporate idiomatic expressions and collocations.
  4. Writing (45 minutes):
    • Have students write their narrative or descriptive piece, incorporating at least ten idiomatic expressions and collocations.
    • Remind them to focus on making the idioms and collocations fit naturally into their writing.
  5. Editing and Sharing (15 minutes):
    • Have students exchange their work with a partner for peer review. They should check for the correct use of idiomatic expressions and collocations.
    • Allow a few students to share their pieces with the class if time permits.
  6. Homework:
    • Students can refine their pieces based on peer feedback and submit a final draft in the next class.

 

Example Assignment:

Title: A Day Full of Surprises

     As soon as I woke up, I knew it was going to be one of those days. I hit the ground running, trying to get everything ready for my big presentation. Just as I was about to leave, my phone rang. It was my boss, Jane, calling to let me know that our key client had an urgent issue. “Don’t panic,” she said, “but we need to touch base as soon as you get to the office.”

     My heart was racing as I drove to work. I knew this could be a make-or-break moment for our team. When I arrived, Jane was already knee-deep in paperwork. She looked up and said, “We need to figure out a solution, and we need it now. This is a disaster waiting to happen.”

     I took a deep breath and tried to think on my feet. “Let’s start by contacting our suppliers and see if we can expedite the delivery,” I suggested. Jane nodded, and we spent the next hour calling everyone we could think of.

     By lunchtime, we had left no stone unturned, but the situation was still looking grim. “Every cloud has a silver lining,” Jane said, trying to stay positive. “We’ve secured enough supplies from local vendors to cover the immediate need.”

     Relieved, I went back to my desk and got to work on my presentation. I knew I couldn’t rest on my laurels. The day had been full of surprises, but with teamwork and a bit of luck, we had managed to keep things under control. As I left the office that evening, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. We had weathered the storm and come out stronger on the other side.

 

Comprehension Questions:

  1. What idiom describes the writer starting their day energetically?
  2. Which idiom indicates that the day was filled with unexpected challenges?
  3. What does the idiom “touch base” mean in this context?
  4. What is meant by “think on my feet”?
  5. How did the writer and Jane ensure they had explored every possible solution?
  6. Which idiom suggests that they found a positive aspect in a difficult situation?
  7. What does “rest on my laurels” mean?
  8. What does the writer feel as they leave the office at the end of the day?
  1. Answer: “Hit the ground running.”
  2. Answer: “One of those days.”
  3. Answer: It means to communicate or check in with someone.
  4. Answer: To react quickly and effectively in a difficult situation.
  5. Answer: By “leaving no stone unturned.”
  6. Answer: “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
  7. Answer: To become complacent or stop putting in effort because of past achievements.
  8. Answer: A sense of accomplishment.