Demo Lesson: Eastern and Oriental Express (10 Minute Online)

All Aboard the Eastern and Oriental Express!

By Caroline Salvadore

Poll

Welcome, future adventurers! Today we are going on a field trip with one of the world's most famous trains: the Eastern and Oriental Express!

Warm-Up Question: Have any of you ever been on a long train ride?There is no right or wrong answer!

• Yes, I have been on a long train ride.

• No, I have not been on a long train ride.

• I am somewhat familiar with trains.

Today, we will read an excerpt for our first task. Pay attention to words and phrases used to describe the train.

Stop 1: Decoding the Express

Stop 2: Unpacking the Journey

You will answer four reading comprehension questions to demonstrate understanding.

Introducing complex sentences: A complex sentence has two main parts: an independent clause and a dependent clause.

Stop 3: Building Strong Sentences

​Let's go on our journey to become train travel writers ourselves!

​I do/We do: Let's read this first paragraph together. I'll read it aloud, but you read along silently. Circle 3 words phrases that describe the express. Underline 2 or more facts.

You do: Silently read and annotate paragraph two.

• Circle 3 words/phrases that describe the Express.

• Underline 2 or more facts.

Let's check what you circled and underlined.

Next, you will have text related questions to check for comprehension. Get ready for our next stop!

Multiple Choice

We've reached Stop 2! Time to answer questions about the text.

What figurative language is used in the phrase "narrating adventures"? What is the given effect?

• Simile; Allows for rhyme and playfulness around the train.

• Metaphor; Provides readers with imagery so they know what the train looks like.

• Hyperbole; Exaggerates the importance of the train and the effects of its transport.

• Personification; Lifelike description is exciting to readers.

Multiple Choice

According to the text, for how long has the Eastern and Oriental Express been operating in Asia? And what kind of landscapes does it travel through?

Quick! You have 20 seconds to find the answers in the text and ten seconds to select your answer.

• Almost two decades; enchanting landscapes

• Almost three decades; enchanting landscapes

• Almost four decades; enticing landscapes

• Almost three decades; enticing landscapes

Multiple Choice

The text mentions a change for 2024. How many routes are now operating, and where do they primarily travel?

20 seconds to find and 10 seconds to select! GO!

• 1 route; around Malaysia

• 2 routes; around Malaysia

• The text does not explicitly state how many routes.

• 3 routes; around Malaysia

Multiple Choice

The author describes both beautiful scenery and local foods such as Crispy curry puffs and savory roti canai that passengers can enjoy on the train.

What kind of writing is this? hint: use the images as a review.

• Persuasive/Argumentative

• Entertainment

• Expository

​Stop 3: Building Strong Sentences/Complex Sentences

​A complex sentence has two main parts: an independent clause and a dependent clause.
Think of it like this: the independent clause is the main engine, and the dependent clause is the extra car that gives more details.

Categorize

Options (4)

Because it was raining, we played board games inside.

We played board games inside.

It was raining

Because

Grammar check! Drag and drop into the appropriate categories.

Complex Sentence

Independent Clause

Dependent Clause

Subordinating Conjunction

Final Stop: Your Turn to Write!

Your task is to write an expository essay using the prompt below. You may use the excerpt and research if needed. Remember to use descriptive language and try to include complex sentences to make your writing SHINE!

Open Ended

Exit-Ticket: Provide one or two ideas for something you and/or your peers can include in the "Travel Experience" section of their essay, based on what we read. Then, begin planning for your essay.

These are excellent ideas. I can't wait to read your amazing essays. That's all aboard for today!