Project Dissemination | Developing Essay Writing Skills

This semester, our students worked on strengthening one of the most essential academic skills — argumentative essay writing. As part of the project, they explored a thought-provoking topic:

Should gifts have meanings behind them?

The aim was not only to practice structure and coherence, but also to develop critical thinking, argumentation, and personal voice.

Why This Topic?

Gift-giving is universal. From birthdays to graduations, from personal milestones to global celebrations, we exchange gifts to express feelings. But the key question remains:

Is a gift just an object — or should it carry deeper meaning?

To inspire discussion, students reflected on examples from literature, history, and modern culture. For instance, in The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry, the true value of a gift lies not in its price but in sacrifice and love. This example helped students understand how meaning transforms a simple object into a powerful symbol.

What Students Practiced

Crafting a clear thesis statement

Building structured body paragraphs

Supporting arguments with examples

Writing counterarguments

Developing logical conclusions

Students explored two main perspectives:

Yes — Gifts Should Have Meaning

• They show thoughtfulness and emotional connection.

• They strengthen relationships.

• They become lasting memories rather than temporary objects.

No — The Gesture Matters More

• Not every gift requires deep symbolism.

• Spontaneous gifts can express joy and affection.

• Sometimes practicality is more important than meaning.

Learning Outcomes

Through this project, students improved:

• Academic vocabulary

• Coherence and transitions

• Critical reasoning

• Confidence in expressing personal opinions

Most importantly, they learned that strong essays require balance — clear arguments, relevant examples, and logical development.

This project once again proved that writing is not just about grammar. It is about thinking, reflecting, and expressing ideas clearly and persuasively.

We are proud of our students’ progress and look forward to sharing more of their academic achievements.

Grade 10/1

Teacher K . Aleksanyan

25.02.2026