1) A lesson plan is a blueprint that provides a detailed description of the instruction for a single class, defining objectives, arranging content, and determining teaching methods and procedures. 2) Developing a lesson plan helps the teacher decide aims and objectives, provides structure and focus for teaching, and gives confidence and preparedness. 3) Key components of an effective lesson plan include objectives, required materials, introduction, teaching points and methods, independent practice, comprehensive exercises, evaluation, and continuity to the next lesson.