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Year 5

Analysing use of language in 'Crazy about Cats'

I can use features of non-fiction texts to build understanding of new vocabulary.

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New
New
Year 5

Analysing use of language in 'Crazy about Cats'

I can use features of non-fiction texts to build understanding of new vocabulary.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Non-fiction texts can be written using formal or informal language
  2. The language used in a text will depend on the text's purpose and audience
  3. Owen Davey uses subject specific language to help create a sense of authority and reliability for the reader
  4. Specific words and phrases can be selected by the author to convey meaning
  5. Owen Davey uses playful language to engage the reader

Common misconception

All subject-specific vocabulary will be defined, explained or supported by visual aids or captions.

Pupils may have to use other reading strategies to build understanding. These can be displayed in a classroom or modelled by an adult.

Keywords

  • Features - The features of a text type refer to distinctive characteristics that belong to it.

  • Visual aid - Visual aids are graphs, charts, images, or diagrams which enhance understanding in non-fiction texts.

  • Caption - A caption is a brief description accompanying an image, providing context in non-fiction texts.

  • Subject-specific vocabulary - Subject specific vocabulary is words related to a specific topic in non-fiction texts.

  • Label - A label annotates a particular element in a visual aid.

You can explore some subject-specific vocabulary by looking at its etymology e.g. 'lucid' (lux, lucere - light, shine) and 'nasal' (nasus - nose)
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the name of the publisher of 'Crazy About Cats'?
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: Flying Eye Books, Flying Eye, flying eye books, Flying eye books, FLYING EYE BOOKS
Q2.
True or False? The layout of a text refers to the way the information is organised on the page.
Correct Answer: True, true
Q3.
Select the features of a non-fiction text.
Correct answer: index
characters
Correct answer: glossary
plot
Correct answer: contents page
Q4.
Select texts in the non-fiction genre.
Correct answer: Survivors: Extraordinary tales from the wild and beyond
Grimwood
Hilda and the Troll
Correct answer: Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
Q5.
Match the non-fiction text features to their definitions.
Correct Answer:index,alphabetical guide to topics

alphabetical guide to topics

Correct Answer:glossary,defines key terms or subject-specific vocabulary

defines key terms or subject-specific vocabulary

Correct Answer:blurb,brief summary on cover

brief summary on cover

Q6.
Select features of a non-fiction text that could help a reader to find information.
Correct answer: subheadings
dialogues
Correct answer: headings
Correct answer: contents page
narrative arc
Q1 Reproduced with kind permission of Flying Eye Books Ltd © Owen Davey 2017 Q4 image 1 Survivors, David Long, Kerry Hyndman, Faber & Faber Q4 image 2 Grimwood, Nadia Shireen, Simon & Schuster Q4 image 3 Hilda, Luke Pearson, Flying Eye Books Q4 image 4 Hidden Figures, Margot Lee Shetterly, Laura Freeman, HarperCollins

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their definitions.
Correct Answer:features,refers to distinctive characteristics that belong to it

refers to distinctive characteristics that belong to it

Correct Answer:visual aids, images or illustrations which enhance understanding

images or illustrations which enhance understanding

Correct Answer:caption,a brief description accompanying an image, providing context

a brief description accompanying an image, providing context

Correct Answer:label,annotates a particular element in a visual aid

annotates a particular element in a visual aid

Q2.
Which of the following would be considered subject specific vocabulary?
pattern
Correct answer: melanism
shape
Correct answer: rosette
Q3.
Match the following elements on a non-fiction page with examples from the text.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer:heading,Eat, Prey, Hunt

Eat, Prey, Hunt

Correct Answer:subheading,Paws

Paws

Correct Answer:caption,Cats extend their claws by tightening muscles and tendons.

Cats extend their claws by tightening muscles and tendons.

Q4.
Match the following elements on a non-fiction page with examples from the text.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer:heading,Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek

Correct Answer:label,4) If you look closely at this black leopard ...

4) If you look closely at this black leopard ...

Correct Answer:clear explanation,Camouflage is when something blends in with its surroundings

Camouflage is when something blends in with its surroundings

Q5.
True or False? Explanations can connect to a reader’s existing knowledge or experiences to better support understanding.
Correct Answer: True, true
Q6.
Which of the following are features of non-fiction texts that can support understanding?
Correct answer: labels
distracting background designs
Correct answer: visual aids
overuse of text boxes
Correct answer: captions
Q3 Reproduced with kind permission of Flying Eye Books Ltd © Owen Davey 2017 Q4 Reproduced with kind permission of Flying Eye Books Ltd © Owen Davey 2017