Identifying features of an explanation text in preparation for writing
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify important linguistic features of an explanation text.
Key learning points
- An explanation text is a non-fiction text that explains a particular process or subject in detail.
- An explanation text can start with an introduction and then explains a sequenced process in chronological order.
- Vocabulary within an explanation text is subject-specific and factual, creating a formal tone.
- Formal fronted adverbials, ordering fronted adverbials and fronted adverbials of cause are used to enhance text flow.
- Explanation texts are written in the present tense.
Keywords
Explanation - a set of details and reasons given about how a process works
Linguistic feature - a structure of language that uses words
Chronological order - follows the order in which a series of events happens
Subject-specific vocabulary - vocabulary used when writing about a particular subject
Fronted adverbial - a sentence starter followed by a comma
Common misconception
Explanation texts can be written in any order.
Explanation texts are written in chronological order; they explain a process in the order in which it happens.
Teacher tip
Consolidate pupils' understanding of an explanation text by comparing it with other types of non-fiction text, such as a non-chronological report or newspaper report.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
Q2.Match the word class to its definition.
A naming word for people, places or things.
A doing or being word.
A word that describes a noun.
A word that describes a verb.
Q3.Which of these are true for non-fiction texts?
Q4.What is a co-ordinating conjunction?
Q5.Tick the fronted adverbial that is best suited to start this sentence: "One beehive can produce 27kg of honey."
Q6.Which sentence has the comma accurately punctuated?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a linguistic feature?
Q2.Tick all of the words that are specific to the topic of honey bees.
Q3.What type of fronted adverbial is "As a result,"?
Q4.Which of the following are ordering fronted adverbials?
Q5.Choose a fronted adverbial of cause that links these two sentences: "The honey bees flap their wings.' and 'The water evaporates."
Q6.Order these steps of the honey-making process in chronological order.
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Identifying features of an explanation text in preparation for writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Identifying features of an explanation text in preparation for writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the How Bees Make Honey: explanation text unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.