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Year 6

Researching the threats to the polar regions

I can describe some of the threats to the polar regions, what is being done to address them and what more could be done.

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Year 6

Researching the threats to the polar regions

I can describe some of the threats to the polar regions, what is being done to address them and what more could be done.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Because an essay is a non-fiction piece of writing, it must be based on facts.
  2. Facts are obtained through research, using reliable sources.
  3. Research can be collated using bullet points under different headings.
  4. We can break an essay question down into smaller questions in order to structure our essay.
  5. These smaller questions create the flow of a logical argument that leads towards a conclusion.

Keywords

  • Logical argument - an argument that follows a series of steps that lead clearly towards a conclusion

  • Research - find out more about a topic or idea, using reliable sources

  • Evidence - information or facts to show something is true

  • Climate change - a long-term change to global temperatures and weather

Common misconception

Pupils may feel anxious that they are not themselves doing enough to tackle climate change.

Reassure pupils that their efforts are important, but that it is adults' responsibility to resolve the problem; take some time to discuss children's worries about this if needed.


To help you plan your year 6 english lesson on: Researching the threats to the polar regions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You may want to show videos, maps and graphics that illustrate the problems caused by ice melting in the Arctic and the extent of the problem.
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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following should we do before we write an essay?
Correct answer: break down the essay question into smaller questions
Correct answer: do research to answer these smaller questions
Correct answer: find a range of evidence relating to these questions
generate descriptive and emotional responses to the questions
Q2.
What type of evidence is used here? 'Scientists say that the polar regions are vital to reducing the impacts of climate change.'
a statistic
a fact
Correct answer: an expert opinion
an explanation
Q3.
Which of the following are parts of the logical argument suggested by the following essay title? 'What makes the polar regions unique and why should we do more to protect them?'.
Correct answer: the polar regions are special in many ways
Correct answer: they are helpful to the world
Correct answer: the polar regions are at risk
we are doing enough to protect them
Q4.
Which of the smaller questions raised by the essay title 'What makes the polar regions important and why should we do more to protect them?' will we address first?
Correct answer: What are polar regions?
Why are they important?
What do they need protecting from?
What is currently being done to protect them and what more could be done?
Q5.
Which of these statements are true?
Antarctica is the area above the Arctic Circle.
Correct answer: There are no countries in Antarctica.
Correct answer: Scientists work in Antarctica, carrying out research.
Polar bears are found in Antarctica.
Q6.
Why are the polar regions helpful for reducing the effects of climate change?
because the ice stores heat
Correct answer: because the ice reflects heat
because the ice produces heat
Correct answer: because the ice traps heat in the sea

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following are conclusions that we want our reader to draw after having read our essay about 'What makes the polar regions important and why should we do more to protect them?'?
Correct answer: the polar regions are important
Correct answer: we should do more to protect them
the polar regions are beautiful
we are doing a good job of protecting them
Q2.
Which of the statements below explain why the polar regions are important?
they are at the top and bottom of the globe
Correct answer: they help control the climate and keep temperatures down
Correct answer: they are home to many unique species
they are some of the coldest places on Earth
Q3.
Which of the following are effects that climate change has on the polar regions?
it causes icebergs to form
Correct answer: it causes sea ice to melt
Correct answer: it causes permafrost to melt
Correct answer: it causes ice to become thinner
Q4.
What is the problem with sea ice melting?
Correct answer: it contributes to rising sea levels
it makes the sea cooler
Correct answer: it reduces habitats for polar bears and other animals to hunt in
Correct answer: it means less heat is reflected back out to space
Q5.
Which of these actions have already been taken to help protect the polar regions?
Correct answer: governments have agreed to reduce emissions
Correct answer: hunting polar bears has been banned
oil drilling has been banned in the Arctic
Correct answer: charities are campaigning to stop oil drilling
Q6.
Who is responsible for reducing the impacts of climate change?
only the government
only individual people
Correct answer: both governments and individual people
no-one