Using credible statistics in a piece of non-fiction writing
I can understand what makes a credible statistic, and use this understanding to create my own credible statistics.
Using credible statistics in a piece of non-fiction writing
I can understand what makes a credible statistic, and use this understanding to create my own credible statistics.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A statistic is a piece of factual data gathered from a large quantity of numerical data.
- Statistics can make a writer’s arguments seem credible because their opinion is backed up with factual data.
- Writers show that their statistics are credible by including things like the source and date of the data they refer to.
- You can invent your own credible statistics in pieces of writing where you are not expected to conduct research.
Keywords
Credible - convincing, trustworthy, reliable
Reconvictions - being found guilty of a crime after already being found guilty for another, different crime
Common misconception
Writing down any number in a piece of non-fiction writing is enough to show you know how to use statistics.
Statistics need to be credible. When creating your own statistics, you need to think carefully about how to make them sound believable by giving details like their source, date and data sample size.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Using credible statistics in a piece of non-fiction writing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Using credible statistics in a piece of non-fiction 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 4 english lessons from the Non-fiction: crime and punishment unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You need access to selected sections of Erwin James's 'The Norwegian Prison' (2013). These can be found on the lesson's worksheets.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
convincing, trustworthy, reliable
an action or event that provokes outrage
convincing, persuasive