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Lesson 9 of 10

Writing the closing of a journalistic report

I can write the closing of a journalistic report.

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View unit
Lesson 9 of 10
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New

Writing the closing of a journalistic report

I can write the closing of a journalistic report.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The closing paragraph of a journalistic report provides the reader with information about what is currently happening.
  2. A shift to present tense is a key linguistic feature of the closing of a journalistic report.
  3. Adverbial complex sentences can be used to tell the reader about two things happening at the same time.
  4. Fronted adverbials of time support in communicating the tense shift to the reader and closing the report.

Keywords

  • Closing - the final paragraph of a journalistic report

  • Adverbial complex sentence - a sentence formed of a main clause and an adverbial subordinate clause

  • Fronted adverbial of time - a sentence starter that tells the reader when something has happened or is happening

Common misconception

Students may find it hard to understand how different tenses can be used in one sentence.

Analyse example e.g. "Currently, forensic officers are examining the crime scene and they have sent off pieces of evidence for testing."

Use Year 4 grammar units on tense forms to ensure children are confident writing in different tenses.
Teacher tip

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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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Order these sections of a journalistic report.

1 - Headline
2 - Opening paragraph
3 - Recount section
4 - Quotes section
5 - Closing paragraph

Q2.
What is the purpose of the recount section of a journalistic report?

To share information from witnesses or experts who know more about the event.
To provide an overview of the whole event.
Correct answer: To provide the reported details of events in chronological order.

Q3.
What is the purpose of the quotes section of a journalistic report?

Correct answer: To share information from witnesses or experts who know more about the event.
To provide an overview of the whole event.
To provide the reported details of events in chronological order.

Q4.
Select the correct example of speech first.

I wish I’d stopped and said something now,” she explained regretfully.
"I wish I’d stopped and said something now”, she explained regretfully.
Correct answer: "I wish I’d stopped and said something now,” she explained regretfully.

Q5.
Select the correct example of speech second.

He explained, “As I watched the police grab him, I was flabbergasted!
He explained, “as I watched the police grab him, I was flabbergasted!"
Correct answer: He explained, “As I watched the police grab him, I was flabbergasted!"

Q6.
What is a fronted adverbial of time?

a sentence starter that tells the reader where something has happened
Correct answer: a sentence starter that tells the reader when something has happened
a sentence starter that tells the reader how something has happened

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the section from a journalistic report to its purpose.

Correct Answer:Opening paragraph,Gives an overview of the event.

Gives an overview of the event.

Correct Answer:Recount section,Provides specific details of events in chronological order.

Provides specific details of events in chronological order.

Correct Answer:Quotes section,Provides quotes from witnesses/experts.

Provides quotes from witnesses/experts.

Correct Answer:Closing paragraph,Explains what is currently happening/what might happen next.

Explains what is currently happening/what might happen next.

Q2.
What is the purpose of the closing paragraph in a journalistic report about a crime?

To let the reader know what has happened.
Correct answer: To let the reader know what is currently happening or what will happen next.
To let the reader know what journalists think about the event.

Q3.
Which of the following are features of the closing paragraph in a journalistic report?

past tense
Correct answer: present tense
says what has already happened
Correct answer: says what is currently happening

Q4.
What is an adverbial complex sentence?

a sentence formed of two main clauses
a sentence formed of two subordinate clauses
Correct answer: a sentence formed of a main clause and an adverbial subordinate clause

Q5.
Select an appropriate adverbial clause to join to the following main clause: “__________, the assailant is being questioned by specialist officers.”

Before knowing the motive of the crime
Correct answer: While detectives examine the crime scene
Currently

Q6.
Which fronted adverbials of time would be appropriate to use in a closing of a journalistic report on a crime?

Correct answer: At the present time,
As quick as a flash,
In 1666,
Correct answer: Right now,
Correct answer: Presently,

Lesson appears in

UnitEnglish / 'Little Red Riding Hood': journalistic report

English

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