Identifying the features of an information text to prepare for writing our own
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify features of an information text through exploring a model text about the author Atinuke.
Key learning points
- Information texts are a form of non-fiction writing that provide information about someone or something.
- The purpose of an information text is to provide true and factual information to inform the reader on a topic.
- Information texts are written in the third person, using some second person to engage the reader.
- Headings and subheadings are key features that organise an information text into sections for the reader.
- An information text about an author provides information about their life, e.g. childhood, inspiration, jobs and books.
Keywords
Information text - a form of non-fiction writing that provides true and factual information about someone or something
Feature - refers to the distinctive characteristics that belong to a text type
Author - the person responsible for crafting the words that make up a text
Common misconception
Children may find it difficult to understand the difference between layout features and linguistic features.
This lesson focuses primarily on layout features to support children in understanding how to organise and structure information in an information text. Explain that the linguistic features refer to the type of language used and explore examples.
Teacher tip
Explore subtle use of informalities and authorial perspective within the information text. E.g. 'the wonderful author'. Explain that information texts about a person are factual, but they are often written in a flattering tone which includes the use of descriptive adjectives.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is fiction writing?
Q2.What is non-fiction writing?
Q3.What is 'information'?
Q4.Which of the following is an example of third person perspective?
Q5.When do you use a capital letter?
Q6.What are the different ways you can end a sentence?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are examples of non-fiction texts?
Q2.What is an information text?
Q3.What is the purpose of an information text?
Q4.Match the author to the book they wrote.
'Anna Hibiscus'
'Fantastic Mr Fox'
'The Proudest Blue'
Q5.What person perspective is an information text mainly written in?
Q6.Order the following to show your understanding of the layout of an information text.
To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Identifying the features of an information text to prepare for writing our own, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Identifying the features of an information text to prepare for writing our own, 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 1 English lessons from the Atinuke and other authors: information text unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.