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      Preparing the introduction of a report on The Great Fire of London

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can prepare the introduction of a non-chronological report about the Great Fire of London.

      Key learning points

      1. The introduction of an information text should hook the reader in and make them want to read the full report.
      2. Introductions often contain questions to the reader.
      3. An introduction may contain some general facts and information to gain the reader’s interest.
      4. An introduction may end with a command which is a direct order or instruction telling the reader to continue reading.

      Keywords

      • Introduction - An introduction tells the reader what the report is about and tries to entice them to read on.

      • Prepare - To get something ready or organise to do a certain task.

      • Command - A command is a direct order or instruction telling someone to do something.

      Common misconception

      Pupils may struggle to know if adjectives are positive or negative.

      Display lists of positive and negative adjectives on the wall and generate example sentences together.

      Teacher tip

      You may want to pre-select information texts from your book corner so pupils can see and read introductions for themselves.

      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

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these best describes the word 'formal'?

      when something, or someone, is relaxed
      when something, or someone, is upset and angry
      Correct answer: when something, or someone, is using a serious, impersonal and unemotional tone

      Q2.
      What is it called when a writer uses two adjectives to describe a noun?

      expanded adjective phrase
      Correct answer: expanded noun phrase
      expanded phrase

      Q3.
      Which expanded noun phrase would be suitable to use in a formal report?

      Correct answer: dangerous, fast-moving fire
      roaring, monstrous fire
      evil, dazzling fire

      Q4.
      Are contractions such as 'didn't' allowed to be used in a formal report?

      yes
      Correct answer: no
      sometimes

      Q5.
      A writer may choose to include questions in a non-chronological report on the Great Fire of London, but who are the questions directed to?

      the writer themselves
      Correct answer: the reader
      the people in London in 1666

      Q6.
      What else can be included in a writer's questions to the reader?

      greetings
      Correct answer: information about the topic
      clues to help them solve a mystery

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these is not a feature of a non-chronological report?

      title
      introduction
      Correct answer: made-up characters
      subheadings
      paragraphs

      Q2.
      What comes at the start of a non-chronological report?

      Correct answer: an introduction
      a paragraph about a particular part of the topic
      information about the writer

      Q3.
      Which of these is one of the purposes of an introduction?

      to give the reader detailed information about a specific subject
      Correct answer: to give the reader the most basic information
      to give the reader the title of the report

      Q4.
      What is the name for a guide that helps you know what to do and how to do it?

      a pan
      Correct answer: a plan
      a plane

      Q5.
      What could a writer start their introduction with to spark their reader's interest and entice them to keep reading?

      a command
      Correct answer: a question
      a subheading

      Q6.
      Which of these adjectives would be most effective at making your report sound appealing to read?

      Correct answer: interesting
      long
      boring

      To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Preparing the introduction of a report on The Great Fire of London, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...