Writing the first half of a biography about Darwin and his theory of evolution
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write the first half of a biography, using a range of language features.
Key learning points
- In a biography, we write using a formal tone in the third person; our writing is mostly, but not all, in the past tense.
- We use a range of cohesive devices to connect ideas together.
- We orally rehearse our sentences before we write.
- We use our notes from our plan to help us write (including the subject-specific vocabulary we planned to use).
- We give a title for the biography as a whole and subheadings for each paragraph. Each paragraph is indented.
Keywords
Formal tone - the effect created by choosing serious, factual language
Cohesive devices - language structures that develop text cohesion
Subject-specific vocabulary - vocabulary we use when writing about a particular subject
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to connect ideas together using cohesive devices.
Provide plenty of time for oral rehearsal using the bank of cohesive devices and model selecting different options for connecting ideas together.
Teacher tip
A slide is left intentionally lined for you to complete shared writing of the first paragraph; you may also wish to do this for the second paragraph, depending on your assessment of pupils' confidence. An example of the shared writing can be found in the lesson video.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Put the events shown in the text map in the correct order.
Q2.Match the sections of our Darwin biography to appropriate subheadings we could use for them.
Q3.Which of the following is an appropriate note for the paragraph about Darwin's early life?
Q4.Match the subject-specific vocabulary words to their meanings.
Q5.Match the subject-specific vocabulary words to their meanings.
Q6.Which of the following are cohesive devices?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following language features will we find in a biography?
Q2.Which of these will form part of the structure of our biography of Darwin?
Q3.Which cohesive devices are used in this sentence? 'Although Darwin disliked his academic studies, he enjoyed spending time collecting insects (his favourite hobby).'
Q4.Which cohesive devices are used in this sentence? 'Darwin was sent to Edinburgh to study medicine; however, he did not enjoy the subject.'
Q5.Which subordinating conjunctions could work in the gap in this sentence? ' Darwin had finished university, he joined the voyage of the Beagle.'
Q6.Which fronted adverbial could be used as a cohesive device in the gap this sentence? 'Darwin was born into a wealthy family; , he did not always have an easy childhood.'
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Writing the first half of a biography about Darwin and his theory of evolution, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Writing the first half of a biography about Darwin and his theory of evolution, 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 2 English lessons from the Charles Darwin: biographical writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.