New
New
Year 5

Analysing use of language in 'Crazy about Cats'

I can use features of non-fiction texts to build understanding of new vocabulary.

New
New
Year 5

Analysing use of language in 'Crazy about Cats'

I can use features of non-fiction texts to build understanding of new vocabulary.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Non-fiction texts can be written using formal or informal language
  2. The language used in a text will depend on the text's purpose and audience
  3. Owen Davey uses subject specific language to help create a sense of authority and reliability for the reader
  4. Specific words and phrases can be selected by the author to convey meaning
  5. Owen Davey uses playful language to engage the reader

Keywords

  • Features - The features of a text type refer to distinctive characteristics that belong to it.

  • Visual aid - Visual aids are graphs, charts, images, or diagrams which enhance understanding in non-fiction texts.

  • Caption - A caption is a brief description accompanying an image, providing context in non-fiction texts.

  • Subject-specific vocabulary - Subject specific vocabulary is words related to a specific topic in non-fiction texts.

  • Label - A label annotates a particular element in a visual aid.

Common misconception

All subject-specific vocabulary will be defined, explained or supported by visual aids or captions.

Pupils may have to use other reading strategies to build understanding. These can be displayed in a classroom or modelled by an adult.


To help you plan your year 5 English lesson on: Analysing use of language in 'Crazy about Cats', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You can explore some subject-specific vocabulary by looking at its etymology e.g. 'lucid' (lux, lucere - light, shine) and 'nasal' (nasus - nose)
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of the text 'Crazy About Cats', by Owen Davy, published by Flying Eye Books 2017.

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

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the name of the publisher of 'Crazy About Cats'?
Correct answer: Flying Eye Books
Owen Davey
Usborne Books
Q2.
True or False? The layout of a text refers to the way the information is organised on the page.
Correct Answer: True, true
Q3.
Select the features of a non-fiction text.
Correct answer: index
characters
Correct answer: glossary
plot
Correct answer: contents page
Q4.
Select texts in the non-fiction genre.
Correct answer: First News
How to Train Your Dragon
Hansel and Gretel
Correct answer: Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
Q5.
Match the non-fiction text features to their definitions.
Correct Answer:index,alphabetical guide to topics

alphabetical guide to topics

Correct Answer:glossary,defines key terms or subject-specific vocabulary

defines key terms or subject-specific vocabulary

Correct Answer:blurb,brief summary on cover

brief summary on cover

Q6.
Select features of a non-fiction text that could help a reader to find information.
Correct answer: subheadings
dialogues
Correct answer: headings
Correct answer: contents page
narrative arc

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to their definitions.
Correct Answer:features,refers to distinctive characteristics that belong to it

refers to distinctive characteristics that belong to it

Correct Answer:visual aids,images or illustrations which enhance understanding

images or illustrations which enhance understanding

Correct Answer:caption,a brief description accompanying an image, providing context

a brief description accompanying an image, providing context

Correct Answer:label,annotates a particular element in a visual aid

annotates a particular element in a visual aid

Q2.
Which of the following would be considered subject specific vocabulary?
pattern
Correct answer: melanism
shape
Correct answer: rosette
Q3.
Refer to pages 10 and 11 of 'Crazy about Cats'. Match the following elements on a non-fiction page with examples from the text.
Correct Answer:heading,Eat, Prey, Hunt

Eat, Prey, Hunt

Correct Answer:subheading,Paws

Paws

Correct Answer:caption,Cats extend their claws by tightening muscles and tendons.

Cats extend their claws by tightening muscles and tendons.

Q4.
Refer to pages 12 -13 of 'Crazy about Cats'. Match the following elements of a non-fiction page with examples from the text.
Correct Answer:heading,Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek

Correct Answer:label,4) If you look closely at this black leopard ...

4) If you look closely at this black leopard ...

Correct Answer:clear explanation,Camouflage is when something blends in with its surroundings

Camouflage is when something blends in with its surroundings

Q5.
True or False? Explanations can connect to a reader’s existing knowledge or experiences to better support understanding.
Correct Answer: True, true
Q6.
Which of the following are features of non-fiction texts that can support understanding?
Correct answer: labels
distracting background designs
Correct answer: visual aids
overuse of text boxes
Correct answer: captions