Planning and writing the introduction of a biography about Harriet Tubman
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use my research about Harriet Tubman’s life to help me plan and write the introduction of a biography.
Key learning points
- The introduction provides the reader with general information about who the biography is about.
- The introduction explicitly outlines which aspects of the subject's life will be explored.
- In the introduction, information should be kept general and it should encourage the reader to read on.
- When writing, we should orally rehearse sentences and use our plans and success criteria to guide us.
Keywords
Purpose - the aim of the text
Introduction - the first paragraph of a non-fiction text that encourages the reader to read on
General information - the most basic and necessary information
Common misconception
Pupils may use facts that are too specific in the introduction.
General facts and information should be explicitly shared. Visuals that represent **general** versus **specific** information should be referred to throughout the planning process. Visuals help pupils 'see' which information belongs where.
Teacher tip
It is helpful for pupils to say each sentence aloud before they write it, either to themselves or a partner, as this will improve sentence transcription accuracy.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Select the correct definition of 'biography'.
Q2.Put the sections of a biography about Harriet Tubman in the correct order.
Q3.Which country was Harriet Tubman born in?
Q4.When was Harriet Tubman born?
Q5.__________ is a war between the citizens of a country.
Q6.Select a synonym for 'fugitive'.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions.
the aim of the text
the first paragraph that encourages the reader to read on
the most basic and necessary information
Q2.Match these parts of the introduction to their functions.
introduces the reader to who the biography is about
gives the reader some necessary information about the person
indicates what the next section will be about
Q3.Put these parts of the introduction in the correct order.
Q4.Which of these make up the purpose of the introduction?
Q5.Plans should include which of the following?
Q6.Put the stages of the writing process in the correct order.
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Planning and writing the introduction of a biography about Harriet Tubman, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Planning and writing the introduction of a biography about Harriet Tubman, 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 Harriet Tubman: biographical writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.