Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Identifying the features for an explanation text on mummification

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can identify important linguistic features of an explanation text.

      Key learning points

      1. An explanation text is a non-fiction text that explains a particular process or subject in detail.
      2. An explanation text can start with an introduction and then explain a sequenced process in chronological order.
      3. Vocabulary within an explanation text is subject-specific and factual, creating a formal tone.
      4. Ordering fronted adverbials indicate the chronological order of steps in a process.
      5. Fronted adverbials of cause link an effect to a cause.

      Keywords

      • Explanation - a set of details and reasons given about how a process works

      • Linguistic feature - a structure of language that uses words

      • Chronological order - follows the order in which a series of events happens

      • Subject-specific vocabulary - vocabulary used when writing about a particular subject

      • Fronted adverbial - a sentence starter followed by a comma

      Common misconception

      Explanation texts can be written in any order.

      Explanation texts are written in chronological order; they explain a process in the order in which it happens.

      Teacher tip

      Consolidate pupils' understanding of an explanation text by comparing it with other types of non-fiction text, such as a non-chronological report or newspaper report.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      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

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the word class to its definition.

      Correct Answer:noun,A naming word for people, places or things.

      A naming word for people, places or things.

      Correct Answer:verb,A doing, being or having word.

      A doing, being or having word.

      Correct Answer:adjective,A word that describes a noun.

      A word that describes a noun.

      Correct Answer:adverb,A word that describes a verb.

      A word that describes a verb.

      Q2.
      Which sentence is correctly punctuated?

      Mummification was a complex, expensive process
      Mummification was a complex. expensive process.
      Correct answer: Mummification was a complex, expensive process.
      mummification was a complex, expensive process.

      Q3.
      What is a non-fiction text?

      a story that is made up
      Correct answer: a text that provides information about real-life topics
      a text about someone's life
      a playscript

      Q4.
      Which of these are true for non-fiction texts?

      Correct answer: A non-fiction text is full of facts to inform the reader.
      A non-fiction text is made up.
      A non-fiction text has two characters who speak to each other.
      Correct answer: There are different types of non-fiction text.

      Q5.
      Which sentence has the comma accurately punctuated?

      Interestingly the body was covered in natron, salt for 40 days.
      Interestingly the body, was covered in natron salt for 40 days.
      Correct answer: Interestingly, the body was covered in natron salt for 40 days.
      Interestingly the body was covered in natron salt for 40 days.

      Q6.
      What is subject-specific vocabulary?

      vocabulary used in a fairytale
      Correct answer: vocabulary used when writing about a particular subject
      vocabulary that is exciting and descriptive

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is a linguistic feature?

      The way punctuation is used to show an emotion.
      Correct answer: The way words are used in a sentence to make the meaning clear.
      The size of words in a piece of text.
      The way pictures are arranged in a report.

      Q2.
      Select all of the words that are specific to the topic of mummification.

      Correct answer: sarcophagus
      activity
      Correct answer: afterlife
      past
      Correct answer: embalmer

      Q3.
      What type of fronted adverbial is "As a result,"?

      Viewpoint fronted adverbial
      Correct answer: Fronted adverbial of cause
      Ordering fronted adverbial
      Formal fronted adverbial
      Fronted adverbial of manner

      Q4.
      Which of the following are ordering fronted adverbials?

      Correct answer: Finally,
      Suddenly,
      Correct answer: First,
      As quick as a flash,

      Q5.
      Choose a fronted adverbial that links these two sentences: "The natron salt removes moisture from the corpse.' and 'The body dries out."

      In addition,
      Correct answer: As a result,
      Amazingly,
      Suddenly,

      Q6.
      Order these steps of the mummification process in chronological order.

      1 - First, the body was washed in water or wine.
      2 - Then, the internal organs were removed and placed in canopic jars.
      3 - Next, the corpse was covered in natron salt and left to dry out for forty days.
      4 - Finally, the body was wrapped and placed in a sarcophagus.

      To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Identifying the features for an explanation text on mummification, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...