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      Identifying features of a model non-chronological report about an insect

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can identify the features of a non-chronological report about an insect.

      Key learning points

      1. A non-chronological report is written out of time order.
      2. The purpose of a non-chronological report is to inform and engage the reader about a particular subject or event.
      3. The intended reader of a non-chronological report is likely interested in the subject of the report.
      4. Subheadings are used to signal where each section of information is to the reader of a non-chronological report.
      5. Paragraphs are used within a subheading to organise information by theme.

      Keywords

      • Non-chronological report - a non-fiction text that informs about a subject or event and that is written out of time order

      • Subheading - a word, phrase or sentence used to introduce part of a text

      • Paragraph - a section of a piece of writing that is indicated by a new line and an indentation

      • Theme - a central idea that the writer intends the audience to engage deeply with

      • Chronological order - following the order in which a series of events happened

      Common misconception

      Pupils may not be confident with the idea of paragraphs being composed of several linked sentences.

      As you read, draw out the idea that all the sentences in each section are related to each other and deepen the reader's understanding.

      Teacher tip

      You could have pupils read each section of the model text independently, or you could read aloud yourself and pause regularly for the class to say the next word chorally in order to make sure they keep pace with your reading.

      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.
      What is the definition of a non-fiction text?

      Correct answer: a text that is based on factual information
      a text that is based on the author's imagination
      a text that has a mixture of imaginative and factual parts

      Q2.
      Which of the following is not likely to be a non-fiction text?

      Correct answer: a poem about stars
      a newspaper article about the discovery of a new star
      an information website about a particular star
      a biography of an astronomer who discovered an important star

      Q3.
      What does it mean if a text is written in 'chronological order'?

      It's written in random order.
      Correct answer: It's written in the order the events happened.
      It's written in alphabetical order.

      Q4.
      Which of the following best describes a 'paragraph'?

      there is only one sentence
      there is more than one sentence
      the sentences are about different things
      Correct answer: the sentences are linked by a shared theme

      Q5.
      Which is the best definition of a subheading?

      a title for a whole piece of writing
      Correct answer: a title for a section or paragraph of writing
      a title for a particular sentence

      Q6.
      Which of the following might be the subjects of non-chronological reports?

      Correct answer: major cities in the USA
      how the author felt driving across the USA
      Correct answer: the president of the USA
      the author's criticisms of the president of the USA

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following expanded noun phrases could replace 'stag beetles' in a non-chronological report?

      Correct answer: these fascinating creatures
      Correct answer: these distinctive beetles
      these never-before-seen creatures
      these titanic beasts

      Q2.
      Which of these sentences contain parenthesis?

      Correct answer: The stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) is instantly recognisable.
      Correct answer: Its mandibles (jaws) make it easy to spot.
      The larva grows to lengths of 11 centimetres.
      Correct answer: The larva (immature form) lives underground for up to 6 years.

      Q3.
      Which of the following features might we find in a non-chronological report?

      Correct answer: introduction
      Correct answer: subheading
      Correct answer: paragraphs organised around a theme
      the author's imaginative descriptions of the subject
      Correct answer: conclusion

      Q4.
      Why is information in a non-chronological report grouped into paragraphs with subheadings?

      so that the text is not too long
      Correct answer: so that the reader knows where to find the information they need
      Correct answer: so that the reader can get in-depth, specific information about specific themes
      so that the reader can get general information about the subject

      Q5.
      Where in a non-chronological report are we most likely to find general information about the subject?

      the sections with subheadings
      Correct answer: the introduction
      Correct answer: the conclusion

      Q6.
      Which of these sentences could belong in a paragraph called 'Diet of stag beetles'?

      Correct answer: Adult stag beetles use up the energy stored by the larva.
      Stag beetles are now an endangered species.
      Correct answer: The larva scrapes rotten wood with its sharp jaws.
      Both male and female stag beetles have wings.

      To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Identifying features of a model non-chronological report about an insect, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...