Writing the second half of an essay
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write the second half of an essay about the effects of climate change on the polar regions, using a range of linguistic features and a formal tone.
Key learning points
- Our essay gives a logical argument that builds towards a conclusion.
- Throughout the essay, we connect ideas using a range of linguistic features and we support ideas with evidence.
- We use a formal tone in an essay because we want to sound authoritative.
- Our conclusion should directly address the essay question, making the end-point of our logical argument clear.
- It is useful to orally rehearse our ideas before writing to reduce our cognitive load.
Keywords
Logical argument - an argument that follows a series of steps that lead clearly towards a conclusion
Linguistic features - language structures that are used within a text in order to connect ideas together
Formal tone - the effect created by choosing serious, factual language
Evidence - information or facts to show something is true
Conclusion - the outcome of a series of ideas or the end-point of a piece of reasoning
Common misconception
Pupils may only include the information in their research notes and not draw ideas together into a conclusion.
While shared writing this section, constantly refer back to the essay question to ensure the conclusion addresses it head-on.
Teacher tip
A slide has been left intentionally lined in the second part of this lesson for you to complete shared writing with your class; you may wish to provide more or less support depending on your context.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these features will we likely not use in an essay?
Q2.Which sentence uses an appropriately formal tone for our essay?
Q3.Which paragraphs of our essay are likely to include evidence to support our arguments?
Q4.Which types of evidence are used in the following sentence? 'NASA say that 268 billion tons of Arctic sea ice have melted since 2022.'
Q5.What linguistic features are included here? 'Furthermore, huge quantities of carbon are stored in the permafrost (frozen ground); as a result, it does not contribute to the greenhouse effect.'
Q6.Which word could fill in the gap in the following sentence to create the most formal tone? 'Antarctica __________ six months of near-darkness each year.'
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the below are claims that we have made in our essay?
Q2.Match each claim to the evidence that supports it.
polar temperatures have increased by three degrees
Arctic ice has decreased in thickness by 40%
less heat is reflected back out to space, causing temperatures to rise
Q3.What linguistic features have been used here? 'As a consequence of this, the ice at the poles is melting: the Arctic Ocean, which would normally be frozen all year, could be ice-free relatively soon.'
Q4.Match each linguistic feature to its purpose.
'adding on'
showing contrast
showing cause & effect
Q5.Match each linguistic feature to its purpose.
'adding on'
showing contrast
showing cause & effect
Q6.Which word could complete the following sentence? 'The Paris Agreement (signed in 2015) commits governments to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions; __________, more needs to be done.'
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Writing the second half of an essay, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Writing the second half of an essay, 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 Polar regions: essay writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.