Planning and writing the first main paragraph of an essay
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write the first main paragraph of an essay, including a range of linguistic features.
Key learning points
- Our essay will give one side of an argument, using a logical order that is supported by evidence.
- Evidence can take many forms, including explanations, facts and statistics.
- In the first main paragraph, we will explain why deforestation has occurred in the Amazon.
- We will include subject-specific vocabulary and a range of linguistic features.
Keywords
Subject-specific vocabulary - vocabulary that relates to a particular subject
Evidence - information or facts to show something is true
Agriculture - the practice of farming - growing crops and rearing animals to sell
Logging - the practice of cutting down trees for timber
Linguistic features - the language structures that are used within a text
Common misconception
Pupils may struggle to connect complex ideas with appropriate linguistic features.
Model and encourage oral rehearsal and use shared writing to model the process of selecting between various possible linguistic features you could use.
Teacher tip
A slide is left intentionally lined for you to complete shared writing with your class. You may want to have examples of the possible linguistic features displayed for pupils to use during their own writing.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following was not included in the introduction to our essay?
Q2.Sam says, 'Statistics are the only form of evidence.' What other forms of evidence can we use in an essay?
Q3.Which of these points were not included in our introduction?
Q4.What does it mean to orally rehearse a piece of writing?
Q5.Which linguistic feature has been used here? 'In addition, an area the size of 11 football pitches is lost every minute.'
Q6.Which linguistic feature is used here? 'Deforestation is the removal of trees from an area, allowing it to be used for another purpose.'
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are key causes of deforestation in the Amazon?
Q2.What type of evidence is shown here? '70% of deforested land is used for cattle ranching.'
Q3.What type of evidence is shown here? 'There is huge demand for Brazilian beef, leading to large areas of forest being converted to farmland for cattle.'
Q4.What is the purpose of using subject-specific vocabulary in our essay?
Q5.Which linguistic feature is used here? 'In addition, logging contributes to deforestation in the Amazon.'
Q6.Which linguistic features are included here? 'As a result, huge areas of land (particularly in Brazil) have been converted into ranches.'
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Planning and writing the first main paragraph of an essay, 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 first main paragraph 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 The Amazon Rainforest: essay writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.