The features of an explanation text
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify the important features of an explanation text.
Key learning points
- An explanation text is a non-fiction text providing information about how or why something works.
- The structure of an explanation text is an introduction, a sequence of paragraphs in chronological order and a closing.
- Vocabulary used in an explanation text is subject-specific, factual and the tone is usually formal.
- Conjunctions ensure cohesion within sentences and paragraphs.
- Explanation texts are written in the present tense.
Keywords
Explanation text - a text providing information about how or why something works
Subject-specific vocabulary - vocabulary used when writing about a particular subject
Fronted adverbial - a sentence starter followed by a comma
Subordinating conjunction - a word that starts a subordinate clause
Adverbial clause - a type of subordinate clause that starts with a subordinating conjunction
Common misconception
Pupils think that 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
Provide the children with some examples of explanation texts that they can analyse in small groups, looking for the specific features taught in this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word class to its definition.
Q2.Which of these are true for non-fiction texts?
Q3.Which sentence is correctly punctuated?
Q4.What is subject-specific vocabulary?
Q5.Which sentence has the comma accurately punctuated?
Q6.What is a co-ordinating conjunction?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the purpose of an explanation text?
Q2.Select the subject-specific vocabulary that you are likely to use when writing an explanation text about the human digestive system.
Q3.Order these sections of an explanation text in the order you would write them.
Q4.What is a subordinating conjunction?
Q5.Which of the following are examples of ordering fronted adverbials?
Q6.Select an appropriate subordinating conjunction to complete the following sentence. " __________ the food is being chewed by the teeth, it is mixed together with a watery fluid called saliva."
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: The features of an explanation text, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: The features of an explanation text, 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 digestive system: explanation writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.