Writing the first half of a journalistic report based on 'When The Sky Falls'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write the introduction and first two main paragraphs of a journalistic report about the events in the resolution of 'When the Sky Falls'.
Key learning points
- A journalistic report has a formal tone and it combines factual statements with different perspectives on an event.
- The introduction gives a summary and a description of the event.
- The main paragraphs give different perspectives using both direct and reported speech.
- Throughout, a range of cohesive devices can be used to connect ideas together.
Keywords
Formal tone - the effect created by using serious, factual language
Direct speech - when we write the exact words spoken by someone, enclosed in inverted commas to indicate speech
Reported speech - when we write what someone said without using the exact words they spoke and without using inverted commas
Cohesive devices - language structures that contribute to text cohesion
Common misconception
Pupils may find it difficult to choose appropriate cohesive devices to connect ideas.
Emphasise that often, we can choose from a wide range of cohesive devices that serve the same purpose; it is simply the writer's choice. Allow plenty of time for oral rehearsal before writing.
Teacher tip
Ensure that pupils have access to their plan from the previous lesson. Complete lessons on using the whole range of cohesive devices can be found in our Grammar curriculum if further input is needed.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which part of a journalistic report gives different individuals' perspectives?
Q2.Which of the following could be a headline for a journalistic report?
Q3.Which of these are true of this passage? 'Joseph Palmer said that he understood the wardens' actions, but that he was still very upset by the death of the gorilla.'
Q4.Which features of a main paragraph can we see in this passage? 'Andy Mayo, the air raid warden who attended the scene, said, "It was lucky we arrived when we did!"'
Q5.Where in a journalistic report might we find this passage? 'The zoo will remain closed, but it welcomes donations to support the surviving animals during this time.'
Q6.Which part of a journalistic report contains a summary of the factual information relating to the event, including 'who, what, where, when and why'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Put the paragraphs of our journalistic report in order.
Q2.Which of these are features of a formal tone?
Q3.Which sentence uses a formal tone appropriate for a journalistic report?
Q4.What does this sentence from an introduction show? 'Yesterday evening, a gorilla was shot dead at a London zoo after it escaped its cage.'
Q5.Which of the following are found in the main paragraphs of our journalistic report?
Q6.What cohesive devices are used in this sentence? 'Spotting an escaped wolf heading towards a child (12-year-old Joseph Palmer), the wardens acted fast, shooting it dead.'
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Writing the first half of a journalistic report based on 'When The Sky Falls', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Writing the first half of a journalistic report based on 'When The Sky Falls', 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 'When the Sky Falls': narrative and journalistic report writing unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.