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'The Speckled Band' case: concluding newspaper articles

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can write an article conclusion.

Key learning points

  1. The final part of an article is called the tail
  2. The tail of an article contains background information, interesting facts and a conclusive tone
  3. A conclusive tone is important as it shows the reader that you are bringing your article to an end
  4. One way to create a conclusive tone is to talk about future plans in the aftermath of the event

Keywords

  • Tail - The tail is the final section of an article.

  • Conclude - To conclude something is to bring it to an end.

  • Tone - Tone is the general attitude of a piece of writing.

Common misconception

The tail functions as a summary of the events.

Although a conclusion in any other form of writing would contain a summary, an article summary usually goes at the beginning.

Teacher tip

You could get pupils to bring in articles and identify common phrases in article tails.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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 first section of a newspaper article called?

Tail.
Correct answer: Opening.
Main body.

Q2.
What information is included in the first section of a newspaper article?

Interview quote.
Background information.
Correct answer: Who, what, where, when, why of the event.

Q3.
What comes after the opening in a newspaper article?

Headline.
Tail.
Correct answer: Main body.

Q4.
What is not included in the main body of a newspaper article?

Witness information and quotes.
Correct answer: Background information.
How the event happened.

Q5.
What is the last part of a newspaper article called?

Tagline.
Subheading.
Photograph.
Correct answer: Tail.

Q6.
What is included in the last section of a newspaper article?

Key information to understand the event.
Witness information.
Correct answer: Background information.

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the final section of a newspaper article called?

Opening.
Correct answer: Tail.
Main body.

Q2.
Thinking about newspaper articles, what must be included in the tail?

Essential information.
Witness quotes.
Correct answer: Background information.

Q3.
What does conclude mean?

Open something.
Correct answer: Bring something to an end.
Add something to an idea.

Q4.
How can you create a conclusive tone in a newspaper article?

Talk about the who, what, where, when and why of the event.
List the main witnesses.
Correct answer: Talk about future plans.

Q5.
Which sentence creates the most conclusive tone?

The attack was witnessed by three frightened colleagues.
The attack was unexpected.
Correct answer: The attack will be undergoing further investigation.

Q6.
What would not be included in the tail of an article about 'The Speckled Band' mystery?

Dr. Roylott's plans following Julia's death.
History of the Stoke Moran property.
Correct answer: What Julia said as she died.

To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: 'The Speckled Band' case: concluding newspaper articles, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...