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PlayOwl

English · Grade 5

Informative Explanations

Learners study how an informative explanation is built, using an original model text about how honeybees make honey. They write focused introductions, group facts into sections with headings, develop sections with definitions, facts, examples and quotations, link ideas with transition words, choose precise science vocabulary and write a conclusion. They then draft their own explanation about sea otters from research notes.

  • 4 lessons
  • About 95 minutes
  • Informative writing check: 9 questions
  • Ways to answer: fill in the blanks, choose an answer, highlight a text, match pairs, put in order and sort into groups
See plans Included with Family, Teacher and School plans. Open in PlayOwl

What learners will discover

  • Introduce a topic with a general observation and a clear focus, and group related information into logical sections with headings.
  • Develop a topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations and examples.
  • Link ideas within and across sections using words and phrases such as for example, also, in contrast and as a result.
  • Use precise, domain-specific vocabulary and provide a concluding statement.
  • Plan and draft an informative explanation from research notes.

Lessons

  1. A clear focus and logical sections 5 steps3 practiceabout 24 min
  2. Develop each section with details 6 steps4 practiceabout 24 min
  3. Link ideas together 5 steps3 practiceabout 22 min
  4. Precise words, a strong ending and your draft 4 steps3 practiceabout 25 min
  5. Informative writing check 9 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Memory LanternsFlip glowing lanterns to find pairs that belong together.
  • Sentence TheatreYour words direct the show: change a word and the stage changes too.
  • Missing ChapterA page has gone missing. Use the clues to put the right one back.

More 5th grade reading

Guides for grown-ups