November: Writing Focus

Recount Writing

November– ExplanationExplanation Features Language Features Learning Goals

Begins with a clear statement to state the topic/position of writer

Selects and elaborates appropriate information

Links information to demonstrate cause and effect

Writes in logical sequence

Summarizes content in a conclusion

Avoids using the first and second person; generalized participants

Exact details or information

Generally uses present tense

Contains topic-specific technical vocabulary

Uses transition words to show time (whenever, until, after) or cause-and-effect (since, because, therefore)

• Continued use of previous goals already taught (see August) and:

• use text organizers (e.g., headings, topic and summary sentences, graphic features) to determine main ideas of a text and to locate information.

• produce summaries of non-fiction texts, accurately conveying the main ideas and the most significant details

• select a focus, organization, and point of view based upon purpose, audience, length, and format requirements.

• use effective oral presentation skills and strategies and listen attentively

What you can do at home:

• When reading explanation text (not to be confused with procedural/instruction writing), look at text features: – What do you notice about the title (tells you what the

writing is about) ?– Look at the first paragraph . What do you think the

purpose is?– I wonder if we can find the logical steps within the text.– What tense is it written in?– What do you notice about diagrams or illustrations?– Does it make sense?

Web based resources:

• How It’s Made (playlist with 10 videos):http://

www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFA402ECAE4C45C3E&feature=mh_lolz

• Explanation and Instruction text cheat sheet:http://

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/english/reading/text_types/revise5.shtml

• Explanation text example:http://www.ct.gov/kids/cwp/view.asp?a=2731&q=330926