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Year 3 - English

Writing the first section of an explanation text about mummification

Mummification: explanation text

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils research the Ancient Egyptian process of mummification to write an informative and clearly-presented explanation text. Pupils focus on using a range of subject-specific vocabulary appropriately, set within Year 3 level sentence structures, including causal conjunctions.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use your plan to write the section about how the body was prepared in the process of mummification.

Key Notes

  • The steps in the mummification process are written in chronological order.
  • Ordering fronted adverbials indicate the order of the steps in a process.
  • Using the full range of sentence types (simple, compound and complex) improves text flow for the reader.
  • Explanation texts include subject-specific vocabulary that is related to the subject of the text.
  • Sentences should be said aloud before writing to ensure they make sense and read back once written to check for errors.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • text flow: how a text is written to keep the reader engaged
  • subheading: a word, phrase or sentence used to introduce part of a text
  • compound sentence: a sentence formed of two main clauses and a co-ordinating conjunction
  • complex sentence: a sentence formed of at least one main clause and a subordinate clause
  • fronted adverbial: a sentence starter followed by a comma

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils might include steps of the process that come in section 2 of the explanation text.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

The steps in the mummification process are written in chronological order. Ordering fronted adverbials indicate the order of the steps in a process.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'text flow'

how a text is written to keep the reader engaged.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils might include steps of the process that come in section 2 of the explanation text. Correction: This section explains the first three steps of the mummification process, up to where the body was covered in natron salt.

More Lessons In This Unit

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