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Year 4 - English

Writing the introduction of an explanation text about the digestive system

The digestive system: explanation writing

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils research the human digestive system to write an informative and clearly-presented explanation text. Pupils focus on using an array of subject-specific vocabulary appropriately, set within Year 4 level sentence structures, applying causal conjunctions to explain certain features.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to write the introduction of an explanation text to explain how the digestive system works.

Key Notes

  • An introduction's purpose is to give general facts about the topic and to tell the reader what they will learn.
  • Digestion is the process of breaking down food into particles small enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
  • The scientific definition of digestion, and the use of scientific vocabulary, are essential for introducing the subject.
  • The relative pronoun "which" can be used to embed a relative clause within a main clause to add detail.
  • A relative complex sentence is formed of a main clause and a relative subordinate clause.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • digestion: the process of breaking down food into particles small enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream
  • introduction: the opening paragraph of a non-fiction text that encourages the reader to read on
  • relative pronoun: a word that starts a relative clause like 'who' or 'which'
  • relative clause: a type of subordinate clause that starts with a relative pronoun
  • relative complex sentence: a sentence formed of a main clause and a relative subordinate clause

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils try to include specific facts in the introduction.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

An introduction's purpose is to give general facts about the topic and to tell the reader what they will learn. Digestion is the process of breaking down food into particles small enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

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

the process of breaking down food into particles small enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils try to include specific facts in the introduction. Correction: Emphasise that an introduction's purpose is to introduce the topic and should only include general facts.

More Lessons In This Unit

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