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Year 5 - English

Planning and writing the conclusion of an essay

The Amazon Rainforest: essay writing

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils write their first formal essay of the primary curriculum. In it, pupils write about deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest with facts derived from research presented in clear paragraphs. The essay question given calls for pupils to write their essay as a single line of argument.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to write the conclusion of an essay, including a range of linguistic features.

Key Notes

  • In our essay, the conclusion reflects the essay title, bringing the information from previous paragraphs together.
  • The conclusion explains how reducing deforestation will help reduce the impacts of climate change.
  • We will include subject-specific vocabulary and a range of linguistic features.
  • Because the conclusion looks at possible future actions and outcomes, we will often use modal verbs.
  • Modal verbs are auxiliary ('helping') verbs that are paired with a main verb.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • conclusion: the closing paragraph of a non-fiction text
  • subject-specific vocabulary: vocabulary that relates to a particular subject
  • modal verbs: a type of auxiliary verb that expresses the degree of possibility, intent, ability or necessity of a clause
  • linguistic features: the language structures that are used within a text

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may not understand that a modal verb 'helps' another verb.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

In our essay, the conclusion reflects the essay title, bringing the information from previous paragraphs together. The conclusion explains how reducing deforestation will help reduce the impacts of climate change.

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

the closing paragraph of a non-fiction text.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may not understand that a modal verb 'helps' another verb. Correction: Draw attention to the fact that a modal verb comes before a main verb to modify it, e.g. 'will show', 'might help', 'should do' or 'would lead'.

More Lessons In This Unit

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