How Does It Work? Writing an Explanation Text

Student Task

• Ask: "How does a rainbow form?" Collect ideas.
• Read the model text together, then do activities 1 and 2.
• Students complete activities 3 to 5 and draft their explanation. Answers are in the answer key.

Classroom Use

• Process pictures: give groups picture cards of a process to put in order and explain aloud.
• Linking word relay: teams take turns adding a sentence with a new linking word.
• Explain it in one minute: students explain a simple process (making toast) to a partner.

Differentiation

Support: give a writing frame with the linking words already in place. Challenge: students add a labeled diagram and a did-you-know fact.

Answer Key & Assessment

Activities 1 to 4 check understanding of features and linking words (answer key included). Activity 5 shows whether students can plan a process in order.

Learning Objectives

• Identify the features and structure of an explanation text.
• Use time and cause-and-effect linking words.
• Plan an explanation text in the correct order.

Teacher Tips

Explanation texts are usually written in the present simple (the light bends) and in the third person. Link to science lessons where students already know a process well, so they can focus on the language.

What's Included

• 6-page printable PDF lesson pack: teacher lesson plan with timings, materials and differentiation
• Key vocabulary list (5 words with meanings and examples)
• Student worksheet (5 activities)
• Editable Word version of the worksheet
• Complete answer key (also as a separate PDF)

Additional Files

• Editable Worksheet (DOCX)
• Answer Key (PDF)

Teacher Reviews