Information and explanation texts · Year 5

Information texts give facts clearly. A report describes a subject (Owls are birds of prey.); an explanation tells how or why something happens (We have day and night because the Earth spins.); instructions tell you how to do something (Fill the kettle with water.); a recount tells what happened.

Key facts

  • Reports: a title, an opening that says what the subject is, paragraphs with subheadings, facts in the present tense, technical words, and often pictures with captions.
  • Explanations: steps in order and cause-and-effect words: because, so, as a result, therefore, this is why.
  • Instructions: a goal, a list of what you need, numbered steps in order, commands (Cut, Fold, Mix) and time words (first, next, then, finally).
  • Recounts: events in the order they happened, in the past tense, with time words: Last Tuesday, our class visited the museum.
  • Information texts are clear and factual: no opinions, the third person (they, it), and a subheading that tells you what each part is about.

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