English // Writing Composition

Developed Informational and Explanatory Writing

Write informative and explanatory texts that examine a topic and convey ideas clearly — organising information logically with headings and formatting, developing the topic with relevant facts, definitions, details, and quotations, and using precise vocabulary

Ages
11 to 14
Type
Method
Builds on
4 topics
Leads to
2 topics
Standards
9 codes

Quick check

Can the learner write a clear explanation of how something works — like how a volcano erupts or how bread is made — so that someone who's never learned about it would understand?

Ask this to see whether the topic is secure.

Topic // Mastery

What mastery looks like

What a learner can do once this topic is secure.
  • Organise an explanatory essay with a clear introduction, logical body paragraphs, and a conclusion
  • Develop a topic using well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, and quotations from sources
  • Use domain-specific vocabulary and formatting (headings, graphics) to aid the reader's comprehension

Topic // Map

Where this fits

What to learn first and what this topic opens up, with the reason for each link. Required links come first.
  • RequiredMust come first
  • HelpfulHelps, but not essential

Before this

4 topics
  • Choosing Form and Tone for Your AudienceRequired

    Writing Composition // Ages 9 to 10

    Writing to explain requires understanding audience and purpose from KS2

  • Writing for an audienceRequired

    Writing Composition // Ages 9 to 11

    Writing well-structured informative/explanatory texts that examine a topic clearly requires the foundational ability to produce coherent, task/purpose-appropriate writing

  • Layout and Formatting in Informational WritingRequired

    Writing Composition // Ages 10 to 11

    Informative writing extends KS2 use of layout devices (headings, columns, bullets)

  • Cohesion and Transitions Across WritingRequired

    Writing Composition // Ages 11 to 14

    Writing informative/explanatory texts with logical organisation and clear development of ideas across sections requires the ability to use cohesive devices and transitions to create coherence at whole-text level

You are here

Developed Informational and Explanatory Writing

Ages 11 to 14 // Method

Leads to

2 topics
  • Research & Source EvaluationRequired

    Writing Composition // Ages 11 to 14

    Research writing feeds into informative/explanatory writing

  • Writing Science ReportsHelpful

    Science // Scientific Inquiry // Ages 13 to 14

    Writing a structured secondary-level scientific report requires the informative/explanatory writing skills taught in English — logical organisation, precise vocabulary, and supporting detail

Topic // Standards

Curriculum standards

Codes for the curriculum statements this topic maps to. Each publisher owns its standard text.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
W.6.2W.7.2W.8.2W.8.2.aW.8.2.bW.8.2.dW.8.2.f
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document
KS3-ENG-W-1aKS3-ENG-W-1b

English // Writing Composition

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