This Year 6 writing unit from our Real Writing collection focuses on non-chronological reports and is built around an original model text by Anita Loughrey about the peppered moth.
All texts in the Real Writing series are written by published children’s authors and follow a carefully mapped framework. Each unit comes with two to three weeks of detailed lesson planning, giving you the tools to teach confidently and effectively.
In this two-week unit, pupils WILL explore how the peppered moth has adapted to its habitat, evolving over time to survive in changing environments. The text links to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and natural selection and can be used alongside Real Writing Y6 Unit 9 on Darwin’s voyage to the Galapagos Islands. Pupils conclude the unit by writing their own report about how other animals have adapted to their environments.
Curriculum Links
This unit directly addresses Year 6 English objectives:
- Vocabulary: spelling words with silent letters
- Grammar: using passive verbs to affect presentation and meaning
Teachers can also link the unit to science topics on inheritance and evolution, or history topics on the industrial revolution. Pupils will practise writing skills including parenthesis, relative clauses, layout devices, précis writing and using hyphens.
Vocabulary
Tier 2 words: pollution, selection, theory, variation, vulnerable
Tier 3 words: adapt, adaptation, camouflage, characteristic, evolution, genetic, mutation, nocturnal, predator, reproduce, species, specimen, survival
Year 5/6 statutory spelling words: environment, existence, identity, variety
Resources
The unit provides everything you need to deliver engaging lessons:
- Model text in PDF (plain, illustrated, annotated)
- Annotated and non-annotated PowerPoint presentations
- Vocabulary cards and matching activities
- Image and research cards for animals
- Ideas and margin planning sheets
- Writing skills checklists
- Posters on report writing and formal writing features
Key teaching activities
First, pupils will examine the model text, identify report features and explore new vocabulary. They'll summarise the text in bullet points and present key facts orally, using present tense and technical language.
Next, pupils will revisit silent letters, parenthesis, relative clauses and passive verbs. They'll use image and research cards to explore animal adaptations and complete structured research sheets.
Finally, pupils will plan and write their own non-chronological report, comparing how animals adapt to different habitats, using cohesive devices, layout features and advanced punctuation.
Outcomes
By the end of this unit, pupils will:
- Understand and use non-chronological report structure and features
- Use silent letters and passive verbs accurately
- Apply subject-specific vocabulary and Tier 2/3 words in context
- Write clear, coherent and detailed reports about animal adaptations
- Plan, proofread and edit work independently or collaboratively
This unit supports cross-curricular links, engages pupils in practical research and develops both writing and scientific literacy skills.