Real Writing Year 5 - Unit 22
A Greener Tomorrow, by Anita Loughrey
Curriculum links: Geography (key human processes)
Writing unit overview
This writing unit for Year 5 is built around an original model text by Anita Loughrey - a persuasive article about renewable energy. The example text is available as a PDF in three versions (plain, illustrated and annotated); annotated and non-annotated PowerPoint presentations are also included.
In this two-week unit, pupils will learn about how to structure an effective piece of persuasive writing in KS2, and appropriate devices to use. They will then have the opportunity to research an alternative environmental issue (reducing disposable plastic) and write their own persuasive article to encourage people to change their behaviour.
Key curriculum skills
Two fully-resourced lesson plans are included for Year 5 English objectives, which can be taught as part of the unit or as discrete lessons:
1. Vocabulary - To add the prefixes ‘over-’, ‘de-‘ and ‘re-‘ to words
Pupils will: revisit prefixes, identifying them in words; understand the use and meaning of the prefixes ‘over-’, ‘de-’ and ‘re-’; match prefixes and meanings; sort root words according to which prefix can be used with them; complete sentences with root words and prefixes; write sentences for given root words with prefixes.
2. Grammar - To use causal conjunctions to link ideas within paragraphs
Pupils will: revisit and identify conjunctions; understand what a causal conjunction is and when to use one; extend sentences using causal conjunctions; write a persuasive letter to their MP using causal conjunctions.
Additional skills to teach or revisit
Additional Year 5 curriculum teaching points
- to use relative clauses
- to use modal verbs
Year 5 vocabulary
Tier two words: dependably, deplete, overreaction, devastate, replenish, exhaust, generate, surplus, convert, sustainable, decompose, campaign
Tier three words: greenhouse gas, emission, renewable, ozone layer, climate, solar power, wind power, hydropower, geothermal energy, biomass, pollutant
Year 5/6 statutory spelling words: environmental, government