Introduce pupils in Years 5 and 6 to discursive writing with this KS2 text types resource pack. Pupils will explore a model WAGOLL text about a proposed housing development in the village of Nearsby.
This model demonstrates how to present a balanced discussion, showing arguments for and against an issue, using evidence and examples to support each viewpoint.
Pupils can annotate the text, noticing features such as modal verbs, cohesive devices, adverbial phrases, formal language and rhetorical questions.
Discursive writing provides a structured way to explore controversial topics. Pupils will learn to weigh up opposing arguments, present evidence and reach a considered conclusion. This skill can be applied in letters, debates, articles, leaflets or reports that require a balanced overview of a topic or issue.
What’s included in the pack?
The KS2 discussion writing pack contains:
- Model text – A new housing development, a WAGOLL showing a balanced discussion about a planned development, including arguments for and against with supporting evidence
- Discussion text writing sheet, a PDF with success criteria and examples of UKS2 grammar skills, including cohesive devices, modal verbs, adverbial phrases and formal language
- Discussion topic cards, offering a range of ideas for debates that pupils can research and plan their own discussion texts around
- Discussion text writing plan, a worksheet to guide pupils to structure their text, organise arguments and plan conclusions
- Writing paper, a PDF sheet for pupils to present their finished discussion text
Pupils can use the model text as inspiration, choose their own topic or use the provided debate ideas, and practise presenting balanced arguments in a structured way. They can develop their voice, practise formal writing and learn how to engage a reader using evidence and rhetorical questions.
Curriculum links
This resource supports key English objectives for Years 5 and 6:
- Identify the audience and purpose for writing, selecting the most suitable form
- Use other similar writing as a model to plan and structure their own text
- Show degrees of possibility using modal verbs
- Use cohesive devices to link ideas and paragraphs effectively
With this pack, you can help pupils plan, research and write structured discussion texts, developing skills in reasoning, formal writing and presenting balanced arguments.