📚 Part 1: Understanding Explanation Writing

WALT (We Are Learning To): Write clear explanation paragraphs using topic sentences, linking words, facts, and examples.

What is an explanation paragraph?
An explanation paragraph tells us how or why something happens. It starts with a topic sentence, uses linking words to connect ideas, includes facts and examples, and ends with a concluding sentence.

1. Circle the best topic sentence for explaining "How does a seed grow?"

Seeds are small.

A seed grows into a plant through several important stages.

Plants are green.

2. Tick all the linking words you could use in an explanation:

because

for example

also

happy

first

3. Complete this sentence with a fact about seeds:

Seeds need water and sunlight because _________________________________.

✏️ Part 2: Planning Your Explanation

Graphic Organiser: Use this planner to organise your ideas about "How does a seed grow?"

Topic Sentence:

Linking Words (choose 3 from the word bank):

Facts (write 2 facts about seed growth):

Examples (give 1 example):

Conclusion:

Linking Word Bank: first, because, for example, also, then, next, finally, in addition

Sentence Starters:
• A seed grows by...
• First, the seed needs...
• For example, when...
• This shows that...

🌱 Part 3: Write Your Explanation

Using your graphic organiser, write your explanation paragraph about "How does a seed grow?"

Extension Activity (Advanced Learners):
Write a second paragraph explaining what happens after the plant grows. Use more complex linking words like "consequently," "especially," or "in addition."

Self-Assessment Checklist: Tick when complete:

I started with a clear topic sentence

I included facts and examples

I used linking words like "because," "for example," and "also"

I grouped related information together

I checked my writing for clarity and punctuation