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Informative Writing Features

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Informative Writing Features

Read the mini-article about glow-worms. Then investigate its structure and language before planning your own informative paragraph.

Read: Glow-worms in Aotearoa

Glow-worms are tiny creatures known for the natural light they produce. In Aotearoa, they are often seen in damp caves, sheltered banks and shady forest places. The larvae make sticky threads that hang down like fine fishing lines. They produce light from their bodies, and the glow can attract small insects into the threads. Glow-worms need moist surroundings, so bright lights, noise and damage to their habitat can disturb them. Visitors can help by following local rules and leaving the natural environment as they found it.

1.What is the main purpose of the article? Choose the best answer.

To entertain readers with a made-up cave adventure
To inform readers about glow-worms and how to protect their habitat
To persuade readers to keep glow-worms as pets
To explain how to make a glowing fishing line

2.Which sentence works best as the introduction because it names the topic and gives a clear starting point?

Glow-worms are the larvae of small flies found in New Zealand and Australia.
They produce light from their bodies.
Visitors can help by following local rules.
The glow can attract small insects into the threads.

3.Match each part of an informative text with its usual job.

Introduction
Body paragraphs
Conclusion

Develop the topic with facts and explanations
Brings the main ideas together or leaves a final message
Names the topic and gives readers a starting point

4.In the article, what does the word “They” refer to in “They produce light from their bodies”?

5.Choose the linking phrase that best completes the sentence: “The larvae make sticky threads. ________, their light can attract small insects into them.”

For example
In addition
Instead
At first

6.Identify two details from the article that are factual rather than personal opinions.

7.Rewrite this opinion as a clear, factual sentence: “Glow-worms are the coolest creatures ever, and caves are totally magical!”

8.Which sentence is the strongest topic sentence for a paragraph about where glow-worms live?

Glow-worms need damp, sheltered places to live.
I once went into a cave with my family.
The forest was dark and a little spooky.
Glow-worms are more interesting than beetles.

9.Put these ideas in a logical order for an informative paragraph by writing 1, 2 and 3 beside them: explain that glow-worms make sticky threads; introduce what glow-worms are; explain how the glow attracts insects.

10.Plan a short informative paragraph about a New Zealand animal or natural feature. Write a topic sentence, add two related facts, and finish with a linking or concluding sentence. Use factual language.