📰 Part 1: Understanding Articles

What is an Article?

Purpose: To inform or share news about a topic or event

Key Features of Articles:

Catchy titles that grab attention

Paragraphs with facts and information

Quotes from people involved

Written in present or past tense

Often includes the 5 W's (Who, What, When, Where, Why)

Example Article Extract:

"Local School Wins Environmental Award"

Greenfield Primary School received the prestigious Green Schools Award yesterday for their outstanding recycling programme. The school has reduced waste by 75% over the past year.

"We're absolutely thrilled," said Principal Sarah Johnson. "The students have worked incredibly hard to make this happen."

The award ceremony took place at the Auckland Town Hall, with over 200 schools competing nationwide.

1. Circle the features you can identify in the example above:

Catchy title

Facts and information

Direct quote

Specific details (time, place, numbers)

📊 Part 2: Understanding Reports

What is a Report?

Purpose: To present factual information clearly and systematically

Key Features of Reports:

Clear headings and subheadings

Numbered or bulleted points

Charts, graphs, or images with labels

Organised sections

Formal, factual language

Conclusion or summary

Example Report Extract:

NATIVE BIRDS OF NEW ZEALAND

1. Introduction

New Zealand is home to many unique native bird species.

2. Flightless Birds

• Kiwi - national bird, nocturnal

• Takahē - large, blue and green

• Kākāpō - world's only flightless parrot

3. Flying Birds

• Tui - distinctive white throat tuft

• Fantail - spreads tail like a fan

2. List three report features you can see in the example:

👤 Part 3: Understanding Biographies

What is a Biography?

Purpose: To tell the true story of a person's life

Key Features of Biographies:

Personal details (birth, family, education)

Life events in chronological order

Important achievements and challenges

Sometimes includes photographs

Written in third person (he, she, they)

Past tense

Example Biography Extract:

Sir Edmund Hillary (1919-2008)

Edmund Hillary was born on 20th July 1919 in Auckland, New Zealand. He grew up on a farm in Tuakau with his parents and two siblings.

As a young man, Hillary developed a love for climbing and adventure. In 1953, he achieved worldwide fame when he became the first person, along with Tenzing Norgay, to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

After his climbing success, Hillary dedicated his life to helping the Sherpa people of Nepal. He built schools and hospitals in remote mountain villages.

3. Fill in the blanks using the biography example:

Edmund Hillary was born in __________ in the year __________. His most famous achievement was climbing __________ in __________. Later in life, he helped the __________ people by building __________ and __________.

🔍 Part 4: Identifying Writing Types

4. Match each text extract with its writing type:

1. "Breaking: Earthquake hits Wellington"

2. "Chapter 1: Early Life - Mozart was born in 1756..."

3. "WEATHER PATTERNS - 1. Temperature Data - 2. Rainfall Measurements"

A. Biography

B. Report

C. Article

5. Think Aloud Activity: How do you identify writing types?

Complete this thinking process:

Step 1: Look at the title/heading - Is it catchy (article), formal (report), or about a person (biography)?

Step 2: Check the structure - Are there bullet points/headings (report), quotes (article), or life events in order (biography)?

Step 3: Consider the purpose - Is it sharing news (article), presenting facts (report), or telling someone's life story (biography)?

6. Practice: Read this text and identify the type and purpose:

"Students Raise $2,000 for Local Animal Shelter"

Year 6 students at Riverside School have successfully raised $2,000 through their month-long fundraising campaign. The money will help provide food and medical care for abandoned animals.

"We wanted to help animals in need," explained student leader Emma Chen. "Every dollar makes a difference."

This is a/an: ________________

The purpose is to: ________________

I know this because: ________________