Real Writing Year 6 - Unit 17
The Pros and Cons of Plastic, by Anita Loughrey
Curriculum links: Geography (the environment); D&T (materials)
Unit overview
This writing unit for Year 6 is built around an original model text by Anita Loughrey - a discursive text about the use of plastic. 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 use the model text to identify arguments both for and against the widespread use of plastic, and use this information to write their own discursive text about the use of plastic or another topical issue. This unit could be used within a topic based on materials or environmental issues.
Key curriculum skills
Two fully resourced lesson plans are included for Year 6 English objectives:
1. Vocabulary: To know how words are related by meaning as antonyms
Pupils will: understand what is meant by the term ‘antonym’; identify antonyms; find antonyms for given words; match antonyms; create sentences using antonyms.
2. Grammar: To link ideas across paragraphs using a wider range of cohesive devices
Pupils will: visit previously taught grammar vocabulary; understand what is meant by ‘cohesion’ and why it is important in writing; identify cohesive devices; write a paragraph using cohesive devices.
Revisited skills
- using parenthesis
- relative clauses
Additional year 6 curriculum teaching points
- the use of colons to introduce lists
- the use of bullet points
Year 6 words: featured vocabulary
Tier two words: versatile, vital, biodegradable, seep, disposable
Year 6 spellings: convenience, vehicle, suggest