Explanation

Reading Text: Glaciers Guided Reading

Grade 5

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Identify the structure of an explanation text in writing.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the features of an

explanation text.

3. Explain the language used in an explanation.

4. Construct a summary chart of an explanation .

Instruction & Timeframe

In this lesson you will read an Explanation text.

The following documents are attached to help you complete the tasks.

1. PowerPoint presentation.

2. Reading text ‘ Glaciers’( Attachment 1 )

3. Worksheets that needs to be completed and submitted by the 15th

of May (Attachment 2)

What is an Explanation ?

An Explanation is a text written in the form of a detailed description ,which outlines how something occurs or is made. Its purpose is to inform the reader.

Structure Of An Explanation The structure of an explanation text includes:i. Title ii. Statement: The subject of the explanation is stated and may be

defined.iii. Explanation: A clear account of the events is given, often

supported by diagrams or illustration.iv. Description : The components ,operation, application and special

features are explained ,often supported by diagrams or illustrations

v. Conclusion: A comment about the content of the report may be included.

Linguistic Features Of An Explanation

It uses the following language features :

Subject – specific terms and technical vocabulary where appropriate .

Present tense and action verbs e.g.: repeats ,cool, becomes etc.

Activity 1: READING Instruction: 1. Read the text Glaciers (refer to Attachment 1)2. Attempt the activities that follow in the worksheets provided (refer to Attachment 2)

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Planning An Explanation Instruction :Complete the following activities .Activity:2 Topic Sentence

A topic sentence is a sentence that introduces a paragraph by presenting what the paragraph will be about .

Example of a Topic Sentence: Glaciers form over thousands of years.(page 2)

Complete the topic sentences of these sub heading. (Refer to text) Continental GlaciersValley or Mountain GlaciersAdvance and Retreat Studying Glaciers Glaciers and Ice Ages

Activity 3: Briefly write some Causes and Effects to the following question How Glaciers Move? ( include key points and interesting facts) .

Activity 4: Illustrate a snow crystal .

Activity : 5 Vocabulary study1. Use a dictionary to define the given words.2. Create a table to organise your work neatly.Clarify landforms, impermeable, dense, precipitation, insulated, erosion, glaciers, icebergs, compress, gravity.Word origins hexagonal, accumulation, ablation, attitude, fiord, piedmont ,cirque, moraine, crevasse,

Clarify Meaning

Word Origins

Hexagonal( Greek)

Activity : 6 Glacier ( Answer the following questions)

Literal Comprehension1.What are Glaciers known as?2.Where can Glaciers be found ?3.How long can Glaciers be formed ?4. What is continental Glaciers?Inferential Comprehension 5. Explain how glaciers are shaped? .6. What does a glaciologist do?7. Why do you think a thicker glacier would move faster?.Reflection8. Explain how you would survive if you lived in a place where glaciers formed?9 Imagine polar bears. Do a research to find out how they survive such climatic conditions. Explain why they can stand this climatic condition?

Activity: 7Instruction: Read the passage , underline the simile and box the verbs .

In the atmosphere ,snow crystals ,or snowflakes are tiny

hexagonal shapes like needle or stars. When snow falls on

the ground ,the crystal shapes change as the bits evaporates

off their sharp point .In this way, the crystals are rounded off

and fit more closely together .

The End