1. This project and its actions were made possible due to co-financing by the European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals Explanation writing Black and white cards Subject:English Age groups:8 – 11, 12 – 14, 15 – 16, 17 - 18 Topic:Non-fiction writing EAL Nexus resource Licence information | This resource is free to use for educational purposes. © British Council 2014 Source | This resource was originally developed by Charlotte Hurley and has been adapted by EAL Nexus.

2. Topic sentence Explanation: key term

3. Technical language Explanation: key term

4. Causal words and phrases Explanation: key term

5. Paragraph Explanation: key term

6. Logical steps Explanation: key term

7. Formal language Explanation: key term

8. Passive voice Explanation: key term

9. Time words and phrases Explanation: key term

10. Phases Explanation: key term

11. Components Explanation: key term

12. Process Explanation: key term

13. Present tense Explanation: key term

14. Diagram Explanation: key term

15. Past tense Explanation: key term

16. Illustration Explanation: key term

17. The first sentence of a paragraph that introduces the topic or subject of that paragraph Definition

18. Words and phrases used to connect two things that happen where the second part happens as a result of the first Definition

19. Language used when conversational language (such as slang) isn’t suitable. Standard English is used, with correct grammar and punctuation. Definition

20. A drawing that accompanies writing to help understanding - often labelled and showing how something works Definition

21. Drawings or pictures that show items mentioned in the text Definition

22. Smaller parts of a larger machine or electrical item Definition

23. The separate stages of a process / explanation Definition

24. Used when the focus is on the action. It is not important or not known who or what is performing the action Definition

25. Clear stages of the process ordered in a sensible way Definition

26. Words and phrases to show when and in what order events happen Definition

27. Language relating to the subject of the explanation paragraph Definition

28. A part of a piece of writing that usually deals with one subject, that begins on a new line, and that is made up of one or more sentences. Definition

29. A verb tense used to show an action that is happening now Definition

30. A verb tense used to show an action that is happening now Definition

31. A series of actions, changes or steps that lead to a result Definition

32.  After a plant’s fruit is ripened, its seeds are spread.  Motorcycle engines work in the same way that car engines do. Example

33.  piston, cylinder block, engine;  Petals, stem, stamen Example

34. This causes… when… therefore… because… so… as a result… Example

35. Butterflies go through several changes… ___ ___________________________________________ The female lays an eggs…_________________ ___________________________________________ Larvae emerge from the egg… ____________ ___________________________________________ The caterpillar makes a … _________________ ___________________________________________

36. 1………………… 2 ………………... 3 ………………… Example

37.  ‘is placed’ rather than ‘put’  ‘elevate’ rather than ‘lift’  ‘manufacture’ rather than ‘make’ Example

38.  The wheel is turned  The oxygen is carried  The engine is started Example

39. At first… initially… before… during… at the same time … later on…after… finally… eventually… Example

40.  The heart pumps…  The plant grows … Example

41.  This caused the food supply to run out.  When the volcano erupted… Example

42. Bike: pedal, chain, spokes, wheels, handlebars, seat. Example

44. Life cycle of a frog: egg-laying, fertilisation, hatching, tadpoles form, limbs develop… Example

45.  Build-up of pressure  Magma moves to the surface of the volcano  Gases in magma froth  Magma and gases are released suddenly  Eruption occurs Example