‘I can…write a biography.’
§ I can give an account of someone’s life.
§ I can include an opening statement which introduces the subject, and explains why he/she is known.
§ I can write about significant events and order them chronologically.
§ I can write a closing statement (conclusion) which explains how the person will be remembered, and sometimes give my own opinion.
§ I can refer to named individuals.
§ I can include dates linked to specific events.
§ I can write in the past tense.
§ I can include direct and indirect speech and quotes from other sources.
§ I can write in the 3rd person (impersonal voice).
§ I can include time connectives to link ideas.
§ I can talk about events are anecdotal in style (rather than lists of facts), and engage the reader.
‘I can...write a recount.’
§ I can arrange key events in chronological order using temporal connectives (time phrases/markers), e.g. then, next, after that, finally.
§ I can set the scene in my opening by describing where, when, who and why.
§ I can add details to bring events alive for the reader.
§ I can use a flowchart to plan an effective recount.
§ I can write a closing statement (conclusion) summing up the main points and link back to the introduction, e.g. when I got back I told my Mum…
§ I can write in the past tense.
§ I can use appropriate connectives to signal time passing.
§ I can recount events as they occurred, e.g. I saw a vase…
§ I can sometimes include some personal comment or reflection about the event.
§ I can write in the past tense.
§ I can consistently write in the first or third person.
§ I can use time connectives e.g. next, meanwhile, within hours, soon afterwards, weeks later, etc.
§ I can sometimes use quotations.
‘I can…write an argument.’
§ I can argue the case for a particular point of view, to persuade others.
§ I can present an argument with information from differing viewpoints
§ I can write a statement of the issue plus a preview of the main arguments.
§ I can give arguments for, plus supporting evidence.
§ I can give arguments against, plus supporting evidence.
§ I can make a recommendation – summary and conclusion.
§ I can write in simple present tense.
§ I can use logical connectives, e.g. therefore, however.
§ I can use emotive language may be used to engage interest or persuade the reader.
§ I can turn the title into a question, e.g. Should we hunt whales?
§ I can open the argument by introducing the reader to the discussion – I may add why I am debating the issue.
§ I can try to see the argument from both sides.
§ I can support my views with reasons and evidence.
§ I can give a reason for my decision in my conclusion.
§ I can check that I have been fair to both sides when I am trying to present a balanced viewpoint.
§ I can begin with a question or state a point of position.
§ I can start with a clear presentation of the point to be argued, e.g. vegetables are good for you
§ I can write an introduction may sometimes include a summary of points to be raised.
§ I can add details to provide strong evidence for the point being made e.g. They contain vitamins. Vitamins C is vital for…
‘I can…write a persuasive text.’
§ I can write in the simple present tense.
§ I can use emotive language (strong adjectives).
§ I can write in non-chronological order.
§ I can use logical conjunctions eg. ‘this, shows’, ‘moreover’, ‘therefore’, ‘furthermore’
§ I can use punctuation for persuasive effect eg. ! ?
§ I can write in a formal tone, but I might feature personal pronouns for persuasive effect (‘you’)
§ I can include a summary and restatement of opening position.
§ I can clearly explain my point of view in an introduction.
§ I can use logical connectives e.g. because, consequently, as a result, however, nevertheless
§ I can include a series of points with elaboration (adding more detail)
§ I can repeat/emphasise key points/repetition as a technique for persuasion.
§ I can exaggerate key points e.g. using adverbs and phrases; clearly, surely, obviously, everyone knows that…
§ I can use flattery eg. surely you realise that … it is obvious that … to persuade the reader
§ I can include catchy names and slogans in advertisements.
§ I can write a clear conclusion or final statement.
‘I can…write a non-chronological report.’
§ I can describe the way things are
§ I can add a title to tell you what the writing is about
§ I can write a general opening, e.g. Sparrows are birds
§ I can write in paragraphs about different aspects of the topic.
§ I can write a description of my chosen topic
§ I can write a concluding statement – an ending comment that may refer back to some of the main points
§ I can generalise, don’t identify one in particular,
§ I can write in impersonal voice (third person)
§ I can use words which generalise
§ I can use relevant technical vocabulary and words specific to the topic
§ I can use descriptive but factual language
§ I can write in the same tense all the way through the report? (past, present or future)
§ I can write the report in an impersonal style
§ I can sometimes include diagrams or illustrations or pictures to help with the report
‘I can…write an explanation text.’
§ I can explain how something works or why something occurs
§ I can write a general statement to introduce the topic,
§ I can write organised around a series of events
§ I can write a series of logical (ordered) steps explaining how or why something occurs, and continue these steps until the explanation is complete
§ I can write in the simple present tense, e.g. go, is, has
§ I can use temporal connectives, e.g. then, next and sometimes use causal connectives, e.g. because, so, this causes, as, thus
§ I can include diagrams to add information
§ I can Formal voice
§ I can use standard English
§ I can write using the impersonal voice (third person)
§ I can include a title to explain what I am writing about
‘I can…write instructions.’
§ I can include a goal or title – a statement of what is to be achieved/needs to be done, e.g. how to make a sponge cake
§ I can write a list of materials/equipment/items needed e.g. 2 eggs, flour
§ I can write sequenced steps on how to achieve the goal e.g. cream the butter and sugar
§ I can include labelled diagrams or illustrations.
§ I can write the steps in a an imperative ‘bossy’ tone,
§ I can write in chronological order, using numbers or time connectives e.g. 1, 2, 3 or later, first, next, after that
§ I can write in second person eg. You will need …
§ I can write in simple present tense
§ I can add detailed factual information and only include necessary detail.
§ I can write using standard English in a formal tone
‘I can…write a discussion.’
§ I can present arguments and information from differing viewpoints.
§ I can often start with a question.
§ I can write a statement of the issue plus an overview of the main arguments.
§ I can argue ‘for’ plus include supporting evidence to back this up in one or several paragraphs and I can argue ‘against’ and include supporting evidence to back this up in one or several paragraphs. I can alternatively, argument/counter argument, one point at a time within the same paragraph.
§ I can make a recommendation – summary and conclusion based on a ‘weighing up’ of the evidence.
§ I can write in the simple present tense.
§ I can identify groups who support/oppose eg. supporters of … believe … Those who criticise … think that …
§ I can write in impersonal voice (third person)
§ I can use logical connectives, e.g. therefore, however
§ I can use technical vocabulary.
§ I can write using standard English in a formal tone.
‘I can…write a newspaper article.’
§ I can write a bold and eye catching headline
§ I can set my work in paragraphs written in columns
§ I can include subheadings
§ I can write in a ‘news style’ with short and informative sentences giving details about who/what/where/when/how
§ I can include quotations
§ I can sometimes include a picture or photograph with a caption
‘I can…write a letter.’
§ I can decide whether the letter is formal or informal and write in the appropriate style.
§ I can put my address in the top right hand corner of the page
§ I can put the date of the letter underneath my address?
§ I can start my letter with Dear… or another type of greeting
§ I can clearly give my reason for writing in the first paragraph
§ I can organise my letter into a clear beginning, middle and end
§ I can use well chosen words to keep the reader interested.
§ I can sign off correctly eg. Yours sincerely, yours faithfully.