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English lesson plan · 5th grade (Year 6 in England) · 30 minutes

Transitions for contrast and examples: however, for instance, similarly

Writing & Editing

CCSS W.5.2.CCCSS W.5.1.CEngland: Y5/6 Writing (cohesion)England: Y5 GPS (adverbials)

Objective and success criteria

Students will: Transitions for contrast and examples: however, for instance, similarly.

  • I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
  • I can explain each step and say why it works.
  • I can check my answer and spot a mistake.

Before and after

Needs first: Linking words to add and explain: in addition, for instance, as a result

Leads to: the next skill in this area.

Materials: A model text, Planning frame, Checklists for editing, Mini whiteboards, A short model text on the board, Printed student sheet (below).

Warm-up · 4 min

  • Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Linking words to add and explain: in addition, for instance, as a result). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
  • Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
  1. Choose the linking phrase that fits best. The river flooded the fields. ___, the farmers could not plant their crops. (For instance / In addition / In other words / As a result) → As a resultPrompt: Read both sentences. What does the second one do?
  2. Our team trained every day. Moreover, we practised at weekends. What job does "Moreover" do? (adds another point / gives an example / shows a result / explains in other words) → adds another pointPrompt: Read what comes straight after the linking phrase.
  3. Choose the linking phrase that fits best. Our school recycles paper. ___, we compost fruit peel from lunch. (For example / Consequently / Furthermore / In other words) → FurthermorePrompt: Read both sentences. What does the second one do?

Hook · 3 min

  • Show two openings to the same piece of writing and ask which makes them want to read on.
  • Share the objective: Transitions for contrast and examples: however, for instance, similarly. Read the success criteria together.

I do: model it · 7 min

  • Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
  • Example: Choose the transition that fits best. Cheetahs are incredibly fast. ___, they get tired after a short sprint.
  • Step 1: Transitions show the reader how the next idea relates to the last one.
  • Step 2: Put it back into the sentence and read it aloud: "Cheetahs are incredibly fast. However, they get tired after a short sprint."
  • Step 3: So the answer is: However
  • Answer: However
  • Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

We do: guided practice · 6 min

  • Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
  • Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
  1. Choose the transition that fits best. Many animals change colour with the seasons. ___, the Arctic fox turns white in winter. (Nevertheless / In conclusion / For instance / However) → For instancePrompt: Does the second sentence disagree, give an example, show something similar, add a point, or sum up?
  2. Spiders spin webs to catch food. Likewise, some caterpillars use silk. What does "Likewise" signal? (contrast / example / similarity / summing up) → similarityPrompt: Read the sentences before and after the transition.

You do: independent practice · 7 min

  • Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
  • Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

Exit ticket · 3 min

  • Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
  1. The hike was long. Nevertheless, we reached the top. What does "Nevertheless" signal? (contrast / example / similarity / summing up) → contrastPrompt: Read the sentences before and after the transition.
  2. Choose the transition that fits best. Cheetahs are incredibly fast. ___, they get tired after a short sprint. (In conclusion / However / Similarly / For instance) → HoweverPrompt: Does the second sentence disagree, give an example, show something similar, add a point, or sum up?

Watch out for

  • Writing everything at once without planning.
  • Editing only spelling and not whether the writing makes sense.

Support and stretch

Support

  • Review first: Linking words to add and explain: in addition, for instance, as a result.
  • Use concrete materials: a model text.
  • Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
  • Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.

Stretch

  • Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
  • Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.

Homework and more practice

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-5.

Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder

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Transitions for contrast and examples: however, for instance, similarly

Name

Date

Score/ 6

  1. Question 1

    Trains are fast. On the other hand, buses stop closer to home. What does "On the other hand" signal?

    • A. contrast
    • B. example
    • C. similarity
    • D. summing up
  2. Question 2

    Choose the transition that fits best. Many animals change colour with the seasons. ___, the Arctic fox turns white in winter.

    • A. For instance
    • B. In conclusion
    • C. Nevertheless
    • D. However
  3. Question 3

    Some metals are magnetic. For example, iron is. What does "For example" signal?

    • A. contrast
    • B. example
    • C. similarity
    • D. summing up
  4. Question 4

    Choose the transition that fits best. Bees help plants by spreading pollen. ___, butterflies carry pollen from flower to flower.

    • A. For instance
    • B. Similarly
    • C. However
    • D. In conclusion
  5. Question 5

    Choose the transition that fits best. Reading improves your vocabulary. ___, it can help you relax.

    • A. In addition
    • B. For instance
    • C. Nevertheless
    • D. However
  6. Question 6

    Overall, the trip was a great success. What does "Overall" signal?

    • A. contrast
    • B. example
    • C. similarity
    • D. summing up

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Answer key: Transitions for contrast and examples: however, for instance, similarly

  1. 1. A. contrast

  2. 2. A. For instance

  3. 3. B. example

  4. 4. B. Similarly

  5. 5. A. In addition

  6. 6. D. summing up