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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. Penguins are flightless. ___, they cannot fly. (Furthermore / Consequently / For example / In other words) → In other wordsPrompt: Read both sentences. What does the second one do?
  2. The road was icy. Consequently, the buses were cancelled. What job does "Consequently" do? (adds another point / gives an example / shows a result / explains in other words) → shows a resultPrompt: Read what comes straight after the linking phrase.
  3. Choose the linking phrase that fits best. The river flooded the fields. ___, the farmers could not plant their crops. (In addition / For instance / As a result / In other words) → As a resultPrompt: 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. We have looked at the costs and the benefits. ___, a school garden would be worth it. (Likewise / Overall / For example / However) → OverallPrompt: Does the second sentence disagree, give an example, show something similar, add a point, or sum up?
  2. Trains are fast. On the other hand, buses stop closer to home. What does "On the other hand" signal? (contrast / example / similarity / summing up) → contrastPrompt: 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. Frogs lay eggs in water. Similarly, toads return to ponds to breed. What does "Similarly" signal? (contrast / example / similarity / summing up) → similarityPrompt: 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. (Similarly / However / In conclusion / 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

    Many fruits contain vitamin C. For instance, kiwis are full of it. What does "For instance" signal?

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

  2. Question 2

    Choose the transition that fits best. We have looked at the costs and the benefits. ___, a school garden would be worth it.

    • A. Overall
    • B. Likewise
    • C. For example
    • D. However

  3. Question 3

    Spiders spin webs to catch food. Likewise, some caterpillars use silk. What does "Likewise" signal?

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

  4. Question 4

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

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

  5. Question 5

    Dogs need daily walks. However, cats are happy indoors. What does "However" signal?

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

  6. Question 6

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

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

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

  1. 1. B. example

  2. 2. A. Overall

  3. 3. C. similarity

  4. 4. D. For instance

  5. 5. A. contrast

  6. 6. A. In addition