KS2 English textbook

Chapter 12: Writing non-fiction, cohesion and layout

  • Strand Composition
  • Level Year 5
  • Practice 90 questions with step-by-step solutions

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 2 English, Year 5. Content: Write non-fiction: a report, a persuasive text, and formal and informal letters, using an appropriate register (WC-Y5c), Link paragraphs with adverbials, pronouns and ellipsis (G5-8), Avoid ambiguity in writing (G5-9), Use layout devices: headings, sub-headings, bullet points and underlining (G5-10, WC5), Summarise a longer passage in writing, as a precis (WC-Y5d); evaluate and edit writing (WC6), Proof-read for spelling and punctuation (WC8); write legibly with joined handwriting (HW), practised on paper with a grown-up.

Open Year 5 chapter

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Choose a form and a register that fit the reader and the purpose
  • Write a formal or informal letter with the right greeting and sign-off
  • Link paragraphs so that the text flows
  • Choose words and layout so the meaning is clear
  • Summarise a passage in a few sentences
  • Proof-read and correct a short piece of writing

You should already know

  • Non-fiction, headings and bullet points (Year 4, Chapter 12)
  • Writing for a reader and a purpose (Chapter 11 of this book)

Where this leads

  • Year 5 English is complete after this chapter; Year 6 English follows in its own book

Lessons in this chapter

  1. 12.1 Non-fiction forms: report and persuasive text
  2. 12.2 Formal and informal letters and register
  3. 12.3 Cohesion: linking paragraphs with adverbials, pronouns and ellipsis
  4. 12.4 Avoiding ambiguity and proof-reading
  5. 12.5 Layout devices and summarising as a precis
  6. 12.6 Evaluating, editing and handwriting
  7. Summary and key words
  8. Check-up and practice test questions

Read the whole chapter on one page (good for printing).

Practise with real exam questions

The DfE publishes every past KS2 test, with mark schemes, for free.

KS2 English past papers