Writing Procedures and Information Reports: Year 2 Study Guide
Procedures tell how to do something. Information reports tell about a topic.
A procedure has a title (the goal), a list of materials, and numbered steps in order. Each step begins with a command verb such as cut, mix, place or stir. Examples include recipes, game instructions and craft directions.
An information report describes a topic, such as an animal. It has a title, an opening statement that classifies the topic (A koala is a marsupial), and paragraphs about its appearance, food and habitat, often with a diagram.
Writing a procedure
How to make a paper boat.
One sheet of paper.
1. Fold the paper in half. 2. Fold the corners down. 3. Fold up the edges. 4. Open it out and sail it.
Try it. Is each step clear?
Writing an information report
Choose a topic you can learn about. Make a table of facts, then write them as paragraphs.
| Part | What goes in it | Example: Koalas |
|---|---|---|
| Title | The topic | Koalas |
| Classification | What kind of thing | Koalas are marsupials that live in Australia. |
| Description | How it looks | They have grey fur and big round ears. |
| Food | What it eats | Koalas eat eucalyptus leaves. |
| Habitat | Where it lives | They live in gum trees in eastern Australia. |
Language features
Use present tense in reports (Koalas eat leaves), and command verbs in procedures. Use a precise word, such as 'gently pour', and time words like first, next, then. Check capitals, full stops and spelling. Use headings and a labelled diagram to organise ideas.
Worked examples and common mistakes
Weak step: Do the paper. Better: Fold the paper in half. Common mistakes: skipping materials, steps out of order, writing opinions in a report ('Koalas are cute') and mixing tenses. Test your procedure by letting a friend follow it, and revise the unclear steps.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. Bread, butter and a filling, plus a knife and a plate. 2. 1. Wet the toothbrush. 2. Put a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on it. 3. Emus are large flightless birds that live in Australia.
✨ Key Takeaways
- A procedure has a goal, materials and steps.
- A report classifies and describes a topic.
- Use command verbs in procedures and present tense in reports.
- Test and revise.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- List the materials for making a sandwich.
- Write the first two steps for brushing teeth.
- Write an opening sentence for a report on emus.
Print lined paper for writing →