Text types | Year 4 | Grasp English

💡Understand

Non-fiction can take many forms — a report, an explanation, a set of instructions — each with its own PURPOSE. Poetry often uses rhythm, rhyme, and figurative language to create feeling in fewer words than prose.

“Non-fiction (report): 'Rainfall this month reached 80mm, the highest recorded in a decade.' Poetry: 'The rain fell soft, like whispered secrets, / tapping gently on the glass.'”

The report gives precise, factual information with a clear purpose (informing). The poem uses figurative language ('whispered secrets') and rhythm to create a FEELING about rain, rather than stating plain facts.

🔍Spot it

What type of non-fiction, or is this poetry?

Question 1

"To plant a seed: 1. Dig a small hole. 2. Place the seed inside. 3. Cover with soil and water."

💡 This gives clear steps in order — instructions, a form of non-fiction.

Question 2

"The moon hangs like a silver coin, / dropped by careless hands into the dark."

💡 This uses a simile ('like a silver coin') and poetic rhythm — poetry.

Question 3

"Volcanoes form when magma rises through cracks in the Earth's crust."

💡 This explains HOW something happens — an explanation text.

🧠Think about it

Why might a poem about rain use far fewer words than a non-fiction report about rainfall, while still creating a strong impression?

✍️Try it

What type of non-fiction, or is this poetry?

Bees communicate through a special dance that tells other bees where to find flowers.

Question 1

What type of writing is this?

💡 This explains HOW bees communicate — that's an explanation text.

📝Practise

Identify the type of text in each example.

Question 1

"Yesterday, our class visited the science museum and saw a real rocket."

Question 2

"The wind whispers through golden leaves, / autumn's quiet lullaby."

Question 3

"1. Preheat the oven. 2. Mix the ingredients. 3. Bake for 20 minutes."

Question 4

In one word, what does poetry often use to create feeling in fewer words than prose?

💡 It's one of the poetic tools named in the Understand section.

Question 5

"Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy."

Question 6

"Stars scatter like spilled sugar / across the velvet night."

🎯Apply

Read the passage, then answer the questions below.

Migration is the journey animals make, often over long distances, to find better weather, food or safer places to raise their young. Some birds travel thousands of miles between seasons.

Question 1

What type of text is this?

💡 This explains WHAT migration is and WHY it happens.

Question 2

Why do animals migrate, according to the passage?

Question 3

How far can some birds travel, according to the passage? (one word answer, e.g. 'thousands')

💡 It's mentioned in the final sentence.

🏆Challenge

Can you write two lines of poetry about the sea, using at least one simile or metaphor?

🔄Review

A quick mastery check — 3 questions.

Question 1

"The Earth's core is extremely hot, reaching temperatures similar to the surface of the Sun."

Question 2

"Snowflakes drift like tiny dancers, / spinning softly to the ground."

Question 3

Why might poetry use figurative language rather than plain, factual statements?