A fact file: when, why, where, what
A fact file gives true information in a short, clear way. It has a title and headings, and each heading is a question: When did they start? Where did they find it? Why was it special? What did they make? Under each heading we write one or two short sentences, and we use the past simple for things in the past: Egyptians used copper. They found it in the Sinai desert. We use because and so to give reasons. Choose a material such as clay, copper, gold, glass or stone. Write true facts only, and use a book or ask a teacher if you are not sure. Do not copy the fact file on page 14 of your book.
| Heading | What to write |
|---|---|
| When did they start? | a time: thousands of years ago |
| Where did they find it? | a place |
| Why was it special? | a reason with because or so |
| What did they make? | three things |
Copper in Ancient Egypt
When did they start? Egyptians started to use copper more than 5,000 years ago, before the pyramids.
Where did they find it? They found it in the Sinai desert.
Why was it special? Copper is a red metal. It is soft, so people could shape it easily.
What did they make? They made tools, mirrors and jewellery for their homes.
Fact file workshop. The child chooses clay, glass, gold or stone and finds facts in a book or with a grown-up. They write four question headings and short answers of 60 to 70 words in all, and read the fact file aloud.