Information Reports and Facts (KS1–KS2)

Structure

Title – a clear topic name.
Introduction – say what the report is about.
Subheadings – divide information into parts or categories.
Facts and details – include definitions, short facts and examples.
Conclusion or fact-box – a short summary or an interesting final fact.

A good information report helps the reader learn quickly. Use headings, short paragraphs and simple language.

Language

Use the present tense for facts: Penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere.
Use technical words with simple explanations (e.g. habitat — the place where an animal lives).
Use third person and a factual tone — avoid 'I' or 'we'.
Keep sentences short and use bullet points for quick facts.

Model — short report

Title: The Giant Panda

Introduction

The giant panda is a large bear that lives mainly in China. This report explains where pandas live, what they eat and why they are special.

Habitat

Pandas live in cool, mountain forests. Their habitat contains lots of bamboo, which is their main food.

Diet

Pandas eat bamboo almost all the time. Adult pandas may eat 20–40 kg of bamboo each day (KS2 note: explain what kg means if needed).

Fact box: Giant pandas are classified as a vulnerable species — this means they need help to survive in the wild.

Try It

Choose an animal or a place (e.g. 'Desert').
- Write a short introduction (2 sentences).
- Add two subheadings (e.g. 'Habitat' and 'Food').
- Under each subheading write 2–3 short facts.
Add a small fact box with one important final fact or a picture label.

Tip: Use a simple diagram with labels (e.g. a labelled drawing of the animal) — it helps readers remember facts.

Planning template

Use this simple plan before writing:

Title: (What will your report be called?)
Intro (1–2 sentences): (Say what the report is about)
Subheading 1: (2 short facts)
Subheading 2: (2 short facts)
Fact box / conclusion: (1 final interesting fact)

Diagrams & labels

A simple labelled diagram or picture helps readers. Keep labels short and draw arrows to the part you name. Example: label the main body parts of an insect (head, thorax, abdomen).

Quick source note (KS2)

When older pupils use facts from books or websites, teach them to write a simple source line: e.g. "Fact from National Geographic Kids" or "Source: School library book 'The Desert'". This helps them learn to check where facts come from.