Mastering Investigative Writing: Crafting an Expose Article from Documentary Research / Activity Analysis

Core Skills Analysis

English / Literacy

• Developed research skills by extracting relevant information from a documentary source.
• Improved ability to synthesize information and present it clearly in their own words.
• Practiced structuring an expose article, including creating compelling introductions and logical arguments.
• Enhanced vocabulary and understanding of formal and journalistic writing styles.

Media Studies

• Learned to critically engage with documentary content, identifying key messages and biases.
• Gained insight into how documentaries are constructed to convey information and influence opinions.
• Recognized the role of evidence and factual reporting within a journalistic context.
• Understood different purposes of media texts, including informing and exposing issues.

Tips

Encourage your child to extend their research by comparing the documentary with other sources like news articles, interviews, or academic papers to deepen understanding and evaluate different perspectives. They could also practice interviewing someone knowledgeable about the topic to add original insight to their expose article. To build critical thinking, have them identify the documentary's purpose and possible bias, then write a reflective paragraph about these aspects. Lastly, presenting their article to family or friends can improve communication skills and confidence, while also opening opportunities for constructive feedback.

Book Recommendations

• Writing Nonfiction: A Guide for Writers and Students by Philip Gerard: A clear and practical guide to crafting nonfiction, including journalistic styles like expose writing, tailored to young learners.
• The Kid's Guide to Investigative Journalism by Janine Fink: Introduces children to investigative journalism through examples and activities, ideal for understanding how to research and write exposés.
• You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One) by Jeff Goins: Encourages young writers to develop their voice and writing habits, with tips applicable to creating compelling articles.

Learning Standards

• English KS2 Writing: Plan, draft, and write by selecting appropriate grammar and vocabulary (National Curriculum: English, Years 5 & 6).
• English KS2 Reading: Retrieve and record information from nonfiction texts (National Curriculum: English, Years 5 & 6).
• Media Studies KS2: Understand the purposes and techniques of different media forms.

Try This Next

• Worksheet prompting students to identify key facts, opinions, and emotional appeals within a documentary.
• Writing prompt: Compose a follow-up interview script as if they were journalists following up on their expose.

Growth Beyond Academics

This activity supports growth in independence and critical thinking as the student navigates researching and organizing complex information. It also fosters confidence through creative expression and communication. There may be occasional frustration managing the abundance of information, offering valuable opportunities to develop perseverance and problem-solving skills.