Checkpoint 8 · Paper 1 writing (non-fiction)

Non-Chronological Reports and Informational Texts — Writing Pack

How to write an organised, factual information report for Paper 1: features, subheadings, paragraph-by-paragraph structure, useful phrases, vocabulary and a strong 350+ word sample.

British & IGCSE › Checkpoint 8 English (Cambridge Lower Secondary 0861)

A non-chronological report (also called an informational text or information report) gives the reader organised facts about a topic: an animal, a place, a plant, an invention, a sport, a festival, an object. It is called 'non-chronological' because the information is not written in time order. Instead, it is grouped into sections by theme, each with its own subheading. Paper 1 tasks that ask you to 'inform', 'describe and explain' or write an 'information page/booklet/fact file' are asking for exactly this skill.

1. What is a non-chronological report?

Question	Answer
Purpose	To inform — to give clear, accurate, well-organised facts so that the reader understands a topic.
Audience	Usually readers who know little about the topic: visitors, younger students, readers of an information booklet, a school website or an encyclopaedia-style page.
Tone	Formal and objective. No personal opinions (unless the task asks for an evaluation section at the end).
Voice and tense	Third person. Mainly the present simple for general facts (Camels store fat in their humps). Past tense only for history. Future forms only for predictions.
Where it appears	Paper 1 Non-fiction, Section B Writing. Information texts are a framework text type. Descriptive/informative tasks (for example, describing and explaining an object, a place or an activity) have been set.

Exam fact	What it means for you
Paper	Paper 1 Non-fiction (Stage 8 Progression Test and Checkpoint 0861 have the same format).
Paper length	1 hour 10 minutes for the whole paper: Section A Reading (25 marks) + Section B Writing (25 marks).
Writing time	About 35 minutes is suggested for Section B (some 2023 papers said 30 minutes).
Number of tasks	One extended writing task. There is a planning space. Planning is not marked, but it saves marks.
This genre	An information text / non-chronological report can appear as the Section B task, or its skills are needed inside other informative tasks (a fact file, an entry for an information booklet, a 'describe and explain' competition entry).

Chronological or non-chronological?

	Chronological texts	Non-chronological report
Order	Time order: first, next, then, finally	Grouped by topic: appearance, habitat, diet, uses
Examples	Recount, diary, biography, newspaper report, instructions	Information report, fact file, encyclopaedia entry
Typical tense	Past (recount) or imperative (instructions)	Present simple
Connectives	Time connectives: later, after that	Adding and comparing: furthermore, similarly, however, in contrast

How your report is marked (25 marks)

Category	Marks	Bands	What the top band needs in THIS genre
Creation of texts (content & purpose)	5	[1] [2] [3] [4–5]	All parts of the task covered with well-chosen, developed facts and examples. Consistently informative and objective. The reader learns something and stays interested.
Vocabulary and language	3	[1] [2] [3]	Precise subject-specific (technical) vocabulary used accurately and explained where needed (habitat, adaptation, species, pollinate).
Structure of texts (text structure)	7	[1] [2–3] [4–5] [6–7]	Clear title, introduction, logical sections with subheadings and topic sentences, links between sections, and a conclusion that sums up — never a list of random facts.
Grammar and punctuation (sentence structure, punctuation & grammar)	7	[1] [2–3] [4–5] [6–7]	Varied sentences (complex sentences with subordinate and relative clauses, passive voice), consistent present tense, accurate commas, colons for lists, brackets/dashes for extra information.
Word structure (spelling)	3	[1] [2] [3]	Technical and ambitious words spelt correctly (environment, temperature, nutritious, approximately).

Marking rules you must know

The examiner uses 'best fit': each category is judged on its own, starting from the lowest band.
20 words or fewer scores 0. Between 21 and 60 words can score no more than 7 marks in total — so always finish a full piece.
Writing the wrong text type is expensive: in recent mark schemes Creation is capped at 1 and Structure is capped (at 3, or 2 if the content is also wrong).
Your plan is not marked, but students who plan for 4–5 minutes almost always score higher in Structure.

2. Features of a non-chronological report

Feature	Why it is used	Example
Clear, specific title	Tells the reader exactly what the report covers	Weak: Camels. Strong: The Camel: Survivor of the Desert
Introduction / opening general statement	Hooks the reader and says what the report will cover	Found in every Egyptian city, the humble bicycle is… This report will examine…
Subheadings	Organise the facts into sections by theme	Habitat · Appearance · Diet · Threats
Topic sentence at the start of each section	Tells the reader what the paragraph is about	Camels are perfectly adapted to life in the desert.
Facts, figures and examples	Make the report accurate and informative	A thirsty camel can drink more than 100 litres of water in about ten minutes.
Present simple tense	Facts that are generally true	The Nile flows north into the Mediterranean.
Third person, formal	Objective and impersonal — no I, no you	Visitors often notice… / It is estimated that…
Technical vocabulary	Shows expert knowledge	species, habitat, nocturnal, irrigation, export
Generalisations	Talk about the whole group, not one example	Most, many, some, typically, usually
Comparisons	Help the reader picture size or scale	about the height of a six-storey building
Passive voice	Focuses on the topic, sounds formal	Dates are harvested in autumn.
Interesting fact box (optional)	Engages the reader with something surprising	Did you know? A camel's hump stores fat, not water.
Conclusion	Sums up the key points and the topic's importance	In summary, the camel remains…
Diagrams/images (optional in real texts)	Support the facts visually. Not needed in the exam	—

Do not invent impossible facts

In the exam you may not know exact figures. You can use careful language instead of inventing wild numbers: approximately, around, more than, up to, it is estimated that, typically. A believable report scores higher in Creation than one full of obviously false statistics.

3. How to structure a non-chronological report

Part	What to write	Tips
Title	Short, clear and specific, can include a colon and a subtitle	The Red Sea Coral Reef: A World Under the Water
Introduction (no subheading)	1) a general statement that hooks the reader. 2) a short definition or classification. 3) what the report will cover	Do not give all the details yet — preview them
Section 1 + subheading	Where it is found / what it is (location, size, classification)	Topic sentence, then 3–4 supporting facts
Section 2 + subheading	Appearance / main features / how it works	Use comparisons and precise adjectives
Section 3 + subheading	Uses / behaviour / importance to people	Explain why it matters. Examples
Section 4 + subheading	Threats / challenges / the future (if relevant)	Cause and effect connectives
Interesting facts (optional)	One or two surprising facts	Keep it short — 1–2 sentences
Conclusion	Summarise without repeating everything. Restate importance. End with a thought or a look to the future	In summary… / Looking ahead…

The sections always depend on the task. If the task asks you to explain 'what it is, how it is used and why it is special', those three points become your three subheadings. Choose categories that fit the topic: an animal needs habitat and diet, a festival needs history and traditions, an invention needs how it works and its impact.

Subheading banks (choose 3–4)

Animal: Habitat · Appearance · Diet and Hunting · Life Cycle · Threats and Protection
Place: Location and Climate · History · Main Attractions · Daily Life · The Future
Object or invention: What It Is · How It Works · How It Is Used · Why It Matters
Festival or tradition: Origins · Preparations · How It Is Celebrated · Its Meaning Today
Sport or hobby: History · Rules and Equipment · Skills Needed · Benefits

How to start: five introductions

General statement + preview: Known for its brilliant colours and extraordinary variety of life, the Red Sea coral reef is one of the most remarkable ecosystems on Earth. This report examines where it is found, the creatures that live there and the dangers it faces.
Classification: The fennec fox is the smallest member of the dog family. It is a nocturnal mammal that lives in the sandy deserts of North Africa, including Egypt's Western Desert.
Surprising fact: Every day, millions of people carry a computer more powerful than the one that guided the first astronauts to the Moon: the smartphone.
Scale: Stretching for more than 6,600 kilometres, the Nile is one of the longest rivers in the world and the lifeline of Egypt.
Definition: Ramadan lanterns, known in Egypt as fanous, are decorative lamps that have become one of the best-known symbols of the holy month.

How to end: five conclusions

Summary: In summary, the camel's hump, feet and eyelashes make it perfectly suited to one of the harshest environments on the planet.
Importance: Overall, it is evident that the Nile is not simply a river but the foundation of Egyptian life, past and present.
Future: Looking ahead, the survival of the reef will depend on careful tourism and stronger protection.
Lasting significance: The enduring popularity of the fanous ensures that this tradition will continue to light up Egyptian streets for generations.
Final interesting fact: Remarkably, this tiny fox can survive for long periods without drinking at all, taking almost all the water it needs from its food.

4. Useful phrases and vocabulary

Introduction

Renowned for its [feature], [topic] has fascinated [people] for centuries.
As one of the most significant [things] in [place], [topic] plays a vital role in…
Covering aspects from [A] to [B], this report will explore…
This report examines [topic], including its [section 1], [section 2] and [section 3].

Body sections

Situated in [place], [topic] is known for…
One of the most notable features of [topic] is…
Research indicates that… / It is estimated that…
An important aspect to consider is…
Another significant feature is… / In addition, …
Unlike [other thing], [topic]… / Similarly, …
This allows… / As a result, …

Giving facts carefully

approximately / around / more than / up to [number]
Most [species] typically…
[Topic] is commonly found in…
It is widely believed that…

Conclusion

In summary, …
Overall, it is evident that…
Looking ahead, …
The enduring significance of [topic] ensures that…
Given its [quality], [topic] remains…

Word / phrase	Meaning / use
habitat (n.)	the natural home of a plant or animal
species (n.)	a group of living things of the same kind that can breed together
characteristic (n.)	a typical quality — Thick fur is a characteristic of Arctic mammals.
adaptation (n.) / adapt (v.)	a change that helps something survive / to change in order to survive
predator (n.)	an animal that hunts others for food
climate (n.)	the usual weather conditions of an area over a long time
function (n.)	the purpose something serves
classify (v.)	to arrange into groups by type
distinguish (v.)	to show the difference between things
comprise (v.)	to be made up of — The region comprises three zones.
thrive (v.)	to grow strongly and successfully
inhabit (v.)	to live in a particular place
abundant (adj.)	existing in large quantities
distinctive (adj.)	easy to recognise as different
vulnerable (adj.)	easily harmed or damaged
primarily / typically (adv.)	mainly / usually

5. Strong sample answer

Information report: a plant of Egypt459 words · Strong answer — Creation 5/5 · Vocabulary 3/3 · Structure 7/7 · Grammar & punctuation 7/7 · Spelling 3/3

Task: Your school is producing an information booklet for international visitors called 'Discover Egypt'. Write an informative report about one plant, animal or place found in Egypt. You should include: • what it is and where it can be found • its main features • why it is important to people.

The Date Palm: Egypt's Tree of Life

Tall, graceful and remarkably tough, the date palm has been part of Egyptian life for thousands of years. Images of it appear on the walls of ancient tombs, and today it still lines the banks of the Nile, the streets of cities and the edges of desert oases. This report examines where date palms grow, their main features, their many uses and the challenges they face.

Where Date Palms Grow

Date palms thrive in hot, dry climates with plenty of sunshine. Although they need very little rain, they cannot survive without water underground, which is why they are typically found near rivers, wells and oases. In Egypt, they are grown across the Nile Valley and the Delta, as well as in desert oases such as Siwa and Bahariya. Remarkably, Egypt is one of the largest producers of dates in the world.

Appearance and Growth

A mature date palm can grow to about twenty metres in height — roughly the height of a six-storey building — and it has a single, rough trunk covered in the bases of old leaves. Long, feather-shaped fronds spread out from the top like a giant umbrella. One of the most distinctive characteristics of the species is that male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Only female trees produce fruit, so farmers often climb the trunks by hand to pollinate the flowers. A healthy tree can produce more than seventy kilograms of dates each year and may keep fruiting for decades.

Uses and Importance

Almost every part of the palm is useful. The fruit is nutritious: it is rich in natural sugar, fibre and minerals such as potassium. Dates are eaten fresh, dried or pressed into paste for sweets, and many families break their fast with them during Ramadan. In addition, the fronds are woven into baskets and mats, the strong central ribs are made into crates and furniture, and the fibres are twisted into rope. In villages, trunks have traditionally been used as roof beams.

Threats and Protection

Despite its toughness, the date palm is vulnerable. The red palm weevil, a beetle whose larvae feed inside the trunk, can kill a tree before any damage is visible from the outside. Shortages of water and the spread of cities onto farmland are further challenges. As a result, farmers are now encouraged to inspect their trees regularly, and new varieties are being tested in research centres.

In summary, the date palm is far more than a source of sweet fruit; it is a provider of food, materials and income for millions of Egyptians. Given its long history and its ability to survive where few other trees can, it is likely to remain a symbol of Egypt for generations to come.

Why this gets the marks

Creation 5/5 — all three task bullets are covered under their own subheadings (Where Date Palms Grow. Appearance and Growth. Uses and Importance) and developed with specific facts and examples. An extra section (Threats and Protection) adds depth. The voice is consistently informative and objective, and suits international visitors.
Vocabulary 3/3 — accurate subject vocabulary (thrive, oases, mature, species, pollinate, varieties, larvae, nutritious) and careful factual language (typically, more than, may keep fruiting) that sounds expert without inventing wild figures.
Structure 7/7 — specific title with a colon and subtitle. Introduction with a general statement, background and a preview of the sections. Each section starts with a topic sentence. Facts are grouped by theme, not by time. The conclusion sums up and looks to the future.
Structure — cohesion: linking words inside and between sections (Although, In addition, Despite, As a result, In summary) and the introduction's preview matches the order of the subheadings.
Grammar & punctuation 7/7 — consistent present simple for facts, past only for history. Passive voice (are woven, are being tested, have been used). Relative clauses (which is why…, whose larvae feed…). A pair of dashes for extra information (the building comparison). A colon introducing an explanation (The fruit is nutritious: …). A semicolon joining two related independent clauses in the conclusion. List commas used accurately.
Spelling 3/3 — technical and ambitious words spelt correctly: graceful, characteristics, pollinate, nutritious, potassium, vulnerable, varieties.

What makes this sample 'non-chronological'?

Look at the order: location → appearance → uses → threats. None of these follows time. The writer could swap two sections and the report would still make sense — that is the test of a non-chronological text. Notice too that there is no 'I' and no 'you' anywhere in the report.

Timing plan for Section B (about 35 minutes)

Minutes	What to do
0–4	Underline genre, audience, purpose and every bullet. Turn each bullet into a subheading.
4–6	Under each subheading jot 3–4 facts, one comparison and one technical word.
6–30	Write the title, introduction, 3–4 sections and conclusion (about 350–450 words).
30–35	Check: present tense? no I/you? subheadings? spelling of technical words? a conclusion?

6. Common mistakes

Mistake	Why it costs marks	Fix
Writing in time order ('First the seed grows, then…') for the whole piece	That is a chronological text, not a non-chronological report	Group facts by theme under subheadings
Using 'I love camels' or 'You should visit'	Breaks the objective tone	Third person: 'Camels are popular with visitors because…'
Subheadings with only one sentence underneath	Ideas not developed (Creation, Structure)	Topic sentence + 3–4 supporting facts each
A list of random facts with no links	Weak cohesion	Use connectives: in addition, similarly, as a result, however
No introduction or conclusion	Structure marks drop	Hook + preview at the start. Summary + future at the end
Mixing past and present for general facts	Grammar errors	Present simple for facts that are always true
Impossible statistics	Reader stops trusting the text	Use approximately, more than, up to

Checklist before you finish

A clear, specific title (try a colon + subtitle).
An introduction with a hook, a short definition and a preview of the sections.
3–4 subheadings that match the task bullets, each with a topic sentence.
Facts grouped by theme — not in time order.
Present simple, third person, formal — no I, no you.
At least five technical/topic words, used accurately.
Complex sentences, passive voice, and a colon, a pair of dashes or brackets used correctly.
A conclusion that sums up the importance of the topic.

سر الدرجة النهائية في التقرير غير الزمني

حوّل كل نقطة في السؤال لعنوان فرعي (subheading)، وتحت كل عنوان اكتب جملة رئيسية وبعدها ٣ أو ٤ معلومات.
رتب المعلومات حسب الموضوع (المكان، الشكل، الاستخدامات، المخاطر) مش حسب الوقت.
اكتب بالمضارع البسيط وبضمير الغائب، وممنوع I أو you أو رأيك الشخصي.
لو مش متأكد من رقم استخدم approximately أو more than بدل ما تخترع رقم غريب.

Practice tasks

Task 1: Your school website is creating a 'Wildlife of Egypt' page. Write an information report about an animal that lives in Egypt. Include: where it lives, what it looks like and how it is adapted to its environment, any dangers it faces. Write a title, an introduction and a plan with subheadings.
Show answer
Title: The Fennec Fox: Small Survivor of the Sahara. Introduction: The fennec fox is the smallest member of the dog family, a nocturnal mammal of North Africa's deserts, including Egypt's Western Desert. This report examines its habitat, its remarkable adaptations and the threats it faces. Subheadings: Habitat (sandy desert, burrows, hot days and cold nights) · Appearance and Adaptations (huge ears release heat and hear prey under the sand, thick fur on the feet, gets water from food) · Diet (insects, small rodents, plants) · Threats (habitat loss, capture for the pet trade). Conclusion: summary + why protecting it matters.
Task 2: Which of these sentences belong in a non-chronological report? Correct the others. (a) I think the pyramids are amazing. (b) The Great Pyramid was built for the pharaoh Khufu. (c) You will love the view from the top. (d) Camels are able to close their nostrils during sandstorms.
Show answer
(b) and (d) are suitable (factual, third person). (a) Rewrite: The pyramids attract millions of visitors every year. (c) Rewrite: The view from the plateau is one of the most photographed in Egypt. Both rewrites remove I/you and opinion.
Task 3: Turn this time-ordered note into non-chronological subheadings: 'In the morning bees leave the hive, then they collect nectar, later they make honey, and in winter they stay inside.'
Show answer
Possible subheadings: The Hive and the Colony · Collecting Nectar · How Honey Is Made · Surviving the Winter · Why Bees Matter to People. The facts are now grouped by topic rather than by time of day.
Task 4: Improve this weak introduction: 'This report is about the Nile. The Nile is a river. It is long.'
Show answer
Stretching for more than 6,600 kilometres, the Nile is one of the longest rivers in the world and has supported life in Egypt for thousands of years. This report examines its course, its importance to farming and transport, and the challenges it faces today. (Hook + classification + preview.)

All pages in this course

Start here: the exam

Reading: grammar & punctuation

Reading: understanding texts

Paper 1 writing: non-fiction

Paper 2 writing: fiction