• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Spotting misleading statistics and graphs; Word choice that reveals a writer's attitude). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. Is the proposed answer correct? A company shows only the three months when its sales rose and leaves out the nine months when they fell. What is this called? → a random sample (yes, it is correct / no, it is not correct) → no, it is not correctPrompt: Ask: how many people or cases is this based on, and who was asked?
2. Is the proposed answer correct? The writer is impressed by the building: "The new library ___ over the square." → looms (yes, it is correct / no, it is not correct) → no, it is not correctPrompt: Decide whether the writer's attitude is positive or negative.
3. Read the question and choose. "Since the new road opened, house prices have risen 10%." Why can't we say the road caused it? (prices may have risen everywhere for other reasons / roads never affect prices / house prices can't rise / 10% is a small number) → prices may have risen everywhere for other reasonsPrompt: Ask: how many people or cases is this based on, and who was asked?

• Read the first lines of a short text aloud and ask what students predict will happen and why.
• Share the objective: Bias and loaded language in reporting. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: Read the question and choose. "The so-called expert claimed the river was safe." What does 'so-called' do?
• Step 1: Bias can hide in loaded words, one-sided selection of sources, omission and framing; neutral reporting describes without judging.
• Step 2: 'So-called' mocks or undermines.
• Step 3: So the answer is: it suggests the writer doubts the person's expertise
• Answer: it suggests the writer doubts the person's expertise
• Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

• Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
• Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.

1. Is the proposed answer correct? A photo of a crowded beach is captioned "Thousands ignore safety advice". The photo was taken before any advice was given. What is the problem? → there is no problem (yes, it is correct / no, it is not correct) → no, it is not correctPrompt: Look for words that judge rather than describe.
2. Read the question and choose. "Officials ADMITTED that the project was over budget." How does 'admitted' differ from 'said'? (it suggests reluctance or wrongdoing / it suggests a joke / it is exactly the same / it suggests pride) → it suggests reluctance or wrongdoingPrompt: Look for words that judge rather than describe.

• Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
• Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

• Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.

1. Read the question and choose. Which rewrite of "The greedy landlord hiked the rent" is most neutral? (The landlord, as usual, cashed in. / The landlord generously adjusted the rent. / The landlord raised the rent by 15%. / The heartless landlord squeezed tenants dry.) → The landlord raised the rent by 15%.Prompt: Look for words that judge rather than describe.
2. Is the proposed answer correct? "Protesters STORMED the town hall to demand cheaper bus fares." Which word is loaded? → fares (yes, it is correct / no, it is not correct) → no, it is not correctPrompt: Look for words that judge rather than describe.

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-10.