• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Choosing the best topic sentence; Citing textual evidence). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. ___ Many apps use bright notifications, endless scrolling and rewards to keep users coming back. Which topic sentence best opens this paragraph? (Scrolling is a word for moving down a page. / Notifications can be turned off in settings. / Phones have screens. / Many apps are deliberately designed to hold our attention.) → Many apps are deliberately designed to hold our attention.Prompt: Read the supporting sentences first. What do they ALL have in common?
2. Topic sentence: "Video calls helped many families stay close while living far apart." Which sentence does NOT belong in this paragraph? (Grandparents could see grandchildren every week. / The first telephone call was made in 1876. / Families shared birthdays on screen. / Cousins in different countries played games together online.) → The first telephone call was made in 1876.Prompt: Reread the topic sentence. What is the paragraph promising to discuss?
3. ___ Some wear school-branded hoodies, others prefer plain jumpers, and a few would happily scrap uniform altogether. Which topic sentence best opens this paragraph? (Uniforms come in many colours. / Jumpers can be washed easily. / Hoodies are warm. / Students have very different views about school uniform.) → Students have very different views about school uniform.Prompt: Read the supporting sentences first. What do they ALL have in common?

• Show two openings to the same piece of writing and ask which makes them want to read on.
• Share the objective: Choosing the detail that best supports a point. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: Point: "Our school canteen should offer more plant-based meals." Which detail best supports this point?
• Step 1: The best support is relevant (about the point) and specific (facts, figures, examples).
• Step 2: Survey evidence directly shows demand for the change.
• Step 3: So the answer is: In a canteen survey, 64% of students said they would choose a vegetarian option at least once a week.
• Answer: In a canteen survey, 64% of students said they would choose a vegetarian option at least once a week.
• 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. Point: "The town needs a pedestrian crossing outside the primary school." Which detail best supports this point? (There have been four near-misses involving children at that spot this year, according to the police. / The school was built in 1962. / The road is called Station Road. / Many parents drive cars.) → There have been four near-misses involving children at that spot this year, according to the police.Prompt: Which detail is directly about the point, not just the same topic?
2. Read the question and choose. Point: "Video games can build useful skills." Which detail is MOST relevant? • Puzzle games require players to plan several steps ahead. • Many games have beautiful music. • The first video game console went on sale in 1972. • Some games are very expensive. (Puzzle games require players to plan several steps ahead. / Many games have beautiful music. / The first video game console went on sale in 1972. / Some games are very expensive.) → Puzzle games require players to plan several steps ahead.Prompt: Does the detail prove or illustrate the point, or is it just on the same topic?

• 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. Point: "Video games can build useful skills." Which detail is MOST relevant? • Puzzle games require players to plan several steps ahead. • The first video game console went on sale in 1972. • Many games have beautiful music. • Some games are very expensive. (Puzzle games require players to plan several steps ahead. / The first video game console went on sale in 1972. / Many games have beautiful music. / Some games are very expensive.) → Puzzle games require players to plan several steps ahead.Prompt: Does the detail prove or illustrate the point, or is it just on the same topic?
2. Point: "Reading for pleasure helps young people do better at school." Which detail best supports this point? (Libraries are quiet places. / Research has found that children who read for fun tend to make more progress in vocabulary and maths. / Many books have colourful covers. / Some people prefer audiobooks.) → Research has found that children who read for fun tend to make more progress in vocabulary and maths.Prompt: Which detail is directly about the point, not just the same topic?

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-7.