• 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. ___ First, choose a quiet space. Next, set a timer for twenty-five minutes. Finally, take a short break before starting again. Which topic sentence best opens this paragraph? (Timers are useful in kitchens. / A few simple steps can make homework time far more productive. / Homework is set by teachers. / I don't like homework.) → A few simple steps can make homework time far more productive.Prompt: Read the supporting sentences first. What do they ALL have in common?
2. Topic sentence: "Bees are vital to our food supply." Which sentence does NOT belong in this paragraph? (Bees pollinate many fruit and vegetable crops. / Some people are frightened of wasps. / Without pollination, harvests of apples and almonds would fall sharply. / Farmers sometimes rent hives to help their crops.) → Some people are frightened of wasps.Prompt: Reread the topic sentence. What is the paragraph promising to discuss?
3. ___ Walking or cycling saves money, keeps you fit and reduces traffic outside the school gates. Which topic sentence best opens this paragraph? (Some people live far away. / Traffic is sometimes heavy. / There are good reasons to walk or cycle to school. / Bicycles have two wheels.) → There are good reasons to walk or cycle to school.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: "Reading for pleasure helps young people do better at school." Which detail best supports this point? (Research has found that children who read for fun tend to make more progress in vocabulary and maths. / Some people prefer audiobooks. / Many books have colourful covers. / Libraries are quiet places.) → 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?
2. Read the question and choose. Point: "The park needs more bins." Which detail is MOST relevant? • The park opened in 1901. • Many people walk their dogs there. • Volunteers collected 30 bags of litter there last month. • The park has a duck pond. (The park opened in 1901. / Many people walk their dogs there. / Volunteers collected 30 bags of litter there last month. / The park has a duck pond.) → Volunteers collected 30 bags of litter there last month.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. Point: "Our school canteen should offer more plant-based meals." Which detail best supports this point? (Vegetables come in many colours. / Some students bring packed lunches. / The canteen opens at 12.15. / In a canteen survey, 64% of students said they would choose a vegetarian option at least once a week.) → In a canteen survey, 64% of students said they would choose a vegetarian option at least once a week.Prompt: Which detail is directly about the point, not just the same topic?
2. Read the question and choose. Point: "The park needs more bins." Which detail is MOST relevant? • The park has a duck pond. • Volunteers collected 30 bags of litter there last month. • The park opened in 1901. • Many people walk their dogs there. (The park has a duck pond. / Volunteers collected 30 bags of litter there last month. / The park opened in 1901. / Many people walk their dogs there.) → Volunteers collected 30 bags of litter there last month.Prompt: Does the detail prove or illustrate the point, or is it just on the same topic?

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