• 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. ___ Players need speed to reach the ball, stamina to last ninety minutes and the teamwork to pass accurately. Which topic sentence best opens this paragraph? (Some stadiums are huge. / Football demands a surprising mix of skills. / Football was invented a long time ago. / I scored a goal last week.) → Football demands a surprising mix of skills.Prompt: Read the supporting sentences first. What do they ALL have in common?
2. Topic sentence: "Sleep is essential for learning." Which sentence does NOT belong in this paragraph? (During sleep, the brain stores what we learned that day. / Teenagers need around eight to ten hours a night. / Some beds are more expensive than others. / Tired students find it harder to concentrate.) → Some beds are more expensive than others.Prompt: Reread the topic sentence. What is the paragraph promising to discuss?
3. Topic sentence: "Video calls helped many families stay close while living far apart." Which sentence does NOT belong in this paragraph? (Cousins in different countries played games together online. / The first telephone call was made in 1876. / Families shared birthdays on screen. / Grandparents could see grandchildren every week.) → The first telephone call was made in 1876.Prompt: Reread the topic sentence. What is the paragraph promising to discuss?

• 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? (The school was built in 1962. / The road is called Station Road. / There have been four near-misses involving children at that spot this year, according to the police. / 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. • Some games are very expensive. • The first video game console went on sale in 1972. (Puzzle games require players to plan several steps ahead. / Many games have beautiful music. / Some games are very expensive. / The first video game console went on sale in 1972.) → 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. Point: "The town needs a pedestrian crossing outside the primary school." Which detail best supports this point? (The road is called Station Road. / There have been four near-misses involving children at that spot this year, according to the police. / Many parents drive cars. / The school was built in 1962.) → 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: "Teenagers need more sleep than adults." Which detail is MOST relevant? • Sleep is important for everyone. • Many adults drink coffee. • Health experts recommend 8–10 hours a night for teenagers but 7–9 for adults. • Some teenagers have bunk beds. (Sleep is important for everyone. / Many adults drink coffee. / Health experts recommend 8–10 hours a night for teenagers but 7–9 for adults. / Some teenagers have bunk beds.) → Health experts recommend 8–10 hours a night for teenagers but 7–9 for adults.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.