• 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. ___ 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. / There are good reasons to walk or cycle to school. / Bicycles have two wheels. / Traffic is sometimes heavy.) → There are good reasons to walk or cycle to school.Prompt: Read the supporting sentences first. What do they ALL have in common?
2. Topic sentence: "Recycling at home is easier than many families think." Which sentence does NOT belong in this paragraph? (Most councils collect sorted recycling every week. / Rinsing containers takes only a few seconds. / Plastic was first invented in the 1800s. / A labelled box by the bin makes sorting quick.) → Plastic was first invented in the 1800s.Prompt: Reread the topic sentence. What is the paragraph promising to discuss?
3. Topic sentence: "Bees are vital to our food supply." Which sentence does NOT belong in this paragraph? (Without pollination, harvests of apples and almonds would fall sharply. / Farmers sometimes rent hives to help their crops. / Some people are frightened of wasps. / Bees pollinate many fruit and vegetable crops.) → Some people are frightened of wasps.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? (There have been four near-misses involving children at that spot this year, according to the police. / The road is called Station Road. / 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: "The park needs more bins." Which detail is MOST relevant? • 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. / 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 8 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. • Some games are very expensive. • Many games have beautiful music. • The first video game console went on sale in 1972. (Puzzle games require players to plan several steps ahead. / Some games are very expensive. / Many games have beautiful music. / 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?
2. Point: "Wildflower verges help bees." Which detail best supports this point? (Mowing verges is noisy. / Some wildflowers are purple. / Counts along one road found three times as many bees after the verges were left to flower. / Bees can sting.) → Counts along one road found three times as many bees after the verges were left to flower.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.