• 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. ___ Some wear school-branded hoodies, others prefer plain jumpers, and a few would happily scrap uniform altogether. Which topic sentence best opens this paragraph? (Jumpers can be washed easily. / Hoodies are warm. / Uniforms come in many colours. / 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?
2. Topic sentence: "Recycling at home is easier than many families think." Which sentence does NOT belong in this paragraph? (Rinsing containers takes only a few seconds. / A labelled box by the bin makes sorting quick. / Most councils collect sorted recycling every week. / Plastic was first invented in the 1800s.) → Plastic was first invented in the 1800s.Prompt: Reread the topic sentence. What is the paragraph promising to discuss?
3. ___ 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? (Football demands a surprising mix of skills. / I scored a goal last week. / Football was invented a long time ago. / Some stadiums are huge.) → Football demands a surprising mix of skills.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: "Dogs can be trained to help people with medical conditions." Which detail best supports this point? (Dogs were domesticated thousands of years ago. / Some trained dogs can alert their owners to a dangerous drop in blood sugar before symptoms start. / Dogs come in hundreds of breeds. / My neighbour's dog barks at the postman.) → Some trained dogs can alert their owners to a dangerous drop in blood sugar before symptoms start.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? • Many games have beautiful music. • Puzzle games require players to plan several steps ahead. • Some games are very expensive. • The first video game console went on sale in 1972. (Many games have beautiful music. / Puzzle games require players to plan several steps ahead. / 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 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: "Learning a second language has benefits." Which detail is MOST relevant? • My aunt went to Portugal. • Some languages use different alphabets. • Speaking two languages can open up more job opportunities. • Spanish has many speakers. (My aunt went to Portugal. / Some languages use different alphabets. / Speaking two languages can open up more job opportunities. / Spanish has many speakers.) → Speaking two languages can open up more job opportunities.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? (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. / 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?

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