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English lesson plan · 3rd grade (Year 4 in England) · 45 minutes

Linking words for reasons and examples: because, for example, therefore

Writing & Editing

CCSS W.3.1.CCCSS W.3.2.CEngland: Y3 GPS (conjunctions and adverbs)England: Y3/4 Writing (cohesion)

Objective and success criteria

Students will: Linking words for reasons and examples: because, for example, therefore.

  • I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
  • I can explain each step and say why it works.
  • I can check my answer and spot a mistake.

Before and after

Needs first: Give reasons with because, also and so

Leads to: Linking words to add and explain: in addition, for instance, as a result

Materials: A model text, Planning frame, Checklists for editing, Mini whiteboards, A short model text on the board, Printed student sheet (below).

Warm-up · 5 min

  • Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Give reasons with because, also and so). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
  • Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
  1. Choose the linking word that fits. Cats are easy to look after. They ___ keep themselves clean. (or / also / but / because) → alsoPrompt: Is the writer giving a reason (because), adding another reason (also) or showing a result (so)?
  2. Read the question. Which sentence gives an opinion with a reason? (What is your favourite season? / Summer is my favourite season because the days are long and sunny. / Summer comes after spring. / It is summer.) → Summer is my favourite season because the days are long and sunny.Prompt: An opinion is what someone thinks or feels.
  3. Choose the linking word that fits. Recycling saves resources, ___ everyone should do it. (but / or / because / so) → soPrompt: Is the writer giving a reason (because), adding another reason (also) or showing a result (so)?

Hook · 5 min

  • Show two openings to the same piece of writing and ask which makes them want to read on.
  • Share the objective: Linking words for reasons and examples: because, for example, therefore. Read the success criteria together.

I do: model it · 10 min

  • Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
  • Example: Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Dogs make great pets ___ they are loyal and playful.
  • Step 1: Linking words show how ideas connect, so the reader can follow your thinking.
  • Step 2: Put it back into the sentence and read it aloud: "Dogs make great pets because they are loyal and playful."
  • Step 3: So the answer is: because
  • Answer: because
  • Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

We do: guided practice · 10 min

  • Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
  • Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
  1. Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Some animals sleep through the winter. ___, hedgehogs hibernate in the coldest months. (Therefore / Because / Although / For example) → For examplePrompt: What does the second part do: give a reason, an example, a result, or another point?
  2. Swimming is fun. It also keeps you fit. What job does "also" do? (gives a reason / gives an example / shows a result / adds another point) → adds another pointPrompt: Read what comes after the linking words.

You do: independent practice · 10 min

  • 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.

Exit ticket · 5 min

  • Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
  1. Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. I love autumn ___ the leaves turn red and gold. (for example / because / as a result / therefore) → becausePrompt: What does the second part do: give a reason, an example, a result, or another point?
  2. The bus broke down. As a result, we were late. What job does "As a result" do? (gives a reason / gives an example / shows a result / adds another point) → shows a resultPrompt: Read what comes after the linking words.

Watch out for

  • Writing everything at once without planning.
  • Editing only spelling and not whether the writing makes sense.

Support and stretch

Support

  • Review first: Give reasons with because, also and so.
  • Use concrete materials: a model text.
  • Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
  • Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.

Stretch

  • Move on to: Linking words to add and explain: in addition, for instance, as a result.
  • Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
  • Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.

Homework and more practice

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-3.

Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder

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Linking words for reasons and examples: because, for example, therefore

Name

Date

Score/ 8

  1. Question 1

    Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Some animals sleep through the winter. ___, hedgehogs hibernate in the coldest months.

    • A. Although
    • B. Because
    • C. Therefore
    • D. For example

  2. Question 2

    It was stormy. Therefore, the match was cancelled. What job does "Therefore" do?

    • A. gives a reason
    • B. gives an example
    • C. shows a result
    • D. adds another point

  3. Question 3

    Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. I love autumn ___ the leaves turn red and gold.

    • A. for example
    • B. because
    • C. therefore
    • D. as a result

  4. Question 4

    We stayed in because it was stormy. What job does "because" do?

    • A. gives a reason
    • B. gives an example
    • C. shows a result
    • D. adds another point

  5. Question 5

    Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Dogs make great pets ___ they are loyal and playful.

    • A. for instance
    • B. however
    • C. therefore
    • D. because

  6. Question 6

    Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Walking to school is healthy. It is ___ good for the planet.

    • A. also
    • B. because
    • C. for example
    • D. although

  7. Question 7

    Cats are clean animals. For example, they wash themselves every day. What job does "For example" do?

    • A. gives a reason
    • B. gives an example
    • C. shows a result
    • D. adds another point

  8. Question 8

    Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Plastic straws can harm sea animals. ___, many cafés now use paper straws.

    • A. As a result
    • B. Although
    • C. For example
    • D. Because

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Answer key: Linking words for reasons and examples: because, for example, therefore

  1. 1. D. For example

  2. 2. C. shows a result

  3. 3. B. because

  4. 4. A. gives a reason

  5. 5. D. because

  6. 6. A. also

  7. 7. B. gives an example

  8. 8. A. As a result