• 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. / Traffic is sometimes heavy. / 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?
2. Topic sentence: "Sleep is essential for learning." Which sentence does NOT belong in this paragraph? (Teenagers need around eight to ten hours a night. / Tired students find it harder to concentrate. / During sleep, the brain stores what we learned that day. / Some beds are more expensive than others.) → Some beds are more expensive than others.Prompt: Reread the topic sentence. What is the paragraph promising to discuss?
3. ___ They give us oxygen, provide homes for wildlife and cool cities on hot days. Some even help prevent floods by soaking up rainwater. Which topic sentence best opens this paragraph? (My favourite tree is in the park. / Some trees are very tall. / Floods can be dangerous. / Trees do far more for us than most people realise.) → Trees do far more for us than most people realise.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? (Many books have colourful covers. / Research has found that children who read for fun tend to make more progress in vocabulary and maths. / 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?
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. • The first video game console went on sale in 1972. • Some games are very expensive. • Many games have beautiful music. (Puzzle games require players to plan several steps ahead. / The first video game console went on sale in 1972. / Some games are very expensive. / Many games have beautiful music.) → 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? • Speaking two languages can open up more job opportunities. • Some languages use different alphabets. • Spanish has many speakers. • My aunt went to Portugal. (Speaking two languages can open up more job opportunities. / Some languages use different alphabets. / Spanish has many speakers. / My aunt went to Portugal.) → 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: "Our school canteen should offer more plant-based meals." Which detail best supports this point? (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. / Vegetables come in many colours.) → 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?

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