• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Which sentence does not belong in the paragraph?; Putting sentences in order). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. Read the paragraph. Which sentence does not belong? (1) Penguins are birds that cannot fly. (2) Instead, their wings work like flippers for swimming. (3) Some penguins can dive more than 500 metres deep. (4) Eagles build huge nests on cliffs. (5) On land, they waddle or slide on their bellies. (On land, they waddle or slide on their bellies. / Some penguins can dive more than 500 metres deep. / Eagles build huge nests on cliffs. / Instead, their wings work like flippers for swimming.) → Eagles build huge nests on cliffs.Prompt: Read the first sentence: it tells you what the paragraph is about.
2. Read the start of the paragraph. Which sentence would fit best as the next sentence? Getting ready for a sleepover is fun. First, pack your pyjamas and toothbrush. Next, choose a game or a film to share. (Some penguins can dive more than 500 metres deep. / Some otters keep a favourite stone in a pouch of skin under their arm. / It helps you sleep better at night. / Finally, remember your sleeping bag and pillow.) → Finally, remember your sleeping bag and pillow.Prompt: What is the paragraph about? Look at the first sentence.
3. Read the paragraph. Which sentence does not belong? (1) The Amazon rainforest is home to amazing wildlife. (2) Jaguars hunt along the riverbanks. (3) Colourful toucans fly between the trees. (4) Tiny poison dart frogs live on the forest floor. (5) Penguins live mostly in the Southern Hemisphere. (Colourful toucans fly between the trees. / The Amazon rainforest is home to amazing wildlife. / Jaguars hunt along the riverbanks. / Penguins live mostly in the Southern Hemisphere.) → Penguins live mostly in the Southern Hemisphere.Prompt: Read the first sentence: it tells you what the paragraph is about.

• Show two openings to the same piece of writing and ask which makes them want to read on.
• Share the objective: Put the sentences of a paragraph in a logical order. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: These sentences come from one paragraph. Which one should come FIRST, as the topic sentence?
• Step 1: The topic sentence tells you what the whole paragraph is about; the others give the steps or details.
• Step 2: So the answer is: Making a paper boat is easy.
• Answer: Making a paper boat is easy.
• 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. These sentences come from one paragraph. Which one should come FIRST, as the topic sentence? (Planting a seed is simple. / Next, push the seed gently into the soil. / After a week or two, a green shoot will appear. / Then water it and put it somewhere sunny.) → Planting a seed is simple.Prompt: A topic sentence introduces the whole paragraph.

• 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 1 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. These sentences come from one paragraph. Which one should come FIRST, as the topic sentence? (Planting a seed is simple. / Then water it and put it somewhere sunny. / Next, push the seed gently into the soil. / First, fill a small pot with compost.) → Planting a seed is simple.Prompt: A topic sentence introduces the whole paragraph.

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-4.