• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Topic sentences and paragraphs; Claims, reasons and evidence). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. ___ First, gather your ingredients. Next, mix them in a large bowl. Finally, bake for twenty minutes. Which is the best topic sentence? (Muffins are delicious. / Making muffins is simple if you follow three steps. / Bowls can be large or small. / My aunt has an oven.) → Making muffins is simple if you follow three steps.Prompt: What is the paragraph mostly about?
2. Schools should plant more trees. Trees provide shade on hot days, clean the air, and give pupils a calm place to read. A study in one city found that pupils with green views from their classrooms scored higher on attention tests. Which detail is evidence from research? (Pupils with green views scored higher on attention tests. / Trees provide shade on hot days. / Schools should plant more trees. / Trees give pupils a calm place to read.) → Pupils with green views scored higher on attention tests.Prompt: What is the writer's main claim?
3. Some people say video games waste time. But many games require planning, teamwork and quick decisions. Of course, playing for too long can harm sleep, so limits are sensible. Which sentence is a counterclaim? (Limits are sensible. / Games need quick decisions. / Many games require planning. / Some people say video games waste time.) → Some people say video games waste time.Prompt: What is the writer's main claim?

• Show two openings to the same piece of writing and ask which makes them want to read on.
• Share the objective: Thesis statements and supporting evidence. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: Thesis: The town should ban single-use plastic bags. Which sentence best acknowledges and answers a counterargument?
• Step 1: Arguments need a clear thesis supported by relevant, credible evidence.
• Step 2: So the answer is: Some shoppers worry about the cost of reusable bags, but most last for years and quickly pay for themselves.
• Answer: Some shoppers worry about the cost of reusable bags, but most last for years and quickly pay for themselves.
• 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. Topic: Is social media good for young people? Which is the strongest thesis statement? (While social media can connect young people, its effects on sleep, attention and self-esteem mean that its use should be limited. / Social media is a thing many people use. / I will talk about social media. / There are lots of apps.) → While social media can connect young people, its effects on sleep, attention and self-esteem mean that its use should be limited.Prompt: A strong thesis takes a clear, arguable position and hints at the reasons.
2. Thesis: Public parks are essential to healthy cities. Which is the most convincing supporting evidence? (A study of ten cities found that residents living near parks reported 20% lower stress levels. / My friend likes going to the park. / Some parks have cafés. / Parks have trees.) → A study of ten cities found that residents living near parks reported 20% lower stress levels.Prompt: A strong thesis takes a clear, arguable position and hints at the reasons.

• 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 5 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. Thesis: Public parks are essential to healthy cities. Which is the most convincing supporting evidence? (A study of ten cities found that residents living near parks reported 20% lower stress levels. / Parks have trees. / Some parks have cafés. / My friend likes going to the park.) → A study of ten cities found that residents living near parks reported 20% lower stress levels.Prompt: A strong thesis takes a clear, arguable position and hints at the reasons.
2. Thesis: The town should ban single-use plastic bags. Which sentence best acknowledges and answers a counterargument? (Bags can be blue or white. / Everyone agrees with me. / Plastic bags are bad. / Some shoppers worry about the cost of reusable bags, but most last for years and quickly pay for themselves.) → Some shoppers worry about the cost of reusable bags, but most last for years and quickly pay for themselves.Prompt: A strong thesis takes a clear, arguable position and hints at the reasons.

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-10.