• 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. ___ First, choose a quiet space. Next, set a timer for twenty-five minutes. Finally, take a short break before starting again. Which topic sentence best opens this paragraph? (I don't like homework. / Homework is set by teachers. / Timers are useful in kitchens. / A few simple steps can make homework time far more productive.) → A few simple steps can make homework time far more productive.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. / Most councils collect sorted recycling every week. / Plastic was first invented in the 1800s. / A labelled box by the bin makes sorting quick.) → Plastic was first invented in the 1800s.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? (Floods can be dangerous. / Trees do far more for us than most people realise. / My favourite tree is in the park. / Some trees are very tall.) → 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: "Dogs can be trained to help people with medical conditions." Which detail best supports this point? (Dogs were domesticated thousands of years ago. / 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. / Dogs come in hundreds of breeds.) → 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: "Teenagers need more sleep than adults." Which detail is MOST relevant? • Health experts recommend 8–10 hours a night for teenagers but 7–9 for adults. • Some teenagers have bunk beds. • Many adults drink coffee. • Sleep is important for everyone. (Health experts recommend 8–10 hours a night for teenagers but 7–9 for adults. / Some teenagers have bunk beds. / Many adults drink coffee. / Sleep is important for everyone.) → Health experts recommend 8–10 hours a night for teenagers but 7–9 for adults.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? • Spanish has many speakers. • Speaking two languages can open up more job opportunities. • My aunt went to Portugal. • Some languages use different alphabets. (Spanish has many speakers. / Speaking two languages can open up more job opportunities. / My aunt went to Portugal. / Some languages use different alphabets.) → 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: "Short breaks during study sessions improve concentration." Which detail best supports this point? (Some students study in their bedrooms. / Students who took a five-minute break every half hour made fewer errors in an experiment than those who studied without stopping. / Breaks are popular with everyone. / Timers can be bought cheaply.) → Students who took a five-minute break every half hour made fewer errors in an experiment than those who studied without stopping.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.