• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Words from myth, literature and history (herculean, quixotic, boycott…)). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. Which word or phrase matches this description? a source of many unforeseen troubles (from the myth of Pandora) (narcissistic / mentor / mercurial / Pandora's box) → Pandora's boxPrompt: Recall the story behind each word: the hero, the god, the place or the person.
2. Type the word or phrase (in English) that matches this description. idealistic in an unrealistic, impractical way (from Cervantes's Don Quixote) → quixoticPrompt: Recall the story behind each word: the hero, the god, the place or the person.
3. Which word or phrase best completes the sentence? Her ___ reply — just "No." — ended the conversation. (draconian / herculean / narcissistic / laconic) → laconicPrompt: What idea does the sentence need: effort, few words, harshness, idealism, temptation, protest, weakness…?

• Show an interesting word in a sentence and ask what it might mean from the clues around it.
• Share the objective: Borrowed phrases: status quo, bona fide, faux pas, zeitgeist…. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: Which phrase matches this description? the existing state of affairs (Latin)
• Step 1: English borrows many phrases from Latin, French and German; they are common in academic and journalistic writing.
• Step 2: status quo: the existing state of affairs (Latin)
• Step 3: So the answer is: status quo
• Answer: status quo
• 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. Which phrase matches this description? complete freedom to act as one wishes (French) (quid pro quo / fait accompli / carte blanche / modus operandi) → carte blanchePrompt: Spanish speakers often recognise the Latin ones: status quo, de facto, vice versa.
2. Type the phrase (in English) that matches this description. existing in fact, even if not officially (Latin) → de factoPrompt: Spanish speakers often recognise the Latin ones: status quo, de facto, vice versa.

• 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. Type the phrase (in English) that matches this description. complete freedom to act as one wishes (French) → carte blanchePrompt: Spanish speakers often recognise the Latin ones: status quo, de facto, vice versa.
2. Which phrase matches this description? the spirit or mood of a particular period (German) (vice versa / zeitgeist / déjà vu / bona fide) → zeitgeistPrompt: Spanish speakers often recognise the Latin ones: status quo, de facto, vice versa.

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-12.