• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Give reasons with because, also and so). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. Choose the linking word that fits. We should plant more trees ___ they give us clean air. (but / or / so / because) → becausePrompt: Is the writer giving a reason (because), adding another reason (also) or showing a result (so)?
2. Read the question. Which sentence gives an opinion with a reason? (Summer is my favourite season because the days are long and sunny. / What is your favourite season? / It is summer. / Summer comes after spring.) → Summer is my favourite season because the days are long and sunny.Prompt: An opinion is what someone thinks or feels.
3. Choose the linking word that fits. I think dogs make the best pets ___ they are loyal and fun. (because / or / so / but) → becausePrompt: Is the writer giving a reason (because), adding another reason (also) or showing a result (so)?

• Show two openings to the same piece of writing and ask which makes them want to read on.
• Share the objective: Linking words for reasons and examples: because, for example, therefore. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Dogs make great pets ___ they are loyal and playful.
• Step 1: Linking words show how ideas connect, so the reader can follow your thinking.
• Step 2: Put it back into the sentence and read it aloud: "Dogs make great pets because they are loyal and playful."
• Step 3: So the answer is: because
• Answer: because
• 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. Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Some animals sleep through the winter. ___, hedgehogs hibernate in the coldest months. (Although / Therefore / Because / For example) → For examplePrompt: What does the second part do: give a reason, an example, a result, or another point?
2. Many fruits are full of vitamins. For instance, oranges have lots of vitamin C. What job does "For instance" do? (gives a reason / gives an example / shows a result / adds another point) → gives an examplePrompt: Read what comes after the linking words.

• 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. Choose the linking word or phrase that fits best. Some animals sleep through the winter. ___, hedgehogs hibernate in the coldest months. (Although / Because / Therefore / For example) → For examplePrompt: What does the second part do: give a reason, an example, a result, or another point?
2. Some birds cannot fly, such as penguins and ostriches. What job does "such as" do? (gives a reason / gives an example / shows a result / adds another point) → gives an examplePrompt: Read what comes after the linking words.

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-3.