• 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. ___ Many apps use bright notifications, endless scrolling and rewards to keep users coming back. Which topic sentence best opens this paragraph? (Notifications can be turned off in settings. / Phones have screens. / Many apps are deliberately designed to hold our attention. / Scrolling is a word for moving down a page.) → Many apps are deliberately designed to hold our attention.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? (A labelled box by the bin makes sorting quick. / Rinsing containers takes only a few seconds. / Most councils collect sorted recycling every week. / Plastic was first invented in the 1800s.) → Plastic was first invented in the 1800s.Prompt: Reread the topic sentence. What is the paragraph promising to discuss?
3. ___ 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? (Timers are useful in kitchens. / Homework is set by teachers. / A few simple steps can make homework time far more productive. / I don't like homework.) → A few simple steps can make homework time far more productive.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: "Wildflower verges help bees." Which detail best supports this point? (Bees can sting. / Some wildflowers are purple. / Mowing verges is noisy. / Counts along one road found three times as many bees after the verges were left to flower.) → Counts along one road found three times as many bees after the verges were left to flower.Prompt: Which detail is directly about the point, not just the same topic?
2. Read the question and choose. Point: "Video games can build useful skills." Which detail is MOST relevant? • The first video game console went on sale in 1972. • Many games have beautiful music. • Some games are very expensive. • Puzzle games require players to plan several steps ahead. (The first video game console went on sale in 1972. / Many games have beautiful music. / Some games are very expensive. / Puzzle games require players to plan several steps ahead.) → Puzzle games require players to plan several steps ahead.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. Point: "Dogs can be trained to help people with medical conditions." Which detail best supports this point? (Dogs were domesticated thousands of years ago. / Some trained dogs can alert their owners to a dangerous drop in blood sugar before symptoms start. / Dogs come in hundreds of breeds. / 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.Prompt: Which detail is directly about the point, not just the same topic?
2. Read the question and choose. Point: "The park needs more bins." Which detail is MOST relevant? • The park has a duck pond. • Volunteers collected 30 bags of litter there last month. • The park opened in 1901. • Many people walk their dogs there. (The park has a duck pond. / Volunteers collected 30 bags of litter there last month. / The park opened in 1901. / Many people walk their dogs there.) → Volunteers collected 30 bags of litter there last month.Prompt: Does the detail prove or illustrate the point, or is it just on the same topic?

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-7.