• 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? (Making muffins is simple if you follow three steps. / Muffins are delicious. / My aunt has an oven. / Bowls can be large or small.) → Making muffins is simple if you follow three steps.Prompt: What is the paragraph mostly about?
2. 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? (Many games require planning. / Some people say video games waste time. / Games need quick decisions. / Limits are sensible.) → Some people say video games waste time.Prompt: What is the writer's main claim?
3. ___ They can see in near darkness. Their soft feathers let them fly silently. Their sharp talons grip prey tightly. Which is the best topic sentence? (Owls are birds. / Owls are well equipped for hunting at night. / Some birds eat seeds. / I saw an owl once.) → Owls are well equipped for hunting at night.Prompt: What is the paragraph mostly about?

• 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: Should schools start later in the morning? Which is the strongest thesis statement? (Schools should start later because teenagers' sleep patterns make early starts harmful to their learning and health. / This essay is about school start times. / Some schools start early and some start late. / Sleep is important.) → Schools should start later because teenagers' sleep patterns make early starts harmful to their learning and health.Prompt: A strong thesis takes a clear, arguable position and hints at the reasons.
2. Topic: Is social media good for young people? Which is the strongest thesis statement? (There are lots of apps. / Social media is a thing many people use. / While social media can connect young people, its effects on sleep, attention and self-esteem mean that its use should be limited. / I will talk about social media.) → 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.

• 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: The town should ban single-use plastic bags. Which sentence best acknowledges and answers a counterargument? (Some shoppers worry about the cost of reusable bags, but most last for years and quickly pay for themselves. / Everyone agrees with me. / Bags can be blue or white. / Plastic bags are bad.) → 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.
2. Topic: Should schools start later in the morning? Which is the strongest thesis statement? (Sleep is important. / Some schools start early and some start late. / This essay is about school start times. / Schools should start later because teenagers' sleep patterns make early starts harmful to their learning and health.) → Schools should start later because teenagers' sleep patterns make early starts harmful to their learning and health.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.