• 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. Our class trip to the museum was amazing. We saw a real dinosaur skeleton. My cousin lives in another city. Then we tried on armour in the history room. At the end, we visited the gift shop. Which sentence does NOT belong in this paragraph? (My cousin lives in another city. / At the end, we visited the gift shop. / We saw a real dinosaur skeleton. / Then we tried on armour in the history room.) → My cousin lives in another city.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. / Limits are sensible. / Games need quick decisions.) → Some people say video games waste time.Prompt: What is the writer's main claim?
3. Rainforests are home to more than half of the world's plant and animal species. Many medicines come from rainforest plants. Deserts get very little rain. Rainforests also help control the Earth's climate. Which sentence does NOT belong in this paragraph? (Many medicines come from rainforest plants. / Deserts get very little rain. / Rainforests also help control the Earth's climate. / Rainforests are home to more than half of the world's plant and animal species.) → Deserts get very little rain.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. Thesis: The town should ban single-use plastic bags. Which sentence best acknowledges and answers a counterargument? (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.) → 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: Is social media good for young people? Which is the strongest thesis statement? (There are lots of apps. / 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. / 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.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: Public parks are essential to healthy cities. Which is the most convincing supporting evidence? (My friend likes going to the park. / Parks have trees. / A study of ten cities found that residents living near parks reported 20% lower stress levels. / Some parks have cafés.) → A study of ten cities found that residents living near parks reported 20% lower stress levels.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. / 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.) → 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.

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-10.