• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Topic sentences and paragraphs; Transitions (SAT/ACT)). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? The first experiment produced no results. ___, the second experiment confirmed the hypothesis. (For example / By contrast / Thus / Similarly) → By contrastPrompt: Read both sentences. What is the relationship between them?
2. ___ First, gather your ingredients. Next, mix them in a large bowl. Finally, bake for twenty minutes. Which is the best topic sentence? (Muffins are delicious. / Bowls can be large or small. / My aunt has an oven. / Making muffins is simple if you follow three steps.) → Making muffins is simple if you follow three steps.Prompt: What is the paragraph mostly about?
3. Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition? Chess requires memory and planning. ___, studies suggest it may improve pupils' concentration. (Previously / In contrast / Nevertheless / Accordingly) → AccordinglyPrompt: Read both sentences. What is the relationship between them?

• Show two openings to the same piece of writing and ask which makes them want to read on.
• Share the objective: Organisation: sentence placement and logical order. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: A writer wants to add this sentence: "This ability makes them excellent rescue animals." [1] Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell. [2] They can detect a single drop of scent in a swimming pool of water. [3] Many breeds also have great stamina. Where should the new sentence go?
• Step 1: Logical order uses time sequence, general-to-specific movement and clear references back.
• Step 2: 'This ability' refers to the sense of smell described in sentence 2.
• Step 3: So the answer is: after sentence 2
• Answer: after sentence 2
• 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. [1] To make a simple compost bin, start with a large container with a lid. [2] Finally, stir the mixture every week and wait. [3] Next, drill small holes in the sides for air. [4] Then add layers of fruit peel, leaves and soil. What is the most logical order? (1, 3, 4, 2 / 1, 4, 3, 2 / 3, 1, 4, 2 / 1, 2, 3, 4) → 1, 3, 4, 2Prompt: Look for time words, 'for example', 'this' or 'these' that refer back to something.
2. [1] The first public library in the town opened in 1887. [2] Today, it lends e-books as well as print. [3] At first, it held just 300 books, all donated. [4] Over the next century, its collection grew to more than 50,000 volumes. To make the paragraph most logical, sentence 2 should be placed… (after sentence 4. / after sentence 3. / before sentence 1. / where it is now.) → after sentence 4.Prompt: Look for time words, 'for example', 'this' or 'these' that refer back to something.

• 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 4 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. A writer wants to add this sentence: "This ability makes them excellent rescue animals." [1] Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell. [2] They can detect a single drop of scent in a swimming pool of water. [3] Many breeds also have great stamina. Where should the new sentence go? (before sentence 1 / It should not be added. / after sentence 3 / after sentence 2) → after sentence 2Prompt: Look for time words, 'for example', 'this' or 'these' that refer back to something.
2. [1] Tardigrades are tiny animals less than a millimetre long. [2] For example, they have survived the vacuum of space. [3] They are famous for surviving extreme conditions. [4] They can also withstand temperatures close to absolute zero. To make the paragraph most logical, sentence 3 should be placed… (before sentence 1. / where it is now. / before sentence 2. / after sentence 4.) → before sentence 2.Prompt: Look for time words, 'for example', 'this' or 'these' that refer back to something.

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-9.