Describe Needs Precision
Describe a visible change using exact features, direction, quantity and units before offering a cause.
Worked model: Describe Needs Precision
View the illustrated activity card
- 1Describe a visible change using exact features, direction, quantity and units before offering a cause
- 2Choose accurate nouns, quantities, directions and units
- 3Replace vague wording with one measurable or locatable feature
- 4Check the description against the source without adding an unsupported cause
“The temperature rose from 20 °C to 28 °C over four minutes” is more precise than “It got much hotter”. It describes the change; the cause needs a separate explanation.
Teach the move
Prepare · 5 minutes
Select a diagram or observation with precise quantities and visible features.
- 1
Describe a visible change using exact features, direction, quantity and units before offering a cause.
- 2
Choose accurate nouns, quantities, directions and units.
- 3
Replace vague wording with one measurable or locatable feature.
- 4
Check the description against the source without adding an unsupported cause.
EAL upgrade
Remove the word bank while retaining the source and units.
Keep the subject challenge. Offer one model, visual or language prompt where needed, then check a fresh independent response.
Try it tomorrow
Select a diagram or observation with precise quantities and visible features.
Describe a visible change using exact features, direction, quantity and units before offering a cause. Choose accurate nouns, quantities, directions and units.
Offer a different reading or image. Check precision and distinguish observation from inference.
Remove the word bank while retaining the source and units.
What to look for
Offer a different reading or image. Check precision and distinguish observation from inference.
Teacher language
Adapt these prompts to the task and your learners.
Our purpose is: Describe a visible change using exact features, direction, quantity and units before offering a cause.
Show the relationship and explain the choice you made.
Try the new case on your own. Show the detail or reasoning that supports your answer.
Which support do you still need, and which part can you now do independently?
Across subjects
Maths: describe a graph interval. Humanities: describe a map pattern before explaining it.
Adjust language support
Use a small word bank, visuals and partner rehearsal when needed. Extend with precise explanations and qualifications. Judge the support from the response to this task.