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291EAL in Practice 291 · Speaking

Practise the Question Stem

Use “What makes you think that?” and “Which detail supports it?” to extend a short answer.

3 min preparation
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01 · Make the thinking visible

Worked model: Practise the Question Stem

Four-step teaching routine for Practise the Question Stem. Full instructions are in Teach it.
  1. 1Use “What makes you think that?” and “Which detail supports it?” to extend a short answer
  2. 2Identify precisely what is unclear
  3. 3Ask a focused clarification question and confirm the answer
  4. 4Use the clarified information, then check the shared outcome
Worked classroom example

Practise “Which evidence supports…?” and “What does this term mean here?” with a real response. Learners choose the stem that requests the missing information, then ask it without the printed opening.

A model to discuss and adapt to your class.