Make a Clarification Request
Practise asking “Do you mean…?” and “Can you show me where…?” during a group task.
Worked model: Make a Clarification Request
- 1Practise asking “Do you mean…?” and “Can you show me where…?” during a group task
- 2Identify precisely what is unclear
- 3Ask a focused clarification question and confirm the answer
- 4Use the clarified information, then check the shared outcome
“Did you say fifteen or fifty millilitres?” is more useful than “What?” when recording a volume. Confirm the value and unit before using it.
Teach the move
Prepare · 3 minutes
Choose information where a missing number, unit or relationship could change the meaning.
- 1
Practise asking “Do you mean…?” and “Can you show me where…?” during a group task.
- 2
Identify precisely what is unclear.
- 3
Ask a focused clarification question and confirm the answer.
- 4
Use the clarified information, then check the shared outcome.
EAL upgrade
Remove the question stems and ask learners to choose their own repair language.
Keep the subject challenge. Offer one model, visual or language prompt where needed, then check a fresh independent response.
Try it tomorrow
Choose information where a missing number, unit or relationship could change the meaning.
Practise asking “Do you mean…?” and “Can you show me where…?” during a group task. Identify precisely what is unclear.
Check whether the clarified detail is accurately recorded and used.
Remove the question stems and ask learners to choose their own repair language.
What to look for
Check whether the clarified detail is accurately recorded and used.
Teacher language
Adapt these prompts to the task and your learners.
Our purpose is: Practise asking “Do you mean…?” and “Can you show me where…?” during a group task.
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: clarify a coordinate or condition. Humanities: clarify who a pronoun refers to in an account.
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.