Follow the Condition Words
Track conditions that change the meaning of a statement.
Worked classroom example
Across subjects
“The warning sounds only when the door is open.” A closed door does not meet that condition; the sentence alone does not say whether other warning systems exist.
Use this example to make the language move visible. Select subject content appropriate to the class’s age and prior knowledge.
Teaching sequence
- Underline the condition words.
- Separate the situation from the result.
- Test the statement against one matching and one non-matching case.
- Explain whether a conclusion is warranted in each case.
Materials and purpose
a paragraph using if, unless or only when
Use a precise language move to make subject understanding visible, then check it on fresh content.
Try it in your next lesson
Prepare
Use a paragraph using if, unless or only when. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.
Classroom task
Track conditions that change the meaning of a statement.
Check independent transfer
Use a new conditional statement and ask learners to identify its boundary.
Collect a response on fresh content. Note what was achieved without the model, partner or teacher prompt, then choose one next teaching step.
Teacher language
Teacher language
What condition must be met before this statement applies?
“What does the source actually say, and what are you inferring?”
“What cannot be concluded from this evidence alone?”
Respond to the learner
Identify one successful meaning or language choice. Ask about one gap, allow thinking time, then invite a revision. Check the revised move again on a fresh example.
Adjust support and challenge
Offer a brief model, useful vocabulary and partner rehearsal where needed. Keep the subject goal; reduce one prompt on fresh content and record what was independent.
Teaching this skill → · Age and language support →
More support
Chunk the source, gloss essential terms and model one evidence selection. Keep the question’s reasoning demand. Allow familiar-language notes or another response mode when checking subject understanding.
Greater independence
Change the content, evidence or audience. Remove the completed model and ask learners to explain a choice. Increase subject complexity only when it fits the curriculum and prior knowledge.
Choose the next step
If subject meaning is insecure, reteach the concept. If the concept is understood but the English is unclear, model one useful language relationship and invite a fresh response.