Read the Key

Worked classroom example

English

Worked example

For Read the Key in English, give learners a short subject source about point of view. Ask them to locate the relevant feature, record the value or label precisely, and explain what it lets the reader conclude. Model how to mark the exact word, phrase, label or value that supports the response, then distinguish that evidence from any inference.

Use this example to make the language move visible. Select subject content appropriate to the class’s age and prior knowledge.

Teaching sequence

1. Choose a map or chart legend from the current English unit. Set one question for Read the Key and model how to locate a relevant feature without supplying the answer.
2. Learners complete Read the Key: Locate the relevant feature, record the value or label precisely, and explain what it lets the reader conclude. Ask them to mark the exact evidence they used, then compare the evidence and interpretation with a partner.
3. Use this check: “Which exact detail in the source supports that answer?” Have each learner apply the same reading move to a fresh section and give an independent answer supported by a source detail.

Try it in your next lesson

Prepare

Use a map or chart legend. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.

Classroom task

Learners work in pairs: one points to evidence in a map or chart legend, the other explains how it answers the task. Swap roles.

Check independent transfer

Ask learners to explain what the visual shows and what cannot be concluded from it alone.

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

Which exact detail in the source supports that answer?

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.