Identify the Referent

Worked classroom example

Geography

Worked example

For Identify the Referent in Geography, give learners a short subject source about coastal erosion. Ask them to trace the reference word to the noun it replaces, then reread the sentence with the noun restored. 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. Select a short paragraph with a pronoun or reference word. Ask learners to identify what it points back to.
2. Trace the reference to the noun or idea, replace the pronoun with that referent and reread the sentence to check the meaning.
3. Learners explain how the reference links ideas across the paragraph and correct any ambiguous example.

Try it in your next lesson

Prepare

Use a paragraph with several technical nouns. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.

Classroom task

Ask learners to predict one thing they will find in a paragraph with several technical nouns; read once for the main idea and again to check the prediction.

Check independent transfer

Learners explain how the reference links ideas across the paragraph and correct any ambiguous example.

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.