Follow the Reference
Learners draw arrows from this, they, it and these to the words or ideas each one refers to.
Worked classroom example
Science
Trace what “they” refers to in an explanation of particles and temperature.
Use this example to make the language move visible. Select subject content appropriate to the class’s age and prior knowledge.
Teaching sequence
- Select a paragraph with several reference words and clear antecedents.
- Model tracing one reference backwards and checking number and meaning.
- Pairs draw the remaining links and paraphrase the paragraph without pronouns.
Materials and purpose
a paragraph with pronouns and reference words
Tracking references helps readers keep people, objects and ideas connected across sentences.
Try it in your next lesson
Prepare
Use a paragraph with pronouns and reference words. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.
Classroom task
Learners draw arrows from this, they, it and these to the words or ideas each one refers to.
Check independent transfer
Pairs draw the remaining links and paraphrase the paragraph without pronouns.
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 earlier word or idea does this reference point back to?
“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.