Ask for Clarification
Partners practise asking for an example, repetition or clearer wording before responding to an idea.
Worked classroom example
Mathematics
Ask a partner to clarify which step they used to solve a multi-step problem.
Use this example to make the language move visible. Select subject content appropriate to the class’s age and prior knowledge.
Teaching sequence
- Model three ways to ask for clarification without rejecting the speaker.
- Pairs discuss a subject statement; listeners must ask one genuine clarification question.
- Switch roles and finish by restating the clarified idea.
Materials and purpose
a discussion prompt and clarification stems
Clarification strategies keep a discussion moving when meaning is uncertain.
Try it in your next lesson
Prepare
Use a discussion prompt and clarification stems. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.
Classroom task
Partners practise asking for an example, repetition or clearer wording before responding to an idea.
Check independent transfer
Switch roles and finish by restating the clarified idea.
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 question helped you understand the idea more clearly?
“What would help your listener follow that explanation?”
“How would you revise your response after that question?”
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
Offer thinking time, a small phrase bank and a clear listener role. Collect an individual explanation after paired rehearsal. 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.