Explain a Diagram to a Listener

Worked classroom example

Biology

Worked example

Describe a cell diagram so a partner can add and place the organelles.

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

Teaching sequence

1. Give the speaker a labelled diagram and the listener a blank copy.
2. The speaker explains the parts without showing the image; the listener sketches.
3. Compare diagrams and identify which words made the description precise.

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Prepare

Use a diagram hidden from the listening partner. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.

Classroom task

One learner describes a diagram; the partner recreates it and asks questions about location and sequence.

Check independent transfer

Compare diagrams and identify which words made the description precise.

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 location word or relationship made the biggest difference?

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.