Use a Precise Verb
Model one brief example using a set of vague draft sentences. Learners create their own version and swap with a partner for one accuracy check.
Worked classroom example
Mathematics
For Use a Precise Verb in Mathematics, set a prompt about geometric patterns. Ask learners to produce a short response that completes the named task, uses a precise subject term and meets one visible success criterion. Model a short response with the subject evidence visible; have learners underline the part that meets the criterion and revise one vague or unsupported phrase.
Use this example to make the language move visible. Select subject content appropriate to the class’s age and prior knowledge.
Teaching sequence
- Set a short Mathematics prompt and prepare a set of vague draft sentences. For Use a Precise Verb, show the success criterion and model one planning choice while leaving the subject reasoning to learners.
- Learners produce the response required by Use a Precise Verb: Produce a short response that completes the named task, uses a precise subject term and meets one visible success criterion. Allow a brief oral rehearsal or note plan, then draft in the form the prompt requires.
- Use this check: “Which part of the success criterion can you see in this sentence?” Ask learners to apply the criterion to fresh content, underline where they meet it and make one purposeful revision.
Materials and purpose
a set of vague draft sentences
A visible model and one manageable writing move help learners communicate their subject thinking with increasing independence.
Try it in your next lesson
Prepare
Use a set of vague draft sentences. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.
Classroom task
Model one brief example using a set of vague draft sentences. Learners create their own version and swap with a partner for one accuracy check.
Check independent transfer
Collect an independent sentence or paragraph and give one next step tied to the criterion.
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 part of the success criterion can you see in this sentence?
“What does your reader need to understand at this point?”
“Which revision makes the relationship between your ideas clearer?”
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
Use oral rehearsal, a brief model and a limited sentence frame. Remove one support for the fresh writing task. 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.