Choose a Sentence Starter

Worked classroom example

History

Worked example

For Choose a Sentence Starter in History, set a prompt about historical interpretations. Ask learners to write a sentence that makes the logical relationship explicit with a suitable linker. 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

1. Provide a frame that names the thinking the sentence must express, leaving the key subject idea for learners to supply.
2. Model one response with accurate evidence. Invite learners to rehearse, then complete the frame using their own evidence.
3. Offer a second prompt with less support and check that learners can make the same move independently.

Try it in your next lesson

Prepare

Use a blank response to a demanding question. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.

Classroom task

Learners plan with a quick sketch or three bullet notes, then use a blank response to a demanding question to write a clear subject response.

Check independent transfer

Offer a second prompt with less support and check that learners can make the same move independently.

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?

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.