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Asking When You Do Not Understand

Clarifying instructions for a Grade/Year 7 or 8 classroom, with reading, subject language, speaking and writing.

Grade/Year 7 & 845–60 minutesPrintable

Teacher lesson: Read the short text aloud and model the first task. Students can plan in a language they know well before speaking or writing in English. Use all twelve panels or adjust the pace for your learners.

Teacher Answers Back to Teacher Lessons

1Reading

A student raises a hand to clarify classroom instructions — Illustration: Asking for clarification.

Before you read:

Look at the title. What do you know about clarifying instructions? Tell a partner one idea.

The class is preparing a short poster about rivers. The teacher says, ‘Read the first page, underline two facts, and then choose one diagram.’ Aria hears the first two steps but misses the last one. She raises her hand and says, ‘Could you please repeat the final step?’ The teacher repeats it and points to the diagram examples. Aria writes the three steps in her notebook. Later, her partner asks what a diagram means. Aria explains that it is a drawing that helps show information. Both students start the task with a clear plan.

2Vocabulary

Words: underline · diagram · clarify

Write a short meaning or example. You may use a language you know well first.

underline –

diagram –

clarify –

3Comprehension

4Language Focus

Use these sentence starters. Change the words to fit your idea.

First, I need to . Then I need to .

Could you repeat the step, please?

Write one sentence of your own.

5Listen and Note

Listen as your teacher reads the text again. Note two key ideas or facts.

First idea:

Second idea:

Compare your notes with a partner.

6Speaking

Role-play a teacher giving three instructions and a student asking for one step again.

Use a sentence starter from panel 4. Ask your partner one follow-up question.

Useful questions: “Could you explain that?” “Why do you think so?”

7Try It

Use this skill: How might you use clarifying instructions in another lesson or everyday situation? Give one example and explain it to a partner.

Draw a quick plan or write three key words before you speak.

8Writing

Write three polite questions you can use when instructions are unclear.

Plan in a language you know well if it helps. Then write your answer in English.

9Word Study

Choose the correct words from this lesson’s reading.

Word bank: underline · diagram

Please the important facts. Choose one for your poster.

10Sentence Builder

Put these words in the right order. Check the capital letter and punctuation.

repeat / Could / the final step / you / please / ?

11School English

You missed the final instruction. Ask your teacher to repeat it.

Write a polite question or response you could use at school. Then say it to a partner.

12Exit Reflection ✓

Take a few minutes to reflect.

1. One useful word I learnt in this lesson:

2. One thing I can do in class:

3. One question I still have: