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Solving a Maths Word Problem

Reading quantities and units 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

Students plant seedlings in rows in a school garden — Illustration: Planting in rows.

Before you read:

Look at the title. What do you know about reading quantities and units? Tell a partner one idea.

The school garden team has 36 seedlings. They want to plant the seedlings equally in six rows. Before calculating, the team circles the important numbers and underlines the word ‘equally’. They divide 36 by 6 and find that each row needs six seedlings. Next, they check their answer by multiplying six rows by six seedlings. The result is 36, so their answer fits the problem. They write a full sentence: ‘There are six seedlings in each row.’ The team then measures the space between rows before planting.

2Vocabulary

Words: equally · seedling · check

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

equally –

seedling –

check –

3Comprehension

4Language Focus

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

I need to divide by because .

There are seedlings in each row.

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

Explain each step of the problem to a partner using “first”, “next” and “finally”.

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 reading quantities and units 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

Solve: 24 pencils are shared equally among 4 tables. Show the operation and write a full-sentence answer.

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: equally · check

Plant the seedlings in each row. your answer by multiplying.

10Sentence Builder

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

seedlings / each row / six / in / There are / .

11School English

Your partner got a different answer. Ask how they checked 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: