Explain It
Explain how to make a peanut butter sandwich using complete sentences.
“First, you take two slices of bread. Then, you spread peanut butter on one slice. Next, you can add jelly if you want. Finally, you put the slices together.”
“The test was a breeze.” What does “a breeze” mean?
It means the test was very easy.
A student is looking down, not talking, and pushing their food around at lunch.
What might they be thinking? Give 2 clues.
Thinking: “I feel upset or don’t want to talk.”
Clues: looking down, not engaging with others.
“He go to the store and buy chips.”
“He goes to the store and buys chips.”
A girl is smiling and clapping after her friend finishes a performance.
What is she thinking? Give 2 clues.
Thinking: “I’m proud of my friend!”
Clues: smiling, clapping.
Explain how to play basketball (at least 3 steps, correct grammar).
“Basketball is played by two teams. First, players dribble the ball down the court. Then, they try to shoot the ball into the hoop. The team with the most points wins.”
“He’s got a heart of stone.”
“He’s got a heart of stone.”
A teacher crosses their arms and raises their eyebrows while a student talks.
What might the teacher be thinking? Give 2 clues.
Thinking: “This is not appropriate” or “I’m not happy.”
Clues: crossed arms, raised eyebrows.
“They was running late and forget their homework.”
“They were running late and forgot their homework.”
A boy is checking his phone repeatedly and tapping his foot while waiting.
What is he thinking? Give 2 clues.
Thinking: “I’m impatient or bored.”
Clues: checking phone, tapping foot.
Explain how a vending machine works.
“A vending machine works by accepting money or a card. After that, the user selects an item. Then, the machine releases the item into the tray. Finally, the customer takes the item.”
“She spilled the tea.”
It means she shared gossip or revealed secrets.
A student rolls their eyes and sighs loudly during group work.
What might they be thinking? Give 2 clues.
Thinking: “This is annoying” or “I don’t want to do this.”
Clues: eye rolling, sighing.
“I seen that movie already and it were good.”
“I have seen that movie already, and it was good.”
(or “I saw that movie already, and it was good.”)
A girl quickly packs her bag, avoids eye contact, and leaves the room early.
What is she thinking? Give 2 clues.
Thinking: “I want to leave quickly” or “I feel uncomfortable.”
Compare and contrast school lunch vs. bringing lunch from home (at least 2 similarities and differences).
“School lunch and home lunch both provide food during the day. However, school lunch is provided by the cafeteria, while home lunch is prepared by a family member. Also, school lunch offers limited choices, but home lunch can be customized.”
That comment left a bad taste in my mouth.
It means the comment caused a negative feeling or discomfort.
A coach pats a player on the back and smiles after they miss a shot.
What might the coach be thinking? Give 2 clues.
Thinking: “It’s okay, keep trying.”
Clues: smiling, supportive touch.
“Me and him was talking when she come in.”
“He and I were talking when she came in.”
A student is whispering to a friend while looking at the teacher and laughing.
What are they thinking? Give 2 clues.
Thinking: “We’re joking about something (possibly inappropriate).”
Clues: whispering, laughing while looking at teacher.
Explain the causes and effects of social media on teens using clear grammar.
“Social media affects teens in both positive and negative ways. One cause is constant access to online content. As a result, teens may feel connected to others, but they can also experience anxiety or comparison. Therefore, social media can impact mental health and self-esteem.”
“He’s walking on thin ice.”
It means he is in a risky situation and could get in trouble.
A friend gives short answers, avoids eye contact, and turns away during a conversation.
What might they be thinking? Give 2 clues.
Thinking: “I don’t want to talk” or “I’m upset.”
Clues: short responses, avoiding eye contact.
“If I would of known, I would of went earlier.”
“If I had known, I would have gone earlier.”
A student sits quietly, stares at their paper, and doesn’t start the test while others are working.
What are they thinking? Give 2 clues.
Thinking: “I don’t understand this” or “I’m anxious.”
Clues: staring at paper, not starting.