1. Warm Up With a Big-Picture Question

Start the lesson by asking 1 broad question related to the theme.
Example:

  • “What does an inclusive space mean to you?”
    This opens the student’s mind before reading.

2. Independent Reading First

Have the student read silently or aloud without stopping.
At this level:

  • Do not interrupt for vocabulary unless the student asks.

  • Let them experience the full structure and tone of the article.

After reading, ask:
“Are there any unfamiliar words or phrases you want me to explain before we move on?”

3. Targeted Vocabulary Support

Choose 4–6 advanced words or phrases from the passage that matter for meaning.
Explain briefly and have the student use each one in a sentence.
Examples of what to target:

  • Abstract nouns

  • Academic language

  • Subtle verbs or phrases that change tone

4. Guide the Viewpoint Questions

These questions train students to interpret, analyze, and connect ideas.

For each question:

  1. Have the student answer first.

  2. Ask them to justify their answer using something from the text.

  3. Push for clarity:

    • “Why do you think that?”

    • “Which part of the paragraph supports your idea?”

Encourage 3–5 sentence answers.

5. Foster Interpretation, Not Memorization

ACCOMPLISHED readings are not about recalling facts.
They are about understanding:

  • Tone

  • Purpose

  • Writer’s choices

  • Implications

  • Underlying messages

Ask questions like:

  • “What is the writer trying to highlight by mentioning…?”

  • “How does the structure of this paragraph support the point?”

6. Move Into the ‘Your Thoughts’ Section

This section is for personal reflection, but push for depth.

Encourage the student to:

  • Tie personal experiences to the reading

  • Compare their own community with the concepts in the article

  • Offer solutions or observations, not just opinions

Great sentence starters:

  • “In my community…”

  • “One issue I notice is…”

  • “A simple change that would help is…”

7. Respond Like an Academic, Not a Casual Speaker

Guide the learner to use:

  • Longer, organized responses

  • Connectors: however, therefore, in contrast, for example

  • Higher-level vocabulary from the passage

  • Clear reasoning behind their viewpoints

Example guidance:

  • “Try to answer in two parts: your opinion + your explanation.”

8. Encourage a Mini-Debrief at the End

Ask one closing question to wrap up the theme:

  • “Why do inclusive spaces matter for society?”

  • “How do design choices affect people more than we realize?”

This builds confidence and reinforces critical-thinking skills.

Tutor Notes

  • Keep the tone supportive but intellectually challenging.

  • Allow the student time to think; do not rush advanced learners.

  • It’s okay if answers vary—the goal is quality of reasoning, not agreement.

  • Encourage natural language but with a more academic flavor.

  • Praise insight, not just accuracy.

    • “That’s a thoughtful connection.”

    • “You explained your reasoning clearly.”