Virginia SOL 7.C.1.A.iii
The Standard
Asking and responding to probing questions and providing appropriate feedback within structured discussions.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English · Communication, Listening, and Collaboration
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students take an active role in group discussions by inviting ideas, asking useful follow-up questions, and keeping the talk focused. They answer questions with reasons or evidence and give feedback that is specific, respectful, and helpful.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student asks follow-up questions that clarify ideas, test reasoning, or request evidence. The student responds directly, refers to the text or discussion, and gives specific, respectful feedback that moves the group forward.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may ask questions that only repeat facts instead of pushing for reasons, evidence, or clarification. They may treat feedback as agreement, disagreement, or personal criticism rather than a specific response that helps the discussion.
How to Assess It
- In groups of three, have students discuss a short text for four minutes. Collect an observer checklist showing one probing question, one evidence-based response, and one specific piece of feedback from each student.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups question cards labeled clarify, evidence, reasoning, and connection, then require each student to use two cards during a text discussion.
Discuss the prompt, Which claim in the text is strongest, and what question would help the author improve it?
Play Question Ladder, where teams turn a basic question into three stronger follow-up questions and earn points for depth and relevance.
Hold a mock school committee meeting where students question proposals, respond with evidence, and give feedback before choosing one plan.
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Printable 7.C.1.A.iii Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 5.C.1.A.i
Listening actively and speaking using agreed-upon discussion rules.
- 3.C.1.A.iii
Asking and responding to questions that acquire or confirm information on a topic and link their comments to the remarks of others.
- 8.C.1.A.iii
Asking clarifying questions and responding appropriately to others’ questions to encourage discussion, foster understanding, and maintain focus on the topic.
- 4.C.1.A.i
Listening actively and speaking using agreed-upon discussion rules.
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