ASKING FOR

CLARIFICATION

Teacher Guidelines ▶ pages 1 – 2

2
Instructional Pages ▶ pages 3 – 5
Activity Page ▶ page    5
Practice Page ▶ page    6
GRADE

Homework Page
Answer Key
▶
▶
page    7
pages 8 – 9
 Classroom Procedure: Approximate Grade Level: 2

1. Begin the class by quickly reading a passage from a novel Objectives: The students will be able to
ask for clarification and further explanation
or a piece of informative text. Read it in a way that causes
as needed about the topics and texts under
students to become confused or read about a topic the discussion.
students do not understand. After reading, ask students
to tell you what they learned or tell them they will have a State Educational Standards*
quiz, and then, ask students if there are any questions. LB.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1.C
Likely, most students will not raise their hand. Ask students Class Sessions (45 minutes):
if they understood everything that was read. 1 class session
2. Allow for responses and discussion. Most students should Teaching Materials/Worksheets:
not understand the content. Ask students why they were Asking for Clarification content page,
hesitant to initially ask questions about the content. Activity page, Practice page, Homework
3. Allow for responses and discussion. Guide students to page
accepting the fact that everyone can become confused Student Supplies: handouts
when listening and participating in a conversation or
discussion. Introduce Asking for Clarification to the class. Prepare Ahead of Time:
Place students in groups for the activity.
4. Distribute Asking for Clarification content page. Read Copy handouts.
aloud and review the information with the students. Save
Options for Lesson: Students may work
the final question for the lesson closing. Use the additional
in pairs for the activity. Conduct a full-
resources to enhance understanding. class discussion for the activity- post the
5. Distribute Activity page. Read and review the instructions. questions for display. Invite older students
Place students in groups of 3 to 5. Remind students to to sit in groups with students, assign a
try and use questions from the list during the discussion. topic, and give students practice in using
Students do not need to use every topic, but they are the questions for clarification. Show a video
provided to keep the discussion active. Allow time for of a discussion between children or adults-
students identify the clarification questions
students to conduct a discussion. that are used.
6. Once completed, allow students to share some of their
new questions for clarification. *Lessons are aligned to meet the education objectives and goals of
most states. For more information on your state objectives, contact
7. Distribute Practice page. Check and review the students’ your local Board of Education or Department of Education in your state.
responses.
8. Distribute the Homework page. The next day, check and
review the students’ responses.
9. In closing, ask students: What causes you the most
confusion during a conversation or group discussion?
10. Allow for responses and discussion. Encourage students
to be specific and to share reasons for their confusion.
Discuss some strategies that may sometimes prevent
confusion such as listening better, taking notes, and not
being afraid to ask questions.

1
 Teacher Notes
The lesson is the third in a series related to conversations and discussions. Many times, students are either
shy or are unwilling to ask questions for clarification during a conversation or discussion. This lesson includes
additional strategies for conversations and discussions and helps students learn how to ask for clarification
and further explanation about the topics and texts under discussion. The lesson may be used in conjunction
with other lessons related to discussions.
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What Do You Mean? Huh!
Have you ever been confused during a conversation or discussion? Most likely, your answer is yes! Nearly
everyone, young and old, will become confused during conversations or group discussions. It is okay if it
happens to you. It can happen to anyone.
However, you do not need to remain confused during conversations or group discussions. You could ask for
clarification. Clarification means to make comments or statements less confusing and more understandable.
During a conversation or group discussion, it is okay to ask for clarification and further explanation as needed
about the topics and texts under discussion.
There are certain questions you can ask to clarify the words and comments spoken by another person. It
would be rude to interrupt a person in the middle of their sentence, but you could wait and then politely ask
for clarification using one or more of the following questions:

Will you please repeat the word or sentence?

Will you please repeat your opinion?

Will you please repeat the question?

Will you please explain that again?

Can you explain your idea differently or in

another way?

Can you share another example?

Can you add more details about that?

I have a question I would like to ask you

about that.

I do not understand that word or remark. I do

not understand the question, please repeat it.

3
When you have had conversations with other people, they may have had to ask you to repeat what you
said or give more details. For example, you may tell your teacher, “I did not do my homework.” However, the
teacher then says, “Please explain why you did not do your homework.” The teacher is asking for clarification.
If you do not understand the topic, ask the person speaking to share more information. If you do not ask for
clarification, you will become more confused. It is okay and acceptable to ask questions. However, be sure
you are listening carefully as well. You do not want to become confused because you were not listening, but
even then, it is okay to ask for clarification.
In school, you will sometimes meet with other students during a group discussion. If you become confused,
you can easily say, “Excuse me,” and then use one of the clarification questions.

What causes you the most confusion during a

conversation or group discussion?

4
 Activity Name __________________________ Date _________

Work with your group. Use the question list as you discuss the different topics. Take turns using
and asking some of the clarification questions listed below. Add three of your own questions too.
TOPICS (Choose more than one topic if necessary.)

Discuss your favorite and least Discuss changes you would like Discuss sports you think are the
favorite subjects and why to see at school and why best to play and why

Discuss things you like and Discuss a favorite vacation you Discuss the best way to have a
dislike about your town have taken or would like to take group discussion

TRY TO USE THESE QUESTIONS DURING THE DISCUSSION (Add 3 of your own.)

Will you please repeat the word or sentence?

Will you please repeat the question?
Will you please explain that again?
Can you explain your idea differently or in another way?
Can you share another example?
Can you add more details about that?
I have a question I would like to ask you about that.
I do not understand that word or remark.
Will you please repeat your opinion?
I do not understand the question, please repeat it.
1.
2.
3.

5
 Practice Name __________________________ Date _________

Read the conversation part. Choose the best question that could be used for clarification.
Did you know there will be a party next week at school? Everyone at school will be there. Parents and
other family members are invited too. Do you think you could bring some cake or pie to share?
A Will you please repeat the question?

B Can you share another example?

I went to the park today. There were a lot of other kids there. I was not able to find anything to do. I think
maybe they should add more things to do like swings or slides. I became bored and left.
A Will you please repeat the word or sentence?

B Will you please repeat your opinion?

Here is what you need to do. Go into the kitchen and clear the dinner table. Be sure to place all the trash
in the can. Next, take the bag of trash outside. Place it all on the curb for pick-up.
A Will you please explain that again?

B I do not understand that word or remark.

I went to grandma’s house, and she was working in the garden. Grandpa was in the garage working.
When I got there, we had my favorite dinner of spaghetti and meatballs. I have always loved meatballs.
A I have a question I would like to ask you about that.

B Can you explain your idea differently or in another way?

Mom told us we cannot watch television tonight. We must sit and read. We cannot use phones or
computers either. We may go outside to play. We can visit a friend too. Have you decided what you
would be doing tonight yet?

A Can you add more details about that?

B I do not understand the question, please repeat it.

6
 Homework Name __________________________ Date _________

Read each explanation. From the list below, choose the BEST question for clarification.

1 Kenny’s mom gave him two examples for a project, but he needed another one. He asked-

2 The teacher explained the assignment, Jay did not understand, so he asked…

3 Someone told Drew, “You are the greatest ever!” Drew was confused so he asked…

4 Kelly listened to a great idea by her friend, but she needed to have it better explained.

5 Layla had a question about just one thing someone said, so he asked…

6 Noah did not understand a word used in a sentence, what should he ask?

7 Jackson was confused about his father’s opinion, so he asked…

8 Camille was confused about a question a friend asked her, what question should she ask?

9 Casey did not hear a question a friend asked her, what question should she ask?

10 Lily had details about an upcoming vacation, but she needed more, so she asked…

A Will you please repeat the word or sentence?

B Will you please repeat the question?
C Will you please explain that again?
D Can you explain your idea differently or in another way?
E Can you share another example?
F Can you add more details about that?
G I have a question I would like to ask you about that.
H I do not understand that word or remark.
I Will you please repeat your opinion?
J I do not understand the question, please repeat it.

7
 Practice Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________

Read the conversation part. Choose the best question that could be used for clarification.

Did you know there will be a party next week at school? Everyone at school will be there. Parents and
other family members are invited too. Do you think you could bring some cake or pie to share?

A Will you please repeat the question?

B Can you share another example?

I went to the park today. There were a lot of other kids there. I was not able to find anything to do. I think
maybe they should add more things to do like swings or slides. I became bored and left.

A Will you please repeat the word or sentence?

B Will you please repeat your opinion?

Here is what you need to do. Go into the kitchen and clear the dinner table. Be sure to place all the trash
in the can. Next, take the bag of trash outside. Place it all on the curb for pick-up.

A Will you please explain that again?

B I do not understand that word or remark.

I went to grandma’s house, and she was working in the garden. Grandpa was in the garage working.
When I got there, we had my favorite dinner of spaghetti and meatballs. I have always loved meatballs.

A I have a question I would like to ask you about that.

B Can you explain your idea differently or in another way?

Mom told us we cannot watch television tonight. We must sit and read. We cannot use phones or
computers either. We may go outside to play. We can visit a friend too. Have you decided what you
would be doing tonight yet?
A Can you add more details about that?

B I do not understand the question, please repeat it.

8
 Homework Answer Key
Name __________________________ Date _________

Read each explanation. From the list below, choose the BEST question for clarification.

1 E Kenny’s mom gave him two examples for a project, but he needed another one. He asked-

2 C The teacher explained the assignment, Jay did not understand, so he asked…

3 H Someone told Drew, “You are the greatest ever!” Drew was confused so he asked…

4 D Kelly listened to a great idea by her friend, but she needed to have it better explained.

5 G Layla had a question about just one thing someone said, so he asked…

6 A Noah did not understand a word used in a sentence, what should he ask?

7 I Jackson was confused about his father’s opinion, so he asked…

8 J Camille was confused about a question a friend asked her, what question should she ask?

9 B Casey did not hear a question a friend asked her, what question should she ask?

10 F Lily had details about an upcoming vacation, but she needed more, so she asked…

(some responses may vary)

A Will you please repeat the word or sentence?

B Will you please repeat the question?
C Will you please explain that again?
D Can you explain your idea differently or in another way?
E Can you share another example?
F Can you add more details about that?
G I have a question I would like to ask you about that.
H I do not understand that word or remark.
I Will you please repeat your opinion?
J I do not understand the question, please repeat it.