Questions / instructions:
Show student the picture.
Here is a picture of Mary Borg. Mary lives in a country called Malta.

1. Do you know very much about Malta?

Imagine that Mary is coming with her family from Malta to live in New Zealand. When she comes she will be in your room at school.
2. Think about important things you would want to know about Mary's country and the people of Malta. Try to think of up to 3 important things you would ask her and I'll write them down when you're ready.

Prompt: Ask the student to elaborate when a broad answer is given. e.g. "Lifestyle" : What do you mean by lifestyle? Can you think of any examples?

After the 3 things have been written: I'll read out what I've written down. If there is anything you want to change, tell me and I'll write it down.

3. How might you find out about Malta besides writing to Mary and her family? Think of as many sources of information as you can, and I'll write them down.

Prompt: Ask the student to elaborate with specific resources when generalised resources (e.g. "library", "computer") are named.

Record all of the sources given by the student.

Commentary:
Year 8 students were quite successful in suggesting relevant questions and identifying relevant sources of information. Forty to fifty percent of year 4 students did not manage more than one relevant question, or more than one relevant source of information.