A worked example teaches you when you predict each step before seeing it. If you only read along, you learn to recognise the solution, not to produce it.
This resource is part of the student study resources. The worked example and practice pairing template gives you a layout to pair examples with practice.
What is the predict-the-next-line method?
Cover the example with a sheet of paper and reveal it one line at a time. Before each reveal, write what you think the next line is, and why.
If your guess matches, move on. If not, stop and work out the reason for the difference. That pause is the learning.
How does it look on a real example?
Here is an original Mathematics example: “Solve 2(x + 3) = 5x − 9.”
Cover everything and ask: what is the first move? You might say “expand the bracket”. Reveal: 2x + 6 = 5x − 9. Matches.
Next, predict: collect x terms on one side. Reveal: 6 + 9 = 5x − 2x, so 15 = 3x. Say you wrote 6 = 3x − 9 instead. That is also correct but takes one more line, so note the difference.
Last step: x = 15 ÷ 3 = 5. Check by substituting: 2(5 + 3) = 16 and 5 × 5 − 9 = 16. Both sides agree.
What should I write beside each step?
Next to every line, write one short reason, such as “expand”, “collect like terms” or “divide both sides”. These reasons are the method, and they are what transfers to the next question.
| Line | Reason |
|---|---|
| 2x + 6 = 5x − 9 | Expand the bracket |
| 15 = 3x | Move x terms one side, numbers the other |
| x = 5 | Divide both sides by 3 |
What is a twin problem?
A twin problem has the same structure with different numbers, such as “Solve 3(x + 2) = 7x − 10.” Solve it straight after the example, with the example covered.
If you can solve it, the method has transferred. If you cannot start, you followed the example without knowing its reasons, so go back to the reasons column.
What mistake should I avoid?
Collecting examples and never trying a question. A folder of ten worked examples feels like progress, but you have not solved anything yourself. Follow this pattern: two examples, one attempt, one review.
Use practising without looking at the answer too early for the attempt. If examples are clear but new questions are not, I understand examples but cannot answer new questions goes further.
When could tuition help?
In a one-to-one lesson, a teacher can freeze an example at each step and ask you what comes next. You can try this in the one-hour trial class (from RM50), and agree later lessons with the teacher.