What is the Maths Question Actually Asking?

A clear, one-page visual support designed to help students slow down, understand the language of a maths question and work out what they are actually being asked to do.

The poster guides students through four simple steps: reading the question carefully, identifying key words, deciding what information is needed and choosing the correct operation or method.

It also includes a practical key-word guide for common maths language linked to addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, comparing, explaining and reasoning.

Useful for students who understand the maths itself but can become stuck when the language of the question is unclear.

Ideal for:

• Home learning and homework support

• Classroom display

• Tutoring sessions

• Students who find maths word problems difficult

• Students with language or processing difficulties

Designed by Building Language Bridges to make the hidden language demands of school more explicit and accessible.