Which statement best describes the difference between planning commentary and the lesson plan in Task 1?

• A. Planning commentary outlines the sequence and activities.
• B. The lesson plan outlines the sequence and activities.
• C. The planning commentary explains why decisions were made and how they connect to standards and student thinking.
• D. The lesson plan lists assessment questions only.

Answer: (C)

In Task 1, the planning commentary is about the why and the connections: it explains why each instructional decision was made and how those choices link to standards and to what students are thinking and doing. The lesson plan, on the other hand, is the practical map of what happens in class—the sequence of activities, objectives, materials, and how you’ll assess student learning during the lesson. So the statement that the planning commentary explains why decisions were made and how they connect to standards and student thinking captures the core difference.

The other descriptions mix up roles: outlining the sequence and activities belongs to the lesson plan, not the planning commentary; and a lesson plan isn’t limited to assessment questions—it includes a full plan of instruction and assessment.