The article analyses in detail two lessons that were part of a larger research project on English teaching in Canada, England and Scotland. It considers whether the two English lessons are by their nature both dialogic and formative in practice. The research undertaken was carried out using arts-based criticism. It found that Eaglestone's notion of good English teaching was synonymous with Alexander's idea of dialogic assessment in the nature of the decisions teachers took to encourage students to think about texts. The dialogue that took place, through feedback that was cumulative, could potentially take any direction. In English, 'the point is to respond to the "simultaneous presence of many meanings" rather than draw out one unambiguously'. The key decision for the teacher is to listen, assess and respond.