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There's More to the Question Than the Question Mark

  Life is filled with questions. Some are easy to answer. What's for lunch? Are you staying after
  school? Some questions make us uncomfortable. Why are you mad at me? Some questions require
  that we search for information that might help us to make a good decision.  Should I go to summer
  school? Your research projects should have an interesting, challenging question with many smaller
  questions that lead to your solution or answer. Here are six different types of questions.
 

  Knowledge Questions
  If you find the information, you have answered the question. Sometimes these 
  are called "thin" questions because there is only one correct answer. 

who, what, where, when, name, define, list the steps
Who was the first man to land on the moon?
Name one active volcano.

  Comprehension Questions
  These cannot be answered just with a statement of facts. The answer requires that you show that
  you understand or comprehend by explaining, summarizing, comparing, contrasting, giving
  reasons or causes.
 

describe, discuss, in what ways, outline, give an example, summarize, identify
In what ways are rainforests and deciduous forests alike?
Summarize the Declaration of Independence.

  Application Questions
  You must apply knowledge to a new or unfamiliar situation or problem.

imagine, suppose, predict, how might, what would happen, illustrate
Predict what would happen if Quebec seceded from Canada.

  Analysis Questions
  You must find the most important parts of the information that you have.

analyze, identify, what evidence, what motive
What makes West Hartford unique? 

  Synthesis Questions
 
You
must combine ideas to create an original solution.

create, construct, plan, propose, hypothesize, imagine, solve, propose an alternative
Create a program of study for a new middle school.

  Evaluation Questions
  You must support a decision based on evidence from your research or on a moral or ethical belief.
  Take a stand and defend your position. There are no right or wrong answers but there must be a
  reasonable interpretation of facts. 

defend, rank, grade, justify, what outcome, what is your opinion of, what solution
Defend the cloning of humans.
Justify keeping animals in zoos.
What is your opinion of school dress codes?

  These question types are based on Bloom's Taxonomy and inspired by the work of 
  Edith J. S.  Doherty PhD.

 

This site is maintained by Denise deMello  Library Media Specialist
King Philip Middle School
100 King Philip Drive
West Hartford, CT  06117

Last Updated: September 05, 2007