We
have looked at six types of questions based on the thinking
skills required. The first three -
knowledge, comprehension and application - are often needed to
construct an answer to the final
three - analysis, synthesis and evaluation. For example, in
order to produce an answer to the
following question of the synthesis type, several knowledge,
comprehension and application
questions must first be answered.
Essential
Question
Smoking among
teenagers is rising. Although there is agreement that something
must be done to stop the increase in smoking, there is
little agreement about how
to do that. You are part of a team of middle school
students asked to recommend a
plan of attack on this national health problem. Prepare
a persuasive presentation
that lays out your recommendations based on your
research and your knowledge of
how teenagers can be influenced.
Smaller
Questions
How many teens smoke?
What is the rate of increase yearly?
Has the increase been steady?
What are the health risks to teens?
How much do cigarettes cost?
Where do teens get cigarettes?
Are there successful programs that we could learn from?
Characteristics of Essential Questions cannot
be answered with statements of facts big
questions often dealing with real life situations no
right or wrong answer as long as answer based on research and
can be justified often
debatable