Minds On

A minute of questions

Let’s brainstorm questions, not answers.

Explore the following photograph. What are some questions we could ask to learn more about this photograph? You will have one minute to come up with as many questions as you can. Record your questions using a method of your choice.

Are you ready? Get set, let’s go!

A photograph of a muddy dog getting a bath in a bathtub.

Review your questions. What kind of questions did you come up with? (We’ll return to your list of questions later in the Action section).

Action

Task 1: Questioning as a reading strategy

Asking questions, or simply questioning, is a strategy that readers use to engage further with a text. Questioning can be practiced before, during, and after reading.

When we ask questions before reading, we make predictions and activate our background knowledge.

When we ask questions during reading, these questions can take the form of questioning the text, the author, and even self-questioning (e.g., the questions that you ask yourself to check that you understand what you’re reading).

When we ask questions after reading, this can lead us to research a topic further.

It’s important to note that not all questions are alike. Let’s find out what this means.

Task 2: Thick and thin questions

Asking questions can help us to engage deeper with a text that is new or unfamiliar and/or challenging to understand. The kinds of questions we ask also makes a difference.

The kinds of questions we ask generally fall into two categories: closed-ended questions and open-ended questions.

Closed-ended questions

Closed-ended questions (also known as “thin” questions) tend to be yes or no questions that can be answered using information that is found in the text.

Press ‘Examples’ to reveal closed-ended sentence starters.

The following are examples of sentence starters for thin questions:

  • Who…?
  • What…?
  • Where…?
  • When…?
  • How many…?

Open-ended questions

Open-ended questions (also known as “thick” questions) help to guide our understanding and provide us with opportunities to think critically. They require readers to make inferences and consider their background knowledge, opinions, and ideas.

The answers to open-ended questions can also be subject to interpretation. (This is also why open-ended questions work well for discussions!)

Press ‘Examples’ to reveal open-ended sentence starters.

The following are examples of sentence starters for thick questions:

  • What if…?
  • Why do you think…?
  • Why did…?
  • Can you think of another way to…?
  • How do you know…?

Task 3: Question sort

Let’s return to the questions that you came up with for the photograph in the Minds On.

Use the following fillable and printable Questions Venn Diagram to sort your questions between closed-ended and open-ended. You can also complete this activity in your notebook or use another method of your choice. Once you have sorted your questions, examine your sort. What do you notice?

For example, if you have more closed-ended questions than open-ended questions, why do you think this is?

You can add questions to either side to balance your lists of questions.

Questions Venn Diagram

Press the Activity button to access the Questions Venn Diagram.

Activity (Open PDF in a new tab)

Task 4: Let’s explore

Question matrix

A question matrix is a group of questions that is displayed on a grid of rows and columns. The rows represent the different ways to start a question (Six W’s and H). The columns offer a number of choices that follow each question.

To use it, select one of the Six W’s or H (Column 1) to start your question. Then, select a verb from Row 1 to follow your question word.

For example:

  • What is…?
  • Which… could…?
  • How might…?

Using the question matrix, practice creating open- and closed-ended questions before, during, and after reading. Select a short story or audiobook that you haven’t read before and start questioning.

Use the following instructions to guide your questioning:

  • Before Reading: Examine the title and/or cover illustration. Create a few questions and label them as open-ended or closed-ended.
  • During Reading: Pause at a few different points as your read. List any questions that come up during reading and determine if they’re open- or closed-ended questions.
  • After Reading: Record any questions that you still have or have come up now that you’ve read through the text.

Do you need help coming up with questions? You can use the question matrix to help you!

You can record your questions in the following fillable and printable Asking Questions: Before, During, and After template or use another method of your choice.

Asking Questions: Before, During, and After
Questions Answers
Before
During
After

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Asking Questions: Before, During, and After.

Activity (Open PDF in a new window)

Consolidation

Answering questions

By now, you have finished reading/listening to your story and you have come up with some questions.

Select and respond to one closed-ended question from each section (before, during, and after reading).

Then, select and respond to one open-ended question from each section (before, during, and after reading).

Finally, use the following questions to reflect on questioning as a strategy.

  • Why is questioning a useful reading comprehension strategy?
  • Are open-ended questions better than closed-ended questions? Why or why not?
  • What makes a question more or less helpful? Record your responses using a method of your choice.
  • How will this strategy help you to read a variety of texts?

Record your responses using a method of your choice.

Reflection

As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.

I feel…

Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.