Levels of Questioning

What are the levels of questioning?

• The levels of questioning are ways of structuring questions in order to identify, process, and apply key information from literature.

Level 1: Identify

• Questions of this level inquire about concrete information, often stated explicitly in the text.
• There is a right or wrong answer.
• This level allows the learner to solidify their understanding of the text in order to be able to correctly analyse information further on.
• Key words: Define, list, describe.

Level 2: Process

• Questions of this level are more abstract, but still pertain only to the text.
• Concrete information from level 1 is combined, contrasted, and compared, in order to make inferences
• Often, motives, cause and effect, and decisions in the text are examined
• Key words: Analyse, infer, explain, infer

Level 3: Apply

• Questions of this level are based on the ideas of the text, but apply them to worldly hypotheticals.
• Deeper information from level 2 is judged and evaluated based on personal opinion.
• Differing answers are encouraged!
• Key words: Imagine, evaluate, judge

Why use the levels of questioning?

• Each level allows the learner to gain new information.
• Each level builds on the previous one in order to deepen analysis and knowledge of the literature.
• They allow the learner to make connections to the real world and apply the literature's theme and purpose to pertinent issues