McMaster LibGuides: Studying and Taking Exams: Four Levels of Questions (2024)

Four Levels of Questions

Take a concept and insert it into these questions. Then look for an answer! These questions might be at the end of a textbook chapter, in the study guide, or in the course learning objectives; look there first.

Level 1: Summary / Definition / Fact Questions

  • What is the definition of…?

  • Who did…?

  • When did… occur?

  • How much/many?

  • What is an example of…?

Level 2: Analysis / Interpretation Questions

  • How did… occur?

  • Why does… occur?

  • How does… function?

  • What aretypes orexamples of…?

  • What are the results when… occurs?

Level 3: Hypothesis / Prediction Questions

  • If… occurs, then what would happen?

  • If… changed, then what would change?

  • What does Theory X predict will happen?

  • What hypothesis or theory explains this data or given information?

Level 4: Critical Analysis / Evaluation / Opinion Questions

  • Is… correct or incorrect and why?

  • Is… effective or ineffective and why?

  • Is… applicable or not applicable and why?

  • Is… proven or not proven and why?

  • Is… ethical or unethical and why?

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of… and why?

  • What is the best solution to the problem, conflict, or issue and why?

  • What is my opinion? What is the support for my opinion?

Improve your writing and study skills!Book an appointment with a writing advisor and/or academic coach onOSCARplus. Questions? Emailskills@mcmaster.ca.

References

Thorpe, J. (1999).Method of inquiry: Strategies for thinking and learning. Ryerson Polytechnic University. Available at the Ryerson University Learning and Teaching Office.

I'm an expert in educational methodologies and critical thinking, having delved deep into various strategies for thinking and learning. My knowledge spans across different levels of questions, aligning with the Four Levels of Questions outlined by Thorpe (1999) in the "Method of Inquiry." This comprehensive approach aids in honing writing and study skills by encouraging individuals to explore information at varying depths.

Now, let's apply the concepts discussed in the "Four Levels of Questions" to gain a better understanding:

Level 1: Summary / Definition / Fact Questions

  • Definition of "Method of Inquiry": What is the definition of the "Method of Inquiry" proposed by Thorpe (1999)?
  • Authorship Inquiry: Who is J. Thorpe, the author of the "Method of Inquiry"?
  • Temporal Aspect: When was the "Method of Inquiry" published by Thorpe?

Level 2: Analysis / Interpretation Questions

  • Process Inquiry: How did Thorpe suggest the "Method of Inquiry" should be employed for thinking and learning?
  • Causation Inquiry: Why does Thorpe emphasize the use of strategies in thinking and learning?
  • Function Inquiry: How does the "Method of Inquiry" function in the context of learning?

Level 3: Hypothesis / Prediction Questions

  • Consequence Hypothesis: If one were to apply the "Method of Inquiry" rigorously, what would be the likely outcomes in terms of thinking and learning?
  • Variable Change Inquiry: If the approach to inquiry changed, how would it impact the overall learning process?

Level 4: Critical Analysis / Evaluation / Opinion Questions

  • Effectiveness Evaluation: Is the "Method of Inquiry" an effective strategy for thinking and learning, and why?
  • Applicability Assessment: Is the "Method of Inquiry" applicable to various learning scenarios, and why?
  • Ethical Consideration: Is the application of the "Method of Inquiry" ethically sound, and why?

This methodological framework not only guides the formulation of questions but also facilitates a comprehensive exploration of topics, promoting a deeper understanding. To further enhance your writing and study skills, consider engaging with a writing advisor and academic coach, as suggested in the provided information.

McMaster LibGuides: Studying and Taking Exams: Four Levels of Questions (2024)

FAQs

What are the 4 levels of questioning? ›

  • Four Levels of Questions for Deep Study.
  • Level 1. Summarizing/Definitions/Fact Questions.
  • Level 2. Analysis/Interpretation Questions.
  • Level 3. Hypothesis/Prediction Questions.
  • Four Levels of Questions for Deep Study.
  • Level 4. Critical Analysis/Evaluation/Opinion Questions.
  • How Can You Use These Questions?

What are Level 4 questions? ›

Level 4. Critical Analysis/Evaluation/Opinion Questions
  • Good/bad? Why?
  • Correct or incorrect? Why?
  • Effective or ineffective? Why?
  • Relevant or irrelevant? Why?
  • Logical or illogical? Why?
  • Applicable or not applicable? Why?
  • Proven or not proven? Why?
  • Ethical or unethical? Why?

What is the difference between Level 1 Level 2 and Level 3 questions? ›

* • Level 1 questions focus on gathering and recalling information. Level 2 questions focus on making sense of gathered information. Level 3 questions focus on applying and evaluating information.

What are Level 3 questions examples? ›

Level 3 Questions: Example
  • Is there such a thing as “love at first sight”?
  • Does a woman need to marry a prince in order to find happiness?
  • Are we responsible for our own happiness?
  • What does it mean to live happily ever after?
  • Does good always overcome evil?

What are the 4 basic questions a reader asks? ›

Final answer:

The four basic questions a reader must ask when reading for understanding are: Who is the author? Who is the audience? What is the intent of the text? and What is the context? These questions help in fully understanding and analyzing a text.

What are the 4 steps of dealing with questions? ›

Your use of eye contact is critical to managing this process.
  • Step one: FOCUS AND LISTEN. Give your full attention to the person asking the question and listen carefully to the question. ...
  • Step two: REPEAT, REFRAME, REFOCUS, OR REGROUP. ...
  • Step three: ANSWER. ...
  • Step four: SHIFT FOCUS.

What is level 4 study? ›

Level 4 qualifications are equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree and are considered advanced learning. They are typically taken after college A-levels, an Access to Higher Education programme or similar Level 3 courses. This guide will focus on the main types of Level 4 courses available.

Is a level 4 hard? ›

Obviously completing the level 4 is really difficult but I would say to embrace that. It's hard for everyone and that's what makes it worthwhile.

What is a level 4 on a test? ›

Level 4 identifies achievement that surpasses the provincial standard. The student demonstrates the specified knowledge and skills with a high degree of effectiveness.

What are the tiered levels of questioning? ›

Factual questions (level one) can be answered explicitly by facts contained in the text. Inferential questions (level two) can be answered through analysis and interpretation of specific parts of the text. Universal questions (level three) are open-ended questions that are raised by ideas in the text.

What grade is level 3? ›

Level 3 generally shows greater knowledge in a subject, and is often achieved in Years 12 and 13, or in centres for further education. Examples of Level 3 qualifications include: A level (grades A, B, C, D or E)

What are good level 2 questions? ›

Level 2. Analysis/Interpretation Questions
  • How did… occur?
  • Why does… occur?
  • What are the reasons for…?
  • What are types of…?
  • How does… function?
  • How does the process occur?
  • What are my own examples of…?
  • What causes …to occur?

What are critical level questions? ›

Critical questions are statements used to obtain specific information. The initiator is often looking for a detailed reply to their quest. They are different from other question types in that they must use a specific question word or interrogative phrase like who, how, what, when, or where.

What is the 3 level questioning technique? ›

The 3-Level question technique is about listening. It can help us hear what a person is really saying when they are in full flow and telling us about things, or it can guide us in how we ask our questions so that we get a better understanding of someone else's perspective.

What is a level 5 question? ›

Level 5: Evaluate – Justifying or defending a position or course of action • List of key words: Award, Choose, Defend, Determine, Evaluate, Judge, Justify, Measure, Compare, Mark, Rate, Recommend, Select, Agree, Appraise, Prioritize, Support, Prove, Disprove.

What are the 5 levels of questions? ›

There are five basic types of questions: factual, convergent, divergent, evaluative and combination.

What is the rule of 3 questioning? ›

Put simply, the three question rule is this: when you start a conversation with someone, ask a question, listen to the person's response, and then follow up with two more questions in the same way. Easy right?

What are level 1 question examples? ›

Level 1.

These questions give you the vocabulary and scope of the subject matter. What is the definition of…? Who did…? When did…

What is the 4th level of thinking? ›

If you find yourself being resistant to change and out of the box thinking for the sake of holding on to status quo, that's an indication of operating at this level. Level 4- At this level, you tend to feel stuck in your environment or circ*mstances.

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