Typology of questions by Dr.Shazia Zamir

1. TYPOLOGY OF
QUESTIONS
BY DR.SHAZIA ZAMIR

2. An open-ended question is a question that cannot be answered with a "yes" or "no"
response, or with a static response. Open-ended questions are phrased as a statement
which requires a longer response. The response can be compared to information that is
already known to the questioner.
What are good open questions?
◦ Open-ended questions list
• Why do you like the bands/performers that you like?
• What was your worst travel experience?
• What was the most important chance meeting you've had?
• What is the process for making your favorite dish?
• What is a good life?
• How did going to school shape you as a person?

3. Diagnostic Questions are a quick and accurate way of assessing your
students' knowledge and understanding of a key skill or concept,
identifying fundamental misconceptions that they may have.
◦ A diagnostic question goes further, providing greater insight into what students are
thinking. This can include an indication of how confident they are in the answer they
have chosen, or their ability to provide a scientific explanation for their answer.
◦ A good diagnostic question can also provide evidence of common
misunderstandings (and problematic conceptions derived from everyday life) that are
held by the student, which could prevent progression in developing the required level
of scientific understanding.

4. Information Questions
used to ask about specific kinds of information. Information questions are also
called "Wh-" questions. because many of the words that are used to ask this. type
of question begin with Wh-.
What are the 5 WH questions?
• Who is it about?
• What happened?
• When did it take place?
• Where did it take place?
• Why did it happen?

5. Any question that hasn't been asked before can be seen as a “challenging question,”
Examples:
• What is your greatest weakness?
• Why should we hire you?
• What's something that you didn't like about your last job?
• Why do you want this job?
• How do you deal with conflict with a co-worker?

6. What is an action question?
Action-based learning questions are questions that are based on the approach of action learning
where one solves real-life problems that involve taking action and reflecting upon the results.
These include well-designed assignments such as case study competitions, simulations,
teaching others, and peer problem solving
Questions to stimulate action
◦ What are you going to do next?
◦ What are your options for action now?
◦ Where could you get more information?
◦ Who else could you seek help from?
◦ What are you going to do for yourself before the next meeting?
◦ How can we help you to make progress?

7. ◦ What is a sequence question?
◦ A Sequence question is also known as a “ranking” or an
“ordering” question. It requires learners to drag and drop items in the
correct sequence. In this question type, all items must be in the proper
order to be graded as correct. In other words, the answer is considered
as correct only when all items are in order.

8. "Extended questions" have traditionally been called "essay questions." An extended response
item is an open-ended question that begins with some type of prompt. These questions allow
students to write a response that arrives at a conclusion based on their specific knowledge of the
topic.
What is a generalization question?
A generalization is defined as a broad statement or an idea that is applied to a group of people
or things.
Examples of Generalization
• All parents try to make life difficult for their children.
• Every salesman lies to make more money on a sale.
• Homework is very easy.
• Homework is very hard.
• The United States is colder than Europe.
• Men are all afraid of commitment.