Levels of Questioning

Mr. Bishop

English 12CP

Bloom’s Taxonomy

In his research on questioning, Benjamin Bloom, organized the types of questions asked of students into 6 levels of cognitive difficulty.

You will be asked throughout the year to write your own questions within the framework of Bloom’s Taxonomy

Knowledge

This is the lowest level of questioning.

Most of your school career has been spent answering these types of questions.

This is simply recalling information that you have been exposed to

Verbs used in knowledge level questions are typically as follows:

– arrange, define, duplicate, label, list, memorize, name, order, recognize, relate, recall, repeat, reproduce state.

Understanding

Understanding is the second lowest level of questioning.

This level requires the learner to DO something with what they have learned.

For the most part, you are simply reorganizing the facts that you have learned at the knowledge level

Verbs used in knowledge level questions are typically as follows:

– classify, describe, discuss, explain, express, identify, indicate, locate, recognize, report, restate, review, select, translate,

Application

Application is the 3rd level of questioning.

Application is more difficult because you are asked to put your information to work.

Usually, this level involves problem solving, or using the facts/rules in a specific way.

Verbs used in knowledge level questions are typically as follows:

– apply, choose, demonstrate, dramatize, employ, illustrate, interpret, operate, practice, schedule, sketch, solve, use, write.

Analysis

This is the 4th level of questioning.

Analysis usually involves an understanding of the whole by breaking it down into its component (structural) parts.

We will LIVE here this year.

Verbs used in knowledge level questions are typically as follows:

– analyze, appraise, calculate, categorize, compare, contrast, criticize, differentiate, discriminate, distinguish, examine, experiment, question, test

Synthesis

This is the 5th level of questioning

This level requires the student to create an original product based on their knowledge.

You may be asked to COMBINE ideas to create a NEW whole.

Verbs used in knowledge level questions are typically as follows:

– arrange, assemble, collect, compose, construct, create, design, develop, formulate, manage, organize, plan, prepare, propose, set up, write.

Evaluation

This is the 6th and highest level of questioning according to Bloom.

This level requires you to make informed value judgments.

This includes the development and defense of your opinions and beliefs.

Verbs used in knowledge level questions are typically as follows:

– appraise, argue, assess, attach, choose compare, defend estimate, judge, predict, rate, core, select, support, value, evaluate.

You tell me…

Argue whether Odysseus’ would be considered a hero by modern standards.

– Evaluation

From what kingdom does Odysseus depart for home?

– Knowledge

In your own words, describe the process by which Odysseus defeats the Cyclops, Polyphemus.

– Understanding

A few more…

Compose your own short story, told from the perspective of Penelope while Odysseus is away.

– Synthesis

Interpret three major symbols in the Odyssey.– Application

Analyze Odysseus growth by differentiating between Odysseus’ behavior during his fight with the Cyclops and his fight with the Suitors.

– Analysis