Questioning Text

Questioning can help you to understand what you are reading.  In order to best help your reading, you should only ask yes/no questions.

• True
• False

All questions asked about a text are always answered in the text.

• True
• False

Which question word has to do with location?

• Who?
• What?
• Is?
• Where?

Which question word has to do with time?

• Who?
• When?
• Why?
• What?

Kristyn left the house at 7:00 AM.  She had to stop at the store on her way to school.  As she was pulling into the parking lot, she realized that she forgot her purse.  Kristyn could tell that it was going to be one of those days!
Which question below can be answered in the paragraph?

• What time did Kristyn get to school?
• Why was Kristyn going to the store?
• What did Kristyn forget?
• What kind of day is Kristyn having?

James and Carter have been friends for three years.  They met when James moved into the neighborhood.  Next year, they will be going into fourth grade and are hoping to get Mr. Taco for a teacher.
Which question can be answered in the paragraph?

• Where do James and Carter live?
• How long have James and Carter been friends?
• What do James and Carter have in common?
• Is Mr. Taco a good teacher?

Pocahontas was the daughter of Chief Powhatan in Virginia.  She became friends with John Smith when the English started the settlement of Jamestown.  Together they began the trading relationship that saved the colony.
Which question can be answered in the paragraph?

• Who was Pocahontas?
• Why did Pocahontas greet John Smith?
• When did Pocahontas die?
• How did John Smith meet Pocahontas?

Jack is adding fractions with unlike denominators.  First, he finds a common denominator. Next, he makes equivalent fractions.  The third step is to add.  Finally, he simplifies his sum.
What question can be answered in the passage?

• What is a common denominator?
• How do you make equivalent fractions?
• Why does he have to simplify?
• What is Jack doing?

The capital of the United States of America is Washington, D.C.  That city contains many important landmarks such as the White House, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial.  You should plan a trip if you have never been.
Which question can be answered in the passage?

• What can you see in Washington, D.C.?
• Where in the USA is Washington, D.C.?
• When did Washington, D.C. become the capital?
• Why is Washington, D.C. the capital of the country?

Meg, Molly, and Micaela were called 3M.  They all liked to swim and do gymnastics.  In addition, Meg and Molly also played piano, while Micaela liked to draw. 
Which question can be answered in the passage?

• Why don't Meg and Molly draw?
• Is Micaela a talented artist?
• When do they go to the swimming pool?
• What does 3M stand for?