Costa's Level of Questioning

Level 1: Gathering

Level 2: Processing

Level 3: Applying

Level 1: Gathering

• Level 1 questions can be easily found in the text provided by a teacher or in some other resource

• Examples:

  • Define Question: What is the meaning of the word caffeine?

  • Describe Question: What did James get at the store?

  • Name Question: What is the name of the most popular soda company in the US?

  • Locate Question: Where is New Mexico on a map of the USA?

Level 2: Processing

• Level 2 questions require the student to take what they have learned in a text or resource and combine it with prior knowledge.

• Examples:

  • Compare Question: How are the characters in Twilight similar to traditional depictions of vampires in literature?

  • Contrast Question: How is the Big Bad Wolf in The Three Little Pigs different from The Wolf in Red Riding Hood?

  • Classify Question: Based on what you know about heroes and villains, what category would you place Deadpool in?
    

Level 3: Applying

• Level 3 questions require the student to create their own products and ideas.

• Examples:

  • Prediction Question: What will happen to a flame when exposed to carbon monoxide?

  • Create Question: If you could rewrite the ending of the Cinderella story, how would you change it?

  • Generalize Question: In general, what characteristics do the Disney Princesses share?