Instructions​

1. Introduce the Four Types of Questions

• Begin by explaining to students that skilled readers ask questions while they read—and that identifying the type of question being asked can guide how they find the answer. Introduce the following four types:

  • Right There Questions

    • These are literal questions. The answer is explicitly stated in the text, often using the same wording as the question.

    • Example: “What time did the train leave the station?”

  • Think and Search Questions

    • These require students to gather information from different parts of the text and synthesize it to answer the question.

    • Example: “What caused the main character’s change in attitude over the course of the story?”

  • Author and You Questions

    • These are inferential. Students must use both the information provided in the text and their own background knowledge or experiences to construct an answer.

    • Example: “Do you agree with the author's viewpoint? Why or why not?”

  • On My Own Questions

    • These questions are not text-dependent. Students draw on their own knowledge or experiences to respond, and the answer can be given without having read the passage.

    • Example: “Have you ever experienced a conflict with a close friend? How did you resolve it?”

2. Provide students with time to read 

• Use a portion of a text (literary or informational) that you want students to read. Ensure the passage is rich enough to support a range of question types.

3. Ask Prepared Questions Aloud

• Prepare several questions in advance that represent each of the four types. After reading the passage, present each question one at a time. For each question:

  • Model how to identify the type of question being asked.

  • Explain the reasoning behind the classification.

  • Walk students through the process of finding or constructing the answer.

4. Model Strategies for Answering Each Question Type

• Demonstrate how to respond to each type of question:

  • For Right There Questions, show how to locate and cite the specific text reference.

  • For Think and Search Questions, model how to pull information from multiple points in the text and draw a conclusion.

  • For Author and You Questions, explain how to combine textual evidence with personal reasoning or experience.

  • For On My Own Questions, emphasize the use of prior knowledge and personal insight.
     

Consideration

This strategy is similar to the 3H Strategy. Try both strategies and see what works well with your students.