critical thinking reading comprehension questions

19 Short Stories and Questions For Critical Thinking

Apr 2, 2024

There have been rumblings in different online teacher groups recently about replacing novels with short stories and informational articles in middle and high school English classrooms. I have to admit I was shocked when I first read the comments because I am a book lover at heart, but since then, I’ve considered that there are several pros and cons to this approach.

Short stories and other smaller texts can provide a briefer timeline to complete tasks, and this process is helpful when there is already SO MUCH curriculum to cover. Short stories and related activities can also be more engaging for our students because of the exposure to diverse voices and themes! Using short stories and lessons provides students with amazing choices to meet their needs and preferences!

On the other hand, incorporating mainly short stories and other shorter passages means students’ already-pressed attention spans (as a result of social media influences and pervasive sources of technology) are reinforced. Plus, students miss out on the more complex stories within longer pieces of fiction that are, dare I say, life-altering! A novel can provide opportunities for sustained reading and layers for analysis that shorter pieces of literature like short stories and related texts cannot offer.

Ultimately, no matter where you find yourself on the issue, I think we can all agree that short stories and their counterparts can be vital, effective, and helpful in the modern classroom!

Continue reading for 19 Short Stories and Questions For Critical Thinking!!

Need help with Test Prep ?  Check out this  FREE Pack of 3 Test Prep Activities  to help students achieve success on standardized tests!

Table of Contents

19 Short Stories and Questions – Suggestions for Teaching Them

You don’t need to remove all novels to be able to include short stories and smaller passages like vignettes, articles, and narratives; there’s a time and place for all genres! But if you’re thinking about ways to include more short stories and fun activities, check out this list of 19 varied short stories and critical thinking questions as well as suggestions for teaching them in middle school and high school.

1.  “The Most Dangerous Game” 

“The Most Dangerous Game” is one of my absolute favorite short stories and overall plots to teach! This suspenseful short story by Richard Connell follows the harrowing ordeal of Sanger Rainsford, a skilled hunter who becomes the prey of a deranged aristocrat named General Zaroff. Stranded on Zaroff’s secluded island, Rainsford must outwit the cunning general in a deadly game of survival, where the stakes are life and death. 

SUGGESTIONS FOR TEACHING:

• You could focus on the setting (description of time and place) and examine how the setting changes throughout the story.
• Students could learn about the plot (major events in the story) and list the major events and evidence as they read.
• Define foreshadowing (hints for what will happen by the end of the story) and encourage students to hypothesize about what will happen after every page.
• Analyze the character development (how a character changes over time) of Rainsford and highlight his traits/actions as you read along.

CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS:

• How does the setting contribute to the tension and suspense in the story?
• How does the author use foreshadowing? How does the author hint at the danger Rainford is facing?
• What inferences can you make about the main character and the changes he undergoes from the beginning to the end of the story?

If you want to teach plot elements and plot analysis , check out this lesson bundle for the story , which includes comprehension quizzes and a variety of activities!

2.  “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”

Ambrose Bierce’s story is a gripping tale set during the American Civil War, where a Southern civilian named Peyton Farquhar faces execution by hanging after attempting to sabotage a Union railroad bridge. As Farquhar falls through the trapdoor, time seems to stretch, and he experiences a surreal moment, only to realize his grim reality. 

Integrating historical texts with other short stories and passages like “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” will make history come more alive and relevant for our students!

• Teach about irony (when the opposite occurs from what is expected) and how it plays a role throughout the story.
• Explain the term characterization (how a character is depicted) by looking at direct and indirect references while reading with your students.
• Discuss the major themes (messages) of the story and how they connect to our modern era within a Socratic Seminar.
• How does the author use characterization to convey Peyton Farquhar’s thoughts, emotions, and motivations?
• What is the purpose of irony in this story? How does its use affect the reader’s interpretation and understanding of events?
• What is the significance in our contemporary/real world of the themes of the story, including reality and fantasy, the passage of time, and the consequences of actions?

Ensure students’ understanding of the story with this set of reading questions that are perfect for state test prep, too !

3.  “The Masque of the Red Death”

This chilling tale from Edgar Allan Poe is set in a secluded abbey where Prince Prospero and his wealthy guests attempt to escape a deadly plague known as the Red Death. Despite their isolation efforts, the guests are confronted with their own mortality as a mysterious figure in a blood-red mask appears.

If you have not read any short stories and poems from Poe, this story is a perfect journey into the horror genre!

• The setting (description of time and place) plays a MAJOR role in the story, so following the Prince from room to room and highlighting the imagery (description that connects to the five senses) is very important when reading.
• If you have not introduced mood  (emotion intended for the reader to experience), this story is PERFECT for delineating its progression from start to finish.
• As students read, you might guide them through identifying various examples of  symbolism  (object, person, or place that represents something else); each room, objects within, and the “antagonist” is symbolic in some way!
• How does the author convey the tone of the story? How would you, as the reader, describe the story’s mood?
• What role does the plot structure (focus on the different rooms) play in shaping the reader’s understanding of the story?
• What is the purpose of the symbolism in the story such as the clock and the masked figure?

Check out this EASY-TO-TEACH bundle , you can practice with your students, so they will feel more confident analyzing higher-level language in “The Masque of the Red Death!”

4.  “The Cask of Amontillado”

Another chilling tale from Poe is the classic story “The Cask of Amontillado.” This one is set during Carnival in an unnamed Italian city. The plot centers on a man seeking revenge on a ‘friend’ he believes has insulted him. If your students are anything like mine, they will relish the ending particularly!

This is just one more of Poe’s short stories and tales that will capture the mind of every reader!

•  As you plan for this short story, be sure to encourage your students to analyze the changing setting (description of time and place); following Fortunato from scene to scene will help your students track what is really going on.
• This story is the perfect moment to teach about dialogue (conversation within someone=internal and/or between someone and someone/thing else=external); Montresor certainly means more than what he SEEMS to say!
• You might also offer a mini-lesson on the 3 types of irony and how each plays a role in the story: verbal (when a person says the opposite of what is really intended), situational (an action occurs that is the opposite from what the reader expects), and dramatic (a character expects a result, but the opposite occurs and the audience can tell what will happen)!
• Describe Montresor. What are his motives and personality?
• What inferences can you make about Montresor’s mindset based on his dialogue?
• What is the purpose of the family’s motto and the carnival atmosphere? 

Check out this Short Story Activity & Quiz Bundle for Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado,” which contains questions and answers modeled after various reading standardized tests as well as pre-quiz reading comprehension questions, graphic organizers, and a writing activity to get students thinking critically about this classic short story involving REVENGE!

Want 7 more teaching ideas for one of Poe’s epic short stories and questions to go with it? Click below!

5.  “To Build a Fire”

This story by Jack London describes the treacherous journey of a man through the harsh Yukon wilderness during extreme cold. Despite warnings and the company of a loyal dog, the man’s arrogance and underestimation of nature’s power lead to a tragic end.

Short stories and ideas related to survival in nature are still relevant today! Who knows when you might get lost on a hike or crashland in no man’s land?

• This story is PERFECT for a bit of  literary analysis  (examining the impact of various ideas, elements, or themes within a piece of literature); you could hone in on literary devices, characterization, theme, etc.!
• Integrating clips from survival shows will help students see connections to the world and extend their thinking by comparing (recognizing similarities) and contrasting (recognizing differences) varied experiences!
• Write a short narrative about surviving 24 hours in a different setting (description of time and place).
• How does the author use irony? Provide an example and explain. 
• What real-world connections can be made between this story and our contemporary life? 
• What is the story’s message about preparedness and respecting nature?

Grab these engaging short stories and activities to make teaching this Jack London story stress-free!

6.  “The Cactus”

Told from the point of view of a young man at his former lover’s wedding, the narrator retells their story. Like most of O. Henry’s short stories and texts, this one has a twist that involves the titular cactus plant.

The ending will end in a bit of fun for your students!

• Introduce diction (word choice) and its impact within the story by hyperfocusing on specific words within the story . Students can look up definitions, locate synonyms, create their own sentences, replace the words, etc.
• Investigate twist endings (unexpected finish to a story); before reading the end of the story, ask students to guess why the girl “rejected” him. Some students may know the answer before reading it!
• Describe the main characters. What similarities and differences are evident? How does this affect the story’s action?
• What inferences can you make about Trysdale and his feelings about love and marriage?
• What are the real and symbolic meanings of the cactus?

This resource packed with questions and answers, graphic organizers, and writing activities is sure to get your students thinking about this love story driven by misconceptions.

7.  “After Twenty Years”

This tale of friendship and betrayal focuses on the reunion of two old friends after twenty years apart on a New York City street corner. As they reminisce, something is revealed that demonstrates the reality of their bond as well as the choices they’ve made in life.

If you have not read O. Henry’s short stories and incorporated character analysis yet, this is your chance! The story is not long and can be completed in one to two class periods!

• Sometimes, we ask students to visualize (create a picture) in their minds, but why not give them the opportunity to use their artistic skills to draw the two characters?
• As students read, annotate for a description of each character; then, students can do a character analysis (investigation of the characters’ similarities and differences).
• What type of irony is used in the story? How does its use affect your interpretation and understanding of the story?
• How does the urban setting contribute to the mood of the story?
• What is the story’s message about friendship and loyalty?

Examine the links between loyalty and duty with this set of resources designed specifically for this O. Henry story.

8.  “The Lottery”

“The Lottery” is the quintessential short story for middle school or high school English! Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” tells the story of an annual ritual that takes place in a seemingly idyllic town. When the townsfolk gather for the lottery drawing, a shocking turn of events demonstrates the dark side of human nature and their ties to (outdated) traditions.

• Introduce the terms suspense (uncertainty and/or excitement leading up to a major event) and tension (anxiety or uneasy feelings experienced by characters). While reading, identify evidence that relates to each of these concepts and chat/write about their impact on meaning and plot.
• Teach title (the name of the text) analysis. The title of “The Lottery” is perfect for teaching the impact of the title and audience expectations. Before reading, students may write what they believe the story will be about based on the title. After reading, students can complete a quick write responding to their previous expectations! You can do a text analysis for all short stories and poems!
• What role does the plot structure play in building suspense and tension? (Consider the revelation of the lottery’s ‘prize’ in particular.)
• What social commentary is being made through the story and its characters?
• Describe Mr. Summers, Tessie, and Old Man Warner. What does the story reveal about their role in the community and their feelings about the lottery?

Give yours elf a breath of fresh air with this NO PREP curriculum that integrates test prep within the teaching of literature by using Shirley Jackson’s quintessential story!

9.  “The Pedestrian”

This Ray Bradbury story follows a lone walker in a futuristic society in which everyone else is consumed by technology, particularly the television. One evening, the walker encounters a police car that questions his unusual behavior and the end is quite unexpected! (Most of Bradbury’s short stories and texts connect to the future and technology in some way!)

• This story exemplifies Dystopian Literature (texts that include a supposedly perfect future society marred in some way by governmental or societal oppression). Using this story to introduce this type of literature is always fun for students because they will easily make connections to other dystopic short stories and poems!
• Teach about mood (the emotional impact of a story’s description/action). The goal is to get students to deepen their critical thinking skills by recognizing how the mood changes and the purpose for that change!
• How does the author use foreshadowing and suspense to build the mood of the story?
• What is the central theme of the story? How might it connect with our current world?
• What similes and metaphors does Bradbury use to describe the community and its members? What is notable about these comparisons?

With this resource about Bradbury’s “The Pedestrian,” you can just print and teach the lesson and activities with EASE! 

10.  “The Gift of the Magi”

This 1905 story by O. Henry relays a tale about a couple struggling to make ends meet. Throughout the story, they both figure out gifts to buy one another for Christmas and realize what love truly means!

• Review character traits (how a character is depicted internally and externally). Log the traits of each character within the story and how they are important to the meaning of the story.
• Extend (move beyond the text) critical thinking skills by encouraging students to think and write about other people. If they had $1,000 to spend on someone else, how would they spend the money and why?

• How would you describe Della and Jim, and their relationship?
• What values do the characters have, when you consider their actions and decisions?
• Explain how dramatic irony is used in the story. Is it necessary? Is it effective? Why or why not?

This tale is a great addition to your short stories and questions unit around the winter holidays! Save yourself time at that time of the year with this lesson bundle . 

11.  “The Monkey’s Paw” 

“The Monkey’s Paw” is a classic horror story about the White family who come into possession of a mystical monkey’s paw that grants three wishes. Despite warnings, they use it and then face devastating consequences as a result.

• Teach about the elements of the horror/suspense genre (Ex. Scary movies are typically dark, stormy, surprising, morbid, etc.).
• Create a thematic statement (message relayed by the text in a complete sentence). There is no perfectly created theme (message) unless it is directly stated by the author; however, students can create a theme by supporting their ideas with evidence from the story!
• What is the main theme of the story? Or how does the author communicate the themes of greed or fate? Is one stronger than the other?
• Are Mr. and Mrs. White more alike or different from one another? How do you know?
• Should we be afraid of the unknown? What message does the story share? Do you agree or disagree?

Examine W.W. Jacobs’ classic story with this set of questions and answers along with rigorous reading and writing activities . While it is ideal for a spooky season, the story is valuable for its ability to hook readers any time of year!

12.  “Lamb to the Slaughter” 

This classic story with a killer plot twist is about a woman who kills her husband and gets away with murder thanks to cooking a leg of lamb!

• You could introduce the plot elements (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution), encourage students to identify major events to fit each element and write down textual evidence to support their ideas.
• Complete a film analysis (examination of film techniques and their effects) to compare/contrast the short story with the classic Alfred Hitchcock television episode.
• What is Mary Maloney’s state of mind? Does it remain the same or does it change throughout the story? Explain.
• Is the resolution of the story satisfying? Why or why not? Why do you think the author ended it as he did?
• How does irony contribute to the theme of deception in the story? Explain.

Spice up your middle school English or high school English class with this short stories and activities bundle for Dahl’s famous story!

13.  “The Tell-Tale Heart” 

Poe’s classic psychological thriller is narrated by an unnamed protagonist who insists on their sanity while recounting how they murdered an old man. The narrator is haunted by the sound of the victim’s beating heart, which ultimately drives him to confess to the crime despite not originally being a suspect. 

• Teach symbolism (object, person, or place that represents something else) by focusing on the heart and eye . The author used these symbols in various ways!
• Investigate psychology (the study of the human mind) as a part of the story. Determine what is fact and what is fiction within the narrator’s mind.
• What does the story reveal about the human psyche?
• What is the deeper meaning of the two key symbols in the story – the beating heart and the eye of the old man?
• What role do the narrator’s inner thoughts play in the development of the plot?

This Short Story Comprehension Bundle offers quick (and effective!) ways to assess students’ learning and understanding of the story. It’s easy to use and will no doubt save you time too!

14.  “The Scarlet Ibis” 

Emotional short stories and their counterparts have a place as well in English classrooms! This short story by James Hurst about two brothers is a heartbreaking must-read. Through flashbacks, the unnamed narrator tells the life story of his younger sickly brother William Armstrong, who is nicknamed Doodle. And the end…well, you’ll see.

• Define and explain the purpose of a flashback (referring back to the past within a story). Think about the implications of never thinking back on the past or always thinking about the past.
• Complete a comparison chart between Doodle and the Ibis as you read along. Then, students can create a visual of each after they have ready by using their own evidence!
• What is the meaning of the story’s title and the presence of a scarlet ibis in the story?
• What is the central theme of the story? How do the events of the story support this chosen theme?
• How does the author use personification for the storm? What effect does this have on the story?

This flexible resource features critical thinking questions and answers as well as writing and reading activities for students to explore Hurst’s heartbreaking story.

15.  “The Veldt” 

This science fiction story by Ray Bradbury was first published as “The World the Children Made” and it is quite fitting as a title! The story focuses on a futuristic world in which a video screen can be controlled and it turns out to be more than simple virtual reality! By the story’s conclusion, the world the children made is the downfall of their parents. 

• Compare and contrast “The Veldt” with “The Pedestrian,” two short stories and dystopic texts by Ray Bradbury. Analyze the similarities and differences of both short stories and create a thematic statement that connects to both texts!
• Make connections to our current reality in the 21st century. Locate research about the implications of technology on young people and integrate this information as you discuss this short story.
• How does the author address the theme of technology versus humanity in the story? Do you agree with this commentary? Why or why not?
• How does the nursery reflect the personalities of Wendy and Peter in this story?
• Do you know the story of Peter Pan and his friend Wendy? What connections can you make between it and this story by Ray Bradbury?

Ray Bradbury’s classic short stories and similar passages are the BEST to teach in middle and high school English! With so much to dive into, they are sure to be a hit with your students. Grab this set of activities to extend your students’ engagement with rigorous reading and writing activities about “The Veldt.” 

16.  “The Necklace” 

A woman who longs for a life of luxury and elegance beyond her means faces consequences when she loses a borrowed necklace. Guy de Maupassant’s story ends with a twist that has the reader question the value of material possessions. 

• I love comparing this short story with O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi.” You might choose to focus on the theme, characterization, setting, etc.
• Summarize (writing about the main idea with details) each chunk of the story as you read with your students. Instead of asking students to write a paragraph, you could ask students to create each summary in only one sentence.
• The story explores vanity, deception, and the consequences of striving for social status. Which theme do you think is the most important? Explain with support from the story.
• Is Mathilde Loisel a likable character? Does this change during the story? Does it matter if the reader likes her? Why or why not?
• What clues does the author provide throughout the story that foreshadow the twist at the story’s end?

Focus on the standards with this Short Story Lesson Bundle for “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant!

Need help with implementing activities for “The Necklace?” See below!

17.  “A Vendetta” 

Guy de Maupassant’s late-19th-century story is all about REVENGE. A mother is obsessed with creating a plan to avenge her son’s murder and she then puts the plan into action with a morbid outcome.

• There are so many texts that involve REVENGE! Why not use this concept as a focus for a thematic unit (texts linked to a similar concept and/or message)? You could read “A Poison Tree,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” and “Lamb to the Slaughter” as well as “A Vendetta” with the intention of writing about all 4 for a comparison/contrast paper, presentation, or seminar.
• Analyze the development (how a character changes over time) of the mother and the dog throughout the story; you might annotate for similarities and differences as well as their motivations!
• What comment is the story making about the nature (or need) for justice? Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?
• What similes and metaphors does the author use to communicate the main character’s feelings about the vendetta?
• How does the author use details to explain the main character’s thoughts, feelings, and motivation?

Add these activities for this lesser-known work to your short story plans. It’s sure to keep things fresh for your short stories and activities unit! 

18.  “Thank You, Ma’am” (also known as “Thank You, M’am”)

This heartfelt story by Langston Hughes tells the story of Luella, an older woman in the neighborhood, who is nearly robbed by a young man named Roger. In response to Roger, Luella brings him back to her home and treats him with an abundance of kindness, which has a profound effect on Roger.

This tale is at the top of the list for the BEST short stories and passages for upper middle and younger high school students!

• Introduce perspective and/or point of view (how a story is told: 1st, 2nd, 3rd omniscient, 3rd limited, 3rd objective). Students might rewrite the story from another perspective or extend the story using the perspective of one of the main characters.
• Review plot elements with a focus on the exposition (introduction to the characters, setting, and conflict), climax (highest point of interest/turning point of the story), and resolution (how the story is concluded and/or resolved in some way.) You could assign an activity surrounding each concept: visualization of the scene, a journal response to the event, or a short response focused on how the element is important to the overall theme!

• Do you believe in second chances? What does the story say about second chances? 
• How might the climax of the story also be seen as the turning point in Roger’s life?
• How would you describe Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones? Are her actions expected or unexpected in the story? Consider from Roger’s and the reader’s point of view.

Click to check out all of the details for this BUNDLE with differentiated options , which includes a Test Prep Quiz (with varied options), Venn Diagrams, Graphic Organizers, and Writing Responses!! 

19.  “Click Clack the Rattle Bag”

This short story by Neil Gaiman is creepy and fun in the best ways possible! The narrator is taking care of his girlfriend’s little brother and walking him to bed when the child asks for a story. Instead of the narrator sharing a story, the boy shares about the Click Clacks who drink their prey and leave behind rattling bodies. The end is too good to be missed!

Short stories and plots like those in “Click Clack the Rattle Bag” will most certainly engage even your most struggling learners!

• We all know that test prep can be tough as many reading passages are, well, boring! Why not accomplish some test prep with your students and incorporate 5 standardized test-related questions ? You could focus on theme, structure, order of events, characterization, etc.!
• Help students make inferences (acknowledging and hypothesizing about the impact of details that are not directly referenced or stated) as the scene moves along. Students can analyze the change in the setting, the little boy himself, the story the boy is telling, and specific phrases from the story.
• What details in the story contribute to its eerie atmosphere or mood? Or what figurative language devices does Neil Gaiman use to create a sense of suspense in the story? 
• How does the author use ambiguity in the story? Is it effective or not? Explain.
• What inferences can you make about the relationship between the narrator and the young boy?

This “Click Clack the Rattle Bag” Quiz Pack for middle and high school students uses the Common Core standards and contains questions and answers modeled after various state standardized tests! Make teaching this amazing short story by Neil Gaiman SIMPLE & EASY!

Why should we incorporate more short stories and activities in our teaching?

While I would never advocate replacing all novels with short stories and smaller texts, there is still something to be said about spending quality time with short stories and excerpts. 

Including short stories and standards-based activities is an ideal option to improve reading comprehension and develop skills, especially in middle and high school English classes!

SHORT STORIES AND ACTIVITIES RESOURCES: 

This  Short Stories and Test Prep Questions ULTIMATE BUNDLE with Lessons, Quizzes, and Activities uses the Common Core standards with reading comprehension QUESTIONS and ANSWERS for 18 short stories such as “The Most Dangerous Game,” “The Monkey’s Paw,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “After Twenty Years,” “The Gift of the Magi,” “The Veldt,” “The Lottery,” “The Pedestrian,” etc. modeled after various state reading exams.

Make teaching short stories and activities SIMPLE & EASY!

Just PRINT & TEACH with engaging short stories and lessons!!

Need more fun ideas for teaching short stories and corresponding activities? Check out my store Kristin Menke-Integrated ELA Test Prep !

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• May 28, 2024

The Role of Questioning in Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills empower readers to navigate complex ideas and everyday challenges. A powerful way to cultivate these skills is through strategic questioning. By understanding and utilizing different types of questions for reading comprehension—factual, inferential, and analytical—children learn to think deeply, make connections, and form their own insights. This blog post explores the impact that strategic questioning can have on developing critical thinking skills in readers.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything through them, I will get a small referral fee and you will be supporting me and my blog at no extra cost to you, so thank you! You can find more information here .

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills empower readers to navigate complex ideas and everyday challenges. A powerful way to cultivate these skills is through questioning . 

By understanding and utilizing different types of questions for reading comprehension and specifically incorporating questions to promote critical thinking, children learn to think deeply, make connections, and form their own insights.

Why Does Questioning Matters?

• Encourages Curiosity : Questions, especially varied types of questions for reading comprehension, fuel curiosity and stimulate interest in various topics.
• Promotes Active Learning : Readers actively engage with the material by answering and asking questions.
• Enhances Comprehension : Understanding deepens as children explain concepts and infer meanings.
• Fosters Analytical Skills: Analytical questions help children evaluate and synthesise information.

Using examples from popular picture books, let’s explore the significance of different types of questions—factual, inferential, and analytical—and how each contributes to critical thinking.

What Are Factual Questions?

These questions seek straightforward answers and are directly tied to the text.

Voices in the Park by Anthony Browne

• Question : Who is the first character to speak in the book?
• Purpose : Encourages readers to recall specific details, promoting attentive reading.

A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

• Question : What food does Camilla refuse to eat at the start of the book?
• Purpose : Helps readers remember significant details, fostering precision.

What Are Inferential Questions?

These questions require readers to read between the lines and infer information that isn’t explicitly stated.

• Question : Why do you think the characters have such different perspectives on their day in the park?
• Purpose : Helps readers understand the motivations and emotions behind different characters’ perspectives.
• Question : Why do you think Camilla gets a case of stripes?
• Purpose : Encourages readers to infer meaning based on character actions and underlying emotions.

What Are Analytical Questions?

These questions encourage deeper analysis by asking readers to compare, contrast, and evaluate information.

• Question : How does each character’s experience in the park differ from the others?
• Purpose : Promotes understanding of contrasting perspectives and thematic growth.
• Question : What changes in Camilla’s behaviour after she gets better?
• Purpose : Inspires creativity while analysing character development and thematic resolution.

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Creating a Questioning Environment

• Open-Ended Questions : Encourage children to express themselves and elaborate on their answers, serving as effective questions to promote critical thinking.
• Wait Time : Give children time to think and respond thoughtfully to questions to promote critical thinking.
• Questioning Role Models : Model curiosity by asking your own questions during reading sessions.
• Encourage Independent Questioning : Motivate children to pose their own questions to promote critical thinking about the story.

Questions to Promote Critical Thinking

Each question is a stepping stone to sharpen critical thinking skills, encouraging readers to delve deeper into the wonderful world of books. By exploring and responding to questions to promote critical thinking, readers can better engage with texts and enhance their analytical skills.

Questions for Voices in the Park by Anthony Browne

• Factual : Who is the first character to speak in the book?
• Analytical : Why do you think the characters have such different perspectives on their day in the park?
• Factual : What type of dog does Charles bring to the park?
• Inferential : Why do you think Smudge wants to play with Charles?
• Analytical : How does the artwork reflect the mood of each character’s story?
• Inferential : Why does Charles’s mother become annoyed when he talks to Smudge?
• Factual : What activity does Smudge suggest doing first when she meets Charles?
• Analytical : What differences and similarities can you find between Charles’s mother and Smudge’s father?
• Factual : What is the weather like in Charles’s story compared to Smudge’s?
• Analytical : How does the park itself change between the four characters’ stories?
• Inferential : Why does Smudge’s father feel happier after his time in the park?
• Analytical : How do the four stories work together to provide a complete picture of the day in the park?

Questions for A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

• Factual : What food does Camilla refuse to eat at the start of the book?
• Inferential : Why do you think Camilla gets a case of stripes?
• Factual : What happens to Camilla after she refuses to eat the lima beans?
• Inferential : Why does Camilla change her appearance to fit in with others?
• Analytical : What impact does the media have on Camilla’s situation?
• Factual : What happens when the doctors try to diagnose Camilla?
• Inferential : Why do you think Camilla finally eats the lima beans in the end?
• Analytical : How does Camilla’s view of herself change throughout the story?
• Factual : What does Camilla turn into when she first gets a bad case of stripes?
• Inferential : Why do the other kids tease Camilla when she first shows up with stripes?
• Analytical : How do Camilla’s parents contribute to her feelings of insecurity?
• Analytical : What message does David Shannon want readers to learn from Camilla’s story?

Questioning serves as a foundational tool in nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Whether factual, inferential, or analytical, each type of question for reading comprehension is crucial in guiding readers toward a deeper understanding of the text, ultimately helping them develop into independent thinkers and effective communicators.

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15 Types of Comprehension Questions (With Examples) for All Levels to Master Any Text

Febriana Ramadhanya

Effective communication hinges on comprehension, which covers the ability to grasp and interpret information. This skill is especially important when it comes to reading, where encountering unfamiliar concepts or deciphering complex passages can be daunting. 

However, recent studies paint a concerning picture, where reading comprehension scores among students are on the decline , especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. This decline translates to a real-world struggle for students to grasp complex information, analyze arguments, and ultimately, think critically.

This is where reading comprehension questions come in. They serve as a valuable tool to assess understanding and ignite student engagement with text and advocate deeper learning.

This guide delves into the various types of comprehension questions, equipping readers with the necessary knowledge and strategies to conquer any reading challenge. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped to:

• Craft engaging activities that promote active learning with comprehension questions.
• Utilize visuals and technology to enhance understanding and cater to diverse learning styles.
• Employ formative assessment strategies to identify areas of confusion and adjust your teaching approach.
• Encourage collaborative learning through group discussions and activities.
• Explore a variety of question formats to effectively evaluate different comprehension skills.

Plus, gain access to a free downloadable PDF, containing all the reading comprehension question types covered in this guide. Are you ready to unlock the full potential of comprehension questions in your classroom? Let’s dive in!

Understanding Comprehension Questions

What is a comprehension question.

Comprehension questions, in essence, are queries designed to assess one’s understanding of a text. They are employed in various contexts, including standardized tests, classroom assessments, and even everyday situations where clear information retention is crucial. 

These comprehension questions have various applications in both educational and professional contexts. In standardized testing, they provide a reliable measure of reading comprehension skills across educational levels.

Educators utilize them to gauge student learning and identify areas that require additional instruction, allowing for personalized learning approaches. Even in technical fields like healthcare or engineering, where clear communication is essential, comprehension questions can assess a reader’s ability to grasp complex instructions or technical information.

Benefits of Integrating Comprehension Questions in Classroom Teaching

By effectively answering comprehension questions, individuals demonstrate their ability to:

• Information Extraction: Readers must be able to precisely identify and retain the critical details presented within the text.
• Analysis and Interpretation: Going beyond comprehension, readers engage in critical thinking. They decipher the author’s intended message, underlying themes, and the overall purpose of the text.
• Draw Connections: Comprehension questions encourage readers to establish meaningful links between different ideas and concepts presented in the text, fostering a holistic understanding of the information.
• Knowledge Application: The ultimate aim isn’t just to read and comprehend; it’s to leverage the acquired knowledge in practical scenarios. This transferable skill empowers readers to apply their understanding to real-world situations.

15 Types of Comprehnsion Questions With Examples

Ready to put these tips into action? Download your free, printable set of comprehension questions (covering all 15 question formats!) as a PDF below!

Types of Comprehension Questions

#1 literal comprehension questions.

Literal comprehension questions focus on grasping the surface-level information presented in a text. These questions typically require readers to recall specific details explicitly stated within the passage.

When to Use Literal Comprehension Questions:

• Use when assessing basic understanding of factual information.
• Suitable for readers who are new to analyzing texts or are at an introductory reading level.

Grade Level: 1-3 (Elementary)

• What is the main idea of the first paragraph?
• Where does the story take place?
• How many siblings does the protagonist have?
• What color was the car described in the passage?
• What is the title of the book mentioned in the first paragraph?

#2 Inferential Comprehension Questions

Inferential comprehension questions prompt readers to delve deeper into the text, moving beyond the explicit details to uncover implied meanings and infer conclusions.

When to Use Inferential Comprehension Questions:

• Use when evaluating students’ ability to draw logical conclusions based on evidence from the text.
• Suitable for readers who have a basic grasp of literal comprehension and are ready to infer deeper meanings.

Grade Level: 4-6 (Middle School)

• Why do you think the character chose to keep their decision a secret?
• What might have motivated the protagonist to make such a risky decision?
• Based on the characters’ actions, what can you infer about their relationship with their family?
• What does the author imply about the protagonist’s future plans?
• How do the weather descriptions throughout the story symbolize the protagonist’s emotional state?

#3 Evaluative Comprehension Questions

Evaluative comprehension questions encourage readers to critically analyze the text, form opinions, and make judgments based on the evidence provided.

When to Use Evaluative Comprehension Questions:

• Use when prompting students to consider the text’s themes, values, and moral implications.
• Suitable for readers who have a solid understanding of literal and inferential comprehension and are ready to engage in critical analysis.

Grade Level: 7-9 (High School)

• Do you think the protagonist made the right choice in the given situation? Why or why not?
• How effective was the author in conveying the theme of friendship in the story?
• Did the ending of the book satisfy you? Why or why not?
• Do you agree with the character’s decision to confront their fears? Explain your reasoning.
• How successful was the author in creating a sense of suspense throughout the narrative?

#4 Applied Comprehension Questions

Applied comprehension questions challenge readers to extend their understanding beyond the text and apply it to real-life scenarios or hypothetical situations.

When to Use Applied Comprehension Questions:

• Use when encouraging students to make connections between the text and their personal experiences or the world around them.
• Suitable for readers who are ready to apply their understanding of the text to broader contexts.
• How could the protagonist’s experience relate to a similar situation you’ve encountered in your own life?
• How could the lessons learned by the protagonist be applied to real-life situations?
• What strategies could the characters have used to avoid the conflicts they faced?
• How might the themes explored in the passage relate to current events in society?
• How could the protagonist’s experiences help someone facing similar challenges?

#5 Synthesis Comprehension Questions

Synthesis comprehension questions involve integrating information from multiple sources or parts of the text to form a cohesive understanding.

When to Use Synthesis Comprehension Questions:

• Use when challenging students to analyze and synthesize various elements of the text to gain a deeper understanding of its themes and messages.
• Suitable for readers who are ready to engage in complex textual analysis and interpretation.

Grade Level: 9-12 (Advanced High School/College)

• How does the author use symbolism, imagery, and characterization to convey the theme of identity in the novel?
• How do different themes intersect in the text?
• How do the various subplots contribute to the overall development of the main theme?
• What connections can you draw between this text and other works you’ve read?
• How does the author weave together multiple perspectives to create a unified narrative?

#6 Analytical Comprehension Questions

Analytical comprehension questions require readers to dissect complex ideas, text structures, and literary devices employed by the author.

When to Use Analytical Comprehension Questions:

• Use when prompting students to analyze the author’s craft and literary techniques in depth.
• Suitable for readers who are prepared to engage in detailed textual analysis and interpretation.
• How does the author use foreshadowing to build suspense throughout the story?
• What impact does the author’s use of dialogue have on character development?
• How does the narrative structure contribute to the reader’s understanding of the protagonist’s journey?
• What themes emerge from the recurring motifs found in the text?
• How does the author employ irony to convey deeper layers of meaning?

#7 Creative Comprehension Questions

Creative comprehension questions stimulate imaginative thinking and encourage readers to explore alternative interpretations and perspectives beyond the text.

When to Use Creative Comprehension Questions:

• Use when fostering creativity, originality, and critical thinking skills.
• Suitable for readers who are ready to engage in imaginative exploration and expression
• Rewrite a key scene from the perspective of a different character. How does this change the reader’s understanding of the event?
• Imagine an alternate ending to the story. How would this alter the overall message of the text?
• Invent a new character who could fit seamlessly into the narrative. How would their presence impact the story?
• Design a book cover that encapsulates the central themes and emotions of the text. Explain your design choices.
• Write a letter from one character to another, expressing their innermost thoughts and feelings about a pivotal moment in the plot.

#8 Open-ended Comprehension Questions

Open-ended comprehension questions stimulate discussion and exploration beyond the text, inviting readers to express their opinions, insights, and interpretations freely.

When to Use Open-ended Comprehension Questions:

• Use when encouraging deep reflection, critical thinking, and diverse perspectives.
• Suitable for readers who are ready to engage in open-ended inquiry and discussion.
• What are some possible outcomes or implications of the events described in the passage? How might different characters perceive these events differently?
• How does the author’s use of symbolism contribute to the richness of the text? Provide examples to support your analysis.
• What unanswered questions or ambiguities linger after reading the passage? How do these contribute to the overall impact of the text?
• In what ways does the passage challenge or subvert traditional literary conventions? How does this enhance its significance?
• How might the themes explored in the text resonate with readers from different cultural backgrounds or life experiences? Discuss.

#9 Reflective Comprehension Questions

Reflective comprehension questions encourage introspection and personal connection with the text, prompting readers to consider how the themes, characters, and ideas presented in the text relate to their own experiences, beliefs, and values.

When to Use Reflective Comprehension Questions:

• Use when cultivating self-awareness, empathy, and emotional engagement with the text.
• Suitable for readers who are ready to reflect on their personal connections to the text and its themes.
• How does the protagonist’s journey mirror your own experiences or challenges in life?
• Reflect on a moment in the text that elicited a strong emotional response from you. What aspects of the writing contributed to this reaction?
• Consider the central themes of the passage. How do they align with your personal beliefs or values?
• Has reading this text changed your perspective on any aspect of life or human nature? If so, how?
• Imagine yourself in the shoes of one of the characters. How would you have acted differently in their situation, and why?

#10 Comparative Comprehension Questions

Comparative comprehension questions prompt readers to compare and contrast different texts or viewpoints, analyzing similarities, differences, and underlying themes.

When to Use Comparative Comprehension Questions:

• Use when encouraging critical analysis, synthesis of information, and consideration of multiple perspectives.
• Suitable for readers who are ready to engage in comparative literary analysis and interpretation.
• Compare the motivations of two protagonists from different texts. How do their backgrounds and circumstances influence their decisions?
• Contrast the narrative styles of two different authors. How do their approaches to storytelling shape the reader’s experience?
• Compare the themes of love and betrayal in two different works of literature. How do the authors explore these themes differently?
• Analyze the use of symbolism in two poems. How do the symbols contribute to the overall meaning of each poem?
• Compare the societal contexts depicted in two different novels. How do these contexts shape the characters’ beliefs and actions?

#11 Predictive Comprehension Questions

Predictive comprehension questions foster anticipation and speculation about future events or outcomes within the text, prompting readers to make informed predictions based on evidence and foreshadowing provided by the author.

When to Use Predictive Comprehension Questions:

• Use to create anticipation while encouraging critical thinking and engagement with the text’s plot developments.
• Suitable for readers who are ready to make logical predictions based on textual evidence and analysis.
• Based on the character’s actions and the events leading up to this point, what do you predict will happen next in the story?
• How might the protagonist’s decisions affect the outcome of future events?
• What obstacles do you foresee the characters encountering as they pursue their goals?
• What clues or hints in the text suggest possible plot twists or developments?
• How might the resolution of the conflict impact the characters’ relationships and future choices?

#12 Relevant Comprehension Questions

Relevant comprehension questions assess the relevance of specific information within the text to broader themes, contexts, or real-world issues.

When to Use Relevant Comprehension Questions:

• Use when prompting students to consider the text’s implications and relevance to broader social, cultural, or historical contexts.
• Suitable for readers who are ready to engage in critical analysis and application of the text’s themes to real-world issues.
• How does the historical context of the setting influence the characters’ perspectives and actions in the story?
• In what ways does the text reflect or challenge prevailing cultural norms or societal values?
• How do the themes explored in the passage relate to contemporary issues or debates?
• What relevance does the protagonist’s journey have to readers facing similar challenges in their own lives?
• How might the lessons learned by the characters be applied to real-world situations or challenges?

#13 Text Structure Comprehension Questions

Text structure comprehension questions focus on investigating the organizational patterns and rhetorical devices employed by the author to convey meaning.

When to Use Text Structure Comprehension Questions:

• Use when prompting students to analyze the structural elements and rhetorical devices used by the author to convey meaning.
• Suitable for readers who are ready to engage in a detailed analysis of the text’s structure and stylistic elements.
• How does the author use flashback sequences to enhance the narrative structure of the story?
• Analyze the chronological structure of the story. How does the sequence of events impact the reader’s understanding?
• Identify the use of transitions between paragraphs. How do these transitions help to connect ideas and enhance readability?
• Examine the organization of the text into sections or chapters. How does this structure contribute to the overall flow of the narrative?
• Discuss the author’s choice of narrative perspective. How does the point of view affect the reader’s perception of the characters and events?

#14 Language Use Comprehension Questions

Language use comprehension questions analyze the nuances of language and its impact on meaning, tone, and atmosphere within the text.

When to Use Language Use Comprehension Questions:

• Use when prompting students to analyze the author’s choice of language and literary devices to convey meaning and evoke emotion.
• Suitable for readers who are ready to engage in detailed analysis of language and its impact on the text’s meaning and tone.
• How does the author’s use of vivid imagery contribute to the reader’s understanding of the setting and mood in the poem?
• Analyze the author’s use of figurative language in the passage. How do metaphors or similes enhance the reader’s understanding?
• Discuss the author’s use of tone throughout the passage. How does the tone affect the reader’s interpretation of the content?
• Examine the dialogue between characters. How does the author use dialogue to reveal personality traits and advance the plot?
• Evaluate the author’s choice of words and phrases. How does the language contribute to the overall style and impact of the writing?

#15 Cultural Context Comprehension Questions

Cultural context comprehension questions explore the cultural, historical, or societal context that informs the text, prompting readers to consider how these factors influence the text’s themes, characters, and plot developments.

When to Use Cultural Context Comprehension Questions:

• Use when fostering an understanding of how cultural, historical, or societal factors influence the text’s themes and characters.
• Suitable for readers who are ready to engage in critical analysis of the text’s cultural context and implications.
• How does the cultural background of the protagonist shape their identity and experiences in the novel?
• Discuss the cultural traditions depicted in the passage. How do these traditions shape the characters’ identities and relationships?
• Analyze the societal norms portrayed in the text. How do these norms reflect broader cultural attitudes and values?
• Examine the portrayal of diverse cultural perspectives within the narrative. How does the text promote empathy and understanding across different cultural contexts?
• Consider the impact of cultural heritage on the characters’ experiences and worldviews. How does this influence their interactions with each other and the world around them?

How to Enhance Reading Skills & Transform Comprehension Questions into Engaging Learning Experiences

Comprehension questions are a cornerstone of effective reading instruction, but simply asking them doesn’t guarantee active learning . Here’s how to transform comprehension questions into engaging learning experiences that truly elevate your students’ learning journey:

🙋🏻 Interactive Activities: Move beyond static worksheets with simple multiple-choice quizzes and lectures. Craft engaging activities like live polls , quizzes , and open-ended questions that prompt students to actively grapple with the text. This fosters a dynamic learning environment where comprehension is assessed and reinforced throughout the lesson. This approach ensures you’re effectively evaluating different comprehension skills for all your students.

🖼️ Visual Appeal: The human brain thrives on visuals. Incorporate images, draggable diagrams , and even videos into your comprehension questions. This approach goes beyond simply testing reading skills; it encourages students to connect visual information with the text, leading to a deeper understanding.

✏️ Formative Assessment: Regularly assess comprehension throughout the lesson, not just at the end. This allows you to identify areas of confusion early on and adjust your teaching approach accordingly. Use techniques like quick exit tickets or peer discussions to gather real-time feedback.

🤝 Collaborative Learning: Learning doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor. Encourage student collaboration by incorporating group discussions or activities centered around answering comprehension questions. This fosters peer learning, allowing students to explain concepts to one another and solidify their own understanding.

🎮 Gamified Experiences: Turn comprehension questions into engaging games to captivate students’ attention and foster a competitive spirit. Incorporate elements such as stars , badges , and leaderboards to incentivize participation and reward achievement. Gamifying comprehension activities lets you transform learning into an immersive and enjoyable experience, motivating students to actively participate and strive for mastery of the material.

✍️ Utilize Margin Annotations: Upon answering comprehension question, teach using slide annotations , highlight key points, provide summaries, or draw connections to prior knowledge. This active engagement promotes deeper comprehension and critical thinking skills, fostering a deeper connection with the material and enhancing overall retention.

⏳ Develop Time Management Techniques: Teach students effective time management strategies, such as allocating appropriate time for each comprehension question during assessments. This skill empowers students to navigate tasks efficiently and confidently, reducing test-taking anxiety and allowing them to approach assessments with greater ease and focus.

By employing these strategies, you can transform comprehension questions from passive assessments into engaging learning experiences. This approach keeps students actively involved, sharpening critical thinking skills, and ultimately empowers them to unlock the full potential of every text they encounter.

Final Thoughts

Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the diverse types of comprehension questions and their role in enhancing reading skills. By engaging with these questions, students can sharpen their critical thinking abilities, deepen their understanding of texts, and make meaningful connections with the material.

But, the ultimate goal isn’t just about answering questions correctly, but about encouraging a genuine understanding of the text. This can be achieved by incorporating visuals, technology, and collaborative activities into your lessons. These dynamic approaches not only make learning fun but also empower students to develop critical thinking and analytical skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Wield these questions effectively, and you’ll witness your students blossom into confident readers, equipped to tackle any text with enthusiasm and a thirst for knowledge. So, unleash the power of comprehension questions and embark on a journey of discovery through reading with your students!

About Febriana Ramadhanya

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100+ Critical Thinking Questions for Students To Ask About Anything

Critical thinkers question everything.

In an age of “fake news” claims and constant argument about pretty much any issue, critical thinking skills are key. Teach your students that it’s vital to ask questions about everything, but that it’s also important to ask the right sorts of questions. Students can use these critical thinking questions with fiction or nonfiction texts. They’re also useful when discussing important issues or trying to understand others’ motivations in general.

“Who” Critical Thinking Questions

Questions like these help students ponder who’s involved in a story and how the actions affect them. They’ll also consider who’s telling the tale and how reliable that narrator might be.

• Is the protagonist?
• Is the antagonist?
• Caused harm?
• Is harmed as a result?
• Was the most important character?

• Is responsible?
• Is most directly affected?
• Should have won?
• Will benefit?
• Would be affected by this?

• Makes the decisions?

“What” Critical Thinking Questions

Ask questions that explore issues more deeply, including those that might not be directly answered in the text.

• Background information do I know or need to know?
• Is the main message?
• Are the defining characteristics?

• Questions or concerns do I have?
• Don’t I understand?
• Evidence supports the author’s conclusion?
• Would it be like if … ?
• Could happen if … ?
• Other outcomes might have happened?
• Questions would you have asked?
• Would you ask the author about … ?
• Was the point of … ?
• Should have happened instead?
• Is that character’s motive?
• Else could have changed the whole story?

• Can you conclude?
• Would your position have been in that situation?
• Would happen if … ?
• Makes your position stronger?
• Was the turning point?
• Is the point of the question?
• Did it mean when … ?
• Is the other side of this argument?
• Was the purpose of … ?
• Does ______ mean?
• Is the problem you are trying to solve?
• Does the evidence say?
• Assumptions are you making?
• Is a better alternative?
• Are the strengths of the argument?

• Are the weaknesses of the argument?
• Is the difference between _______ and _______?

“Where” Critical Thinking Questions

Think about where the story is set and how it affects the actions. Plus, consider where and how you can learn more.

• Would this issue be a major problem?
• Are areas for improvement?
• Did the story change?
• Would you most often find this problem?

• Are there similar situations?
• Would you go to get answers to this problem?
• Can this be improved?
• Can you get more information?
• Will this idea take us?

“When” Critical Thinking Questions

Think about timing and the effect it has on the characters or people involved.

• Is this acceptable?
• Is this unacceptable?

• Does this become a problem?
• Is the best time to take action?
• Will we be able to tell if it worked?
• Is it time to reassess?
• Should we ask for help?
• Is the best time to start?
• Is it time to stop?
• Would this benefit society?

• Has this happened before?

“Why” Critical Thinking Questions

Asking “why” might be one of the most important parts of critical thinking. Exploring and understanding motivation helps develop empathy and make sense of difficult situations.

• Is _________ happening?
• Have we allowed this to happen?
• Should people care about this issue?

• Is this a problem?
• Did the character say … ?
• Did the character do … ?
• Is this relevant?
• Did the author write this?
• Did the author decide to … ?
• Is this important?

• Did that happen?
• Is it necessary?
• Do you think I (he, she, they) asked that question?
• Is that answer the best one?
• Do we need this today?

“How” Critical Thinking Questions

Use these questions to consider how things happen and whether change is possible.

• Do we know this is true?
• Does the language used affect the story?
• Would you solve … ?
• Is this different from other situations?

• Is this similar to … ?
• Would you use … ?
• Does the location affect the story?
• Could the story have ended differently?
• Does this work?
• Could this be harmful?
• Does this connect with what I already know?
• Else could this have been handled?
• Should they have responded?

• Would you feel about … ?
• Does this change the outcome?
• Did you make that decision?
• Does this benefit you/others?
• Does this hurt you/others?
• Could this problem be avoided?

More Critical Thinking Questions

Here are more questions to help probe further and deepen understanding.

• Can you give me an example?

• Do you agree with … ?
• Can you compare this with … ?
• Can you defend the actions of … ?
• Could this be interpreted differently?
• Is the narrator reliable?
• Does it seem too good to be true?

• Is ______ a fact or an opinion?

What are your favorite critical thinking questions? Come exchange ideas on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out 10 tips for teaching kids to be awesome critical thinkers ., you might also like.

5 Critical Thinking Skills Every Kid Needs To Learn (And How To Teach Them)

Teach them to thoughtfully question the world around them. Continue Reading

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20 Reading Comprehension Questions That Encourage Critical Thinking

Keep these questions in your back pocket for any read aloud.

I know it can be really tempting to focus 100% on building students’ word reading skills like phonics and phonemic awareness, but research shows it’s also extremely important to develop students’ language comprehension so they can actually understand what they’re reading. And the great news is that building students’ skills can be as simple as asking some of these 20 fun reading comprehension questions each time you read a story aloud to your class!

Snag your free reading comprehension questions below and then join the priority list for our VIP teaching membership, The Science of Reading Formula , so you can unlock access to all of our teaching tools in one time-saving spot. 

Fun Reading Comprehension Questions

There are few things better than settling in with your students to read a good book.  The miraculous way it calms kids down after recess…Their smiles and laughter…The “one more, pleeeeease.”  It’s pure magic.

And while kids are locked into a good story, it’s a great opportunity to build their language comprehension so they learn to think deeply about what’s actually happening.

• What do you think this book is about? What clues did you use to make that guess?
• What makes you think this book is going to be interesting?
• What kind of characters do you think will be in the book?

Or during the story, you could pause and say:

• Help me catch up! What has happened so far?
• If you were the character, what would you do differently?
• What do you think will happen next? Why?

You could even sprinkle in a few of these questions after the story:

• If you could change one thing in the book, what would it be?
• What was the most interesting thing you learned?
• Would you have ended the book differently? Why?

Having students talk about the books you’re reading will help them learn new vocabulary words and teach them how to think deeply about what is happening as they read.

You can even print the sheets on colored paper to add a fun pop and make it easy to find!

They work with almost any book under the sun. 

Grab Your Copy

Click the big blue “download” button to snag your copy of my favorite reading comprehension questions and then request an invite to our VIP teaching membership, The Science of Reading Formula , so you can teach reading the easier, brain-friendly way.

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Reading comprehension is so important in a reader

YES! So important! Hope these questions are helpful 🙂 Warmly, Ashley // Happiness Ambassador

I tapped the blue button, but nothing happened. The free reading comprehension sheets did not come onto my computer. Thank you.

Hi, When you click the blue “Download Here” button, a pop-up should open. You can try checking to make sure your browser isn’t blocking pop-ups from the site or try using a different browser. If you happen to be attempting the download at school, your district’s web filter may be blocking the pop-up. Let me know if you’re not able to get the questions! Warmly, Sarah // Playdough to Plato Team

Big blue box to download is not working

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Elementary Assessments

101 Great Higher-Order Thinking Questions for Reading

In order to skyrocket students’ reading comprehension, it’s essential that teachers incorporate a variety of higher-order thinking questions.

Higher-order thinking questions require an open-ended response that goes beyond the ability to answer literal questions.

These types of questions demand a higher level of critical thinking that prompts students to become problem-solvers as they read, making connections to bigger concepts beyond the text. 

In the process, students analyze, evaluate, predict, and consider alternative explanations.

It’s not a hard task to begin using higher-order thinking questions for reading comprehension in the classroom. 

It’s as simple as adding a few additional questions to your list of reader response questions or asking students a few more questions that involve higher-order thinking skills before, during, and after reading. 

Whatever literacy task students are working on, incorporate these higher-order thinking questions for reading so that they tap into higher-level knowledge. 

These H.O.T.S questions are going to serve your students well. Their test scores will improve plus they’ll become highly proficient readers and thinkers.

101 Higher-Order Thinking Questions for Reading

Following you will find examples of higher-order thinking questions for reading that can be used with fiction or informational text.

• Can you tell me what is _____?
• What does this word mean?
• Will you describe what happened after_____?
• What do you remember about the main events of the story?
• Who was it that_____?
• What actions do you recall from the character?
• When did _____?
• What important details do you recall from the story?
• Where does the story take place?
• What happened before_____?
• Who are the main characters?
• What is a _____?
• Will you explain why_____?
• Why do you think these changes occurred?
• What new facts did you learn after reading the text?
• When does the story take place?
• What text features do you find on this page?

Related Content:

80+ More Higher-Order Thinking Questions for All Subjects

• How would you compare the two main characters?
• What can you infer about _____?
• How would you describe the main character?
• What would happen if the main character_____?
• Who do you think _____?
• How would you summarize this part?
• What is the difference between ____ and _____?
• How would you clarify the meaning of this word?
• What is the main idea of this section?
• Could you elaborate on what you mean by_____?
• How can your answer be illustrated?
• What do you think is the problem?
• How do you think the character felt when_____?
• What can you say about this character?
• How would you restate _____?
• What is something interesting that you observed in this chapter?
• How would you compare and contrast_____ and _____?
• Can you explain what the author means when she says…?
• What parts of the story are confusing to me?
• In your own words, what is _____?
• How could you illustrate this part?
• What do you think the character was thinking when_____?
• How does this text feature help you to understand the book better?
• What do you mean when you say_____?

• What would have happened if _____?
• How else could the character have chosen to _____?
• What examples from the book support the notion that _____?
• What dilemma does the main character face?
• If _____ happened, how would the ending have been different?
• What questions do you have for this character?
• Can you provide examples to prove that?
• What information from the text validates your position?
• Are you able to illustrate_____?
• How would you have solved this problem?
• How could you demonstrate how these two characters are different?
• What questions would you ask the author?
• How did you figure that out?
• When is this reading strategy helpful?
• What can be inferred about_____?
• How did the character’s feelings change throughout the story?
• Why do you think the author_____?
• How would you analyze the main character’s actions?
• What is the problem with_____?
• How does this match what you thought you knew?
• How is this idea connected to _____?
• Does this part of the text remind you of anything?
• Which events could not have occurred if _____?
• Why do you think the character _____?
• How did you come to that conclusion?
• What explanation would you give for_____?
• How is (character) similar to (another character)?
• What evidence in the book supports your thinking?
• How are the two settings similar?
• What was the turning point in the story?
• What evidence can you find in the book to prove that _____?
• In what ways could you use figurative language to explain this part better?
• What caused _____ to ______?
• Do you think it was correct for the character to_____? Why or why not?
• Why do you think the character chose this course of action?
• How can you gather facts about_____?
• What final outcome do you predict?
• Why do you think the author chose to _____?
• What alternative ending would you suggest?
• How would you portray this book as a movie?
• What do you think was the character’s motivation in doing that?
• If you were that character, would you_____? Why or why not?
• Why do you think the author wrote this?
• What do you think the character will do next and why?
• How would you feel if_____?
• What are the consequences of _____?
• Would you recommend this book to someone else? Why or why not?
• How can you find out_____?
• What might _____ think about this?
• What is your opinion of the character’s actions?
• Which evidence from the book did you use to evaluate _____?
• What do you imagine would have been the outcome if ____ had made a different choice?
• What is your opinion of this book?
• What would you suggest _____?
• Do you agree with the outcome of the story? Why or why not?
• What new ending do you envision?
• Which part was most important and why?
• What is your favorite _____?

Final Thoughts On Higher-Order Thinking Questions for Reading

Boost students’ reading comprehension and critical thinking abilities using higher-order thinking questions for reading.

Download higher-order thinking questions for reading in PDF form .

Related: You may be interested in reading comprehension passages for practicing higher-level thinking skills.

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Critical Thinking for Reading Comprehension

Grades: 1-5

Critical Thinking, Language Arts

•  Award Winner

Supercharge reading comprehension and analysis skills with this 64-page language arts resource designed for ages 7-11. Critical Thinking for Reading Comprehension teaches the identification and evaluation of text and image-based evidence using short, high-interest activities. In simple, understandable terms, 'Critical Thinking' is the identification and evaluation of evidence to guide decision-making. The activities in this book diverge from traditional reading comprehension exercises, emphasizing the development of critical thinking through "low read" excerpts that require careful reading and analysis to identify supporting evidence and solutions. After just a few activities, most students will come to understand the importance of reading for understanding and evidence-based decision-making. Students will develop vital life skills while enjoying the fun of uncovering the right answers. To maximize the learning experience, teachers should work through the first few activities with students and encourage students to describe their evidence and rationale for each answer. This approach builds confidence and reinforces the significance of critical thinking in making decisions, setting students up for success. Embark on an enriching journey that will empower young minds to excel!

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32 Open-Ended Questions for Reading Comprehension

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Author:  TeamTom Education , Tags:  Question Stems , Questioning Strategies

( words) minutes to read 

Improving reading comprehension is the goal of reading instruction, and open-ended questions can help! Reading comprehension can be a challenge to achieve because it’s such a complex set of skills. There are many reading comprehension strategies for readers to employ across many genres at different reading levels .

Close-ended questions could require a simple yes or no. They could be multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank. However, open-ended questions require students to either reexamine text evidence or extend their own thinking.

Reexamine and Extend – those are powerful thinking skills!

So let’s look at a quick list of open-ended questions that you can use in your classroom.

Open-Ended Questions to ask Before Reading the Text

• Looking at the cover, what do you predict this book might be about?
• What detail on the cover supports that prediction ?
• What do you think will happen in the plot?
• What ideas do you think will be present in this text?
• Can you please describe what you think the illustration on the front cover is trying to tell us?
• Why do you think the author used this title?
• Why do you think the author used this type of font (style of letters) on the cover?
• What do you already know from reading the title?
• What connections can you make after reading the blurb?
• How do you think this story will end?
• What is a problem that you think could occur in this story?
• What questions could you ask before reading this text?

Discover Our Award-Winning Comprehension Resources

Drawing conclusions, key ideas & details, summarizing, and so many more!

Open-Ended Questions to Ask During the Reading

• What time of day do you think it is in this story?
• Why do you think it is that time of day?
• What connections can you make to this setting?
• What would you do if you went to this place?
• Do you think you would enjoy being here?
• Why do you think the author started the story/text this way?
• How are you adjusting your predictions after reading this (page, section, chapter)?
• What sentences parked your imagination?
• How do you think the character is feeling? What evidence supports your thinking?
• What could happen to make this character feel a different way?
• Which details were the most interesting to you?
• What questions do you have now?
• How did the setting change?
• How does the setting impact the plot for these characters?

After the Text

• What do you think the author hoped you would think after reading the text?
• What do you think about the story/text?
• Can you summarize the text in just two or three sentences?
• What was your favorite part?
• Was the plot/text different than you thought it would be?
• What would you change in this text if you could write it?

Use these questions in your class, in guided reading , in literacy centers, or during your daily reading comprehension warm-up routine .

How to Use Reading Response Questions for any Book

Here are some ways that a teacher can use reading response questions to any book:

As a warm-up activity: Reading response questions can be used as a warm-up activity to get students thinking about the book before they start reading. This can help to engage students and to focus their attention on the text.

As a way to check for comprehension: Reading response questions can be used as a way to check for comprehension after students have read a section of the book. This can help teachers to identify any areas where students may need additional support.

As a way to spark discussion: Reading response questions can be used to spark discussion about the book. This can help students to share their thoughts and ideas about the text, and to build their understanding of the book.

As a way to promote writing: Reading response questions can be used to promote writing by asking students to write about their thoughts and ideas about the book. This can help students to develop their writing skills and to express their understanding of the text.

As a way to assess student learning: Reading response questions can be used to assess student learning by asking students to answer questions about the book. This can help teachers to track student progress and to identify areas where students need additional support.

About the Author

TeamTom Education is dedicated to creating engaging teaching resources and strategies that make learning awesome!

Related Reading

Unlock the power of questions: questioning strategies for reading comprehension, how to use text dependent questions, beyond “what’s the answer”: how questioning sparks student critical thinking, follow the blog.

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Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Worksheets

• Take these as online quizzes here!

Short Story Reading Comprehension Worksheets

• Beginning Level
• Answers for this series are included at the end of each worksheet.
• "My Friend" - Low Beginning. 3 answer choices. 7 questions. 74 words.
• "My House" - Low Beginning. 3 answer choices. 7 questions. 92 words.
• "Time to..." - Low Beginning. 4 answer choices. 11 questions. 89 words.
• "My Family" - Low Beginning. 4 answer choices. 6 questions. 90 words.
• "Rainy Day" - Low Beginning. 4 answer choices. 5 questions. 78 words.
• "A Call to the Pool" - Low Beginning. 4 answer choices. 5 questions. 116 words.
• "The Singing Bird" - Low Beginning. 4 answer choices. 5 questions. 96 words.
• "Seeing Stars" - Low Beginning. 4 answer choices. 8 questions. 92 words.
• "I Fly" - Low Beginning. 4 answer choices. 4 questions. 113 words.
• "The Drive" - Mid Beginning. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 120 words.
• "Zach's Animals" - Mid Beginning. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 104 words.
• "Griffin's Talents" - Mid Beginning. 4 answer choices. 9 questions. 112 words.
• "A Happy Visitor" - Mid Beginning. 4 answer choices. 5 questions. 170 words.
• "An Adventure" - Mid Beginning. 4 answer choices. 5 questions. 177 words.
• "Running" - Mid Beginning. 4 answer choices. 5 questions. 148 words.
• "Paul Cooks" - Mid Beginning. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 112 words.
• "Bella Hides" - Mid Beginning. 4 answer choices. 8 questions. 135 words.
• "First Prize" - Mid Beginning. 4 answer choices. 8 questions. 155 words.
• "What Number?" - Mid Beginning. 4 answer choices. 12 questions. 154 words.
• "The Interview" - High Beginning. 4 answer choices. 9 questions. 205 words.
• "Julian's Work" - High Beginning. 4 answer choices. 12 questions. 194 words.
• "Talia's Special Day" - High Beginning. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 204 words.
• "One Hundred Dollars" - High Beginning. 4 answer choices. 13 questions. 273 words.
• "New Shoes for Maddy" - High Beginning. 4 answer choices. 11 questions. 223 words.
• "The 20" - High Beginning. 4 answer choices. 12 questions. 256 words.
• "Big City Noise" - High Beginning. 4 answer choices. 13 questions. 238 words.
• Intermediate Level
• "By the Water" - Low Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 9 questions. 225 words.
• "A Cold Day" - Low Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 14 questions. 286 words.
• "Vet Emergency!" - Low Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 247 words.
• "Late" - Low Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 14 questions. 284 words.
• "The Brenners" - Low Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 13 questions. 297 words.
• "Bullied" - Low Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 13 questions. 197 words.
• "The New School" - Low Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 14 questions. 286 words.
• "The Park" - Low Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 11 questions. 297 words.
• "Worth Working For" - Mid Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 280 words.
• "The Rent Man" - Mid Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 12 questions. 215 words.
• "Time with Grandpa" - Mid Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 9 questions. 237 words.
• "The Bus Driver" - Mid Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 15 questions. 294 words.
• "A Day Like No Other" - Mid Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 12 questions. 305 words.
• "A Mystery" - Mid Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 247 words.
• "Just One Touch" - Mid Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 15 questions. 326 words.
• "Wanga" - Mid Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 13 questions. 340 words.
• "Ana Finds an Apartment" - Mid Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 12 questions. 408 words.
• "Guermo's Surprise" - High Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 9 questions. 372 words .
• "Canopy of Nature" - High Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 8 questions. 332 words .
• "Blizzard in Birmingham" - High Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 319 words.
• "A Christmas in March" - High Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 385 words.
• "Bail" - High Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 301 words.
• "Clean Water Act" - High Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 632 words.
• "BB" - High Intermediate. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 511 words .
• Advanced Level
• "The Mini Problem" - Low Advanced. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 291 words .
• "Flower Power" - Low Advanced. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 368 words.
• "Seeing Clearly" - Low Advanced. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 284 words .
• "Accused" - Low Advanced. 4 answer choices. 12 questions. 285 words.
• "City Girl" - Low Advanced. 4 answer choices. 13 questions. 429 words.
• "Fried" - Mid Advanced. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 235 words.
• "Tattoo" - Mid Advanced. 4 answer choices. 11 questions. 350 words.
• "The Transfers" - Mid Advanced. 4 answer choices. 12 questions. 381 words.
• "Wild" - Mid Advanced. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 493 words.
• "Scorpion" - Low Advanced. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 333 words
• "Remains of a Marriage" - Mid Advanced. 4 answer choices. 11 questions. 345 words.
• "Museum Hours" - Mid Advanced. 4 answer choices. 10 questions. 179 words.
• "Seeing Through" - High Advanced. 5 answer choices. 10 questions. 326 words.
• "Ursula Pugh" - High Advanced. 5 answer choices. 8 questions. 324 words.
• "Dreams" - High Advanced. 4 answer choices. 12 questions. 357 words.
• "Tracks" - High Advanced. 5 answer choices. 11 questions. 531 words.
• "Love Train" - High Advanced. 5 answer choices. 12 questions. 646 words.
• "The Storm" - High Advanced. 4 answer choices. 12 questions. 407 words.

Informational Passages Reading Comprehension Worksheets

In these reading comprehension worksheets, students are asked questions about information they have read about a specific topic. each passage reads similar to a newspaper of journal article, and provides interesting information about some aspect of history, nature, mechanics, science, art, and more. questions involve critical thinking with a focus on logic and inference..

• Answer Key - This answer key is available but still under development.
• "The Sun" - Low Beginning. 3 questions. Under 50 words.
• "Gas" - Low Beginning. 3 questions. Under 50 words.
• "Music" - Low Beginning. 4 questions. Under 50 words.
• "Birds" - Low Beginning. 4 questions. Under 50 words.
• "The Heart" - Low Beginning. 4 questions. Under 50 words.
• "The Butterfly" - Low Beginning. 5 questions. Under 50 words.
• "Pigs" - Low Beginning. 3 questions. Under 50 words.
• "The Brain" - Low Beginning. 3 questions. Under 50 words.
• "The Ocean" - Low Beginning. 7 questions. Under 100 words.
• "Trees" - Low Beginning. 4 questions. Under 100 words.
• "Alligators" - Low Beginning. 6 questions. Under 100 words.
• "The Blow-Dryer" - Low Beginning. 5 questions. Under 100 words.
• "Green Grass" - Low Beginning. 6 questions. Under 100 words.
• "Taste" - Low Beginning. 4 questions. Under 100 words.
• "Bees" - Mid Beginning. 10 questions. Under 200 words.
• "Frogs" - Mid Beginning. 10 questions. Under 200 words.
• "Beds" - Mid Beginning. 10 questions. Under 200 words.
• "Humans" - Mid Beginning. 10 questions. Under 200 words.
• "Fish" - Mid Beginning. 10 questions. Under 200 words.
• "Houses" - Mid Beginning. 10 questions. Under 300 words.
• "Soda Pop" - High Beginning. 10 questions. Under 200 words.
• "Tea" - High Beginning. 10 questions. Under 200 words.
• "Ice Fishing" - High Beginning. 10 questions. Under 300 words.
• "Bears" - High Beginning. 10 questions. Under 300 words.
• "Flags" - High Beginning. 10 questions. Under 300 words.
• "Leonardo Da Vinci" - High Beginning. 10 questions. Under 300 words..
• "Tennis" - High Beginning. 10 questions. Under 300 words.
• "Dogs" - High Beginning. 10 questions. Under 300 words.
• "Money" - High Beginning. 10 questions. Under 300 words.
• "Abraham Lincoln" - High Beginning. 10 questions. Under 300 words.
• "Corn" - High Beginning. 10 questions. Under 300 words.
• "Umbrellas" - High Beginning. 10 questions. Under 300 words.
• "Ben Franklin" - High Beginning. 10 questions. Under 300 words.
• "Cars" - High Beginning. 10 questions. Under 300 words.
• Answer Key - This is the answer key for to the intermediate level informational passages.
• "Helicopters" - Low Intermediate. 10 questions. Under 300 words.
• "Yellowstone National Park" - Low Intermediate. 10 questions. Under 400 words.
• "Empress of the Blues" - Low Intermediate. 10 questions. Under 400 words.
• "The Cactus" - Low Intermediate. 10 questions. Under 400 words.
• "Space Exploration Voyagers 1 and 2" - Mid Intermediate. 10 questions. Under 400 words.
• "Television" - Mid Intermediate. 10 questions. Under 400 words.
• "Hibernation and Estivation" - Mid Intermediate. 10 questions. Under 400 words.
• "Marco Polo" - Mid Intermediate. 10 questions. Under 400 words.
• "Movie Ratings" - Mid Intermediate. 10 questions. Under 400 words.
• "Birdsongs" - Mid Intermediate. 10 questions. Under 400 words.
• "Counting" - Mid Intermediate. 10 questions. Under 400 words.
• "Easter Island" - High Intermediate. 10 questions. Under 400 words.
• "Mosquitoes" - High Intermediate. 12 questions. Under 700 words.
• "Fingerprints" - High Intermediate. 11 questions. Under 700 words.
• "Mother's Day" - High Intermediate. 10 questions. Under 700 words.
• "Europe" - High Intermediate. 12 questions. Under 700 words.
• Answer Key - This is the answer key for to the advanced level informational passages.
• "Chocolate" - Low Advanced. 10 questions. Under 600 words.
• "Houses Around the World" - Low Advanced. 10 questions. Under 700 words.
• "Cells" - Low Advanced. 10 questions. Under 700 words.
• "Soccer" - Low Advanced. 12 questions. Under 700 words.
• "Bathtubs" - Low Advanced. 12 questions. Under 700 words.
• "Pollution" - Low Advanced. 12 questions. Under 700 words.
• "Interstate Highways" - Low Advanced. 10 questions. Under 800 words.
• "The U.S. Census" - Low Advanced. 10 questions. Under 800 words.
• "Sleep" - Low Advanced. 11 questions. Under 800 words.
• "The U.S. Postal Service" - Mid Advanced. 11 questions. Under 800 words.
• "Chemical Elements" - Mid Advanced. 11 questions. Under 800 words.
• "Africa" - Mid Advanced. 11 questions. Under 1000 words.

Technical Reading Comprehension Worksheets

In these reading comprehension worksheets, students are asked questions about the meaning, significance, intention, structure, inference, and vocabulary used in each passage. each passage reads like an encyclopedic or technical journal article. answers for worksheets in this section can be found at the end of each individual worksheet..

• "Water" - Beginning level. 3 questions with answers included. Under 300 words.
• "Paper" - Beginning level. 3 questions with answers included. Under 300 words.
• "The Flu" - Beginning level. 3 questions with answers included. Under 400 words.
• "Nuts" - Beginning level. 3 questions with answers included. Under 400 words.
• "The Sun" - Beginning level. 3 questions with answers included. Under 400 words.
• "The White House" - Beginning level. 3 questions with answers included. Under 400 words.
• "Soap" - Intermediate level. 3 questions with answers included. Under 400 words.
• "Clocks" - Intermediate level. 3 questions with answers included. Under 400 words.
• "The Robin" - Intermediate level. 3 questions with answers included. Under 400 words.
• "Hybrid Vehicles" - Intermediate level. 4 questions with answers included. Under 500 words.
• "Photography" - Intermediate level. 3 questions with answers included. Under 500 words.
• "Biomimetics" - Intermediate level. 4 questions with answers included. Under 700 words.
• "The Great Debates" - Intermediate level. 3 questions with answers included. Under 400 words.
• "Salt" - Advanced level. 3 questions with answers included. Under 700 words.
• "Colony Collapse" - Advanced level. 3 questions with answers included. Under 600 words.
• "Columbian Exchange" - Advanced level. 3 questions with answers included. Under 700 words.
• "Ethanol" - Advanced level. 3 questions with answers included. Under 600 words.
• "Generations" - Advanced level. 3 questions with answers included. Under 600 words.
• "The Hubble Telescope" - Advanced level. 7 questions with answers included. Under 1000 words.
• "Intellegence Augmentation" - Advanced level. 5 questions with answers included. Under 1000 words.

Role Play Reading Comprehension Worksheets

In these reading comprehension worksheets, students can increase their understanding of colloquial and idiomatic expressions and get a feel for conversational english. they also allow several students to participate at the same time - which makes them really fun great for use in school or at home..

• Answer Key - This is the answer key to the role play worksheets.
• "What Time Is It?" - Beginning Level. 4 questions. Under 100 words.
• "How Are You?" - Beginning Level. 4 questions. Under 100 words.
• "Tie Your Shoes!" - Beginning Level. 4 questions. Under 100 words.
• "Where Are My Glasses?" - Beginning Level. 4 questions. Under 100 words.
• "A Cookie" - Beginning Level. 4 questions. Under 100 words.
• "Where Are My Keys?" - Beginning Level. 4 questions. Under 100 words.
• "City Life, Country Life" - Beginning Level. 10 questions. Under 200 words.
• "Flu Shot" - Intermediate Level. 5 questions. Under 200 words.
• "Vinegar" - Intermediate Level. 4 questions. Under 200 words.
• "Wait for Me!" - Intermediate Level. 8 questions. Under 400 words.
• "Glasses" - Intermediate Level. 8 questions. Under 400 words.
• "Hungry" - Advanced Level. 8 questions. Under 400 words.
• "Want to Know a Secret?" - Advanced Level. 8 questions. Under 200 words.
• "Milk and Aesthetics" - Advanced Level. 8 questions. Under 500 words.

Dual Version Reading Comprehension Worksheets

In each of these reading comprehension worksheets, the same story is told, but with two versions: one that is basic, and one that is more advanced. this allows students to make direct comparisons between the advanced version to the more basic one, and makes for a powerful learning experience..

• Answer Key - Coming Soon!
• "An Overcast Day" - Beginning Level. 4 questions. Under 200 words.
• "Who Knows My Name?" - Beginning Level. 4 questions. Under 200 words.
• "A Call to the Pool" - Beginning Level. 6 questions. Under 300 words.
• "Oh No!" - Beginning Level. 8 questions. Under 300 words.
• "An Adventure" - Beginning Level. 6 questions. Under 400 words.
• "Happy Birthday" - Beginning Level. 4 questions. Under 400 words.
• "My Family" - Beginning Level. 8 questions. Under 300 words.
• "My Family" - Beginning Level. 5 questions. Under 300 words.
• "Driving Directions" - Beginning Level. 6 questions. Under 400 words.
• "A Happy Visitor" - Beginning Level. 7 questions. Under 300 words.
• "The Singing Bird" - Intermediate Level. 10 questions. Under 300 words.
• "Violet Makes a Cake" - Intermediate Level. 8 questions. Under 400 words.
• "A Visit to the Doctor" - Intermediate Level. 7 questions. Under 400 words.
• "Making Dinner" - Intermediate Level. 8 questions. Under 400 words.
• "The Market" - Intermediate Level. 10 questions. Under 500 words.
• "Maria Gets Her License" - Intermediate Level. 8 questions. Under 500 words.
• "A Paper for School" - Advanced Level. 7 questions. Under 300 words.
• "A Birthday Surprise" - Advanced Level. 7 questions. Under 600 words.
• "Getting a New Job" - Advanced Level. 8 questions. Under 600 words.
• "The Dinner Party" - Advanced Level. 9 questions. Under 600 words.

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15 Questions that Teachers and Parents Can Ask Kids to Encourage Critical Thinking

By Maureen Leming

Each student walks across the graduation stage, diploma in one hand and a proverbial toolbox in the other. Inside the box is every skill and piece of knowledge they've learned throughout their childhood. The contents of this toolbox will be their building blocks to success beyond high school.

In addition to impressive classroom discoveries — like producing electricity from potatoes or building their own paper mache volcano — there's a vital skill every student should possess: critical thinking. They'll use this skill to assess, critique, and create, propelling them to thrive in the real world as they participate in engaging conversations and offer constructive solutions to real-world issues.

Fortunately, this valuable skill can be developed both inside and out of the classroom. Teachers and parents can encourage kids to think deeply and critically about the world by asking good questions. We'll explore why, as parents and teachers, the questions we ask our kids matter — and what we can be asking to help them excel.

How Questions Guide Young Students’ Critical Thinking 

Critical thinking is about so much more than simply knowing the facts. Thinking critically involves applying reason and logic to assess arguments and come to your own conclusions. Instead of reciting facts or giving a textbook answer, critical thinking skills encourage students to move beyond knowing information and get to the heart of what they really think and believe. 

15 Questions to Encourage Critical Thinking

What is one of the best ways to encourage critical thinking? By asking excellent questions! 

We have compiled a list of 15 questions that you, as a teacher or parent, can ask to encourage kids to think outside the box. Let's dive in.

1. How Do You Know This? 

Whether it was by word of mouth, classroom knowledge, or a news report, this question prompts students to consider whether their source of information is reputable.

2. How Would Your Perspective Be Different If You Were on the Opposing Side?

This question encourages kids to role-play from an opposing person’s viewpoint and discover a perspective outside their own so that they can better understand the broader situation. Extracurriculars like debate class — mandatory for all Hun middle school students — is a powerful way to accomplish this goal, as students must thoughtfully anticipate their opposition's arguments in order to counter them.

3. How Would You Solve This Problem?

Finding creative solutions to common problems is a valuable life skill. This question is the perfect opportunity to encourage young minds to wander!

4. Do You Agree or Disagree — and Why?

Choosing a side in any debate challenges students to consider both perspectives, weigh the arguments, and make an informed choice. 

5. Why? Why? Why?

Just like when you were a young kid, ask why repeatedly to push students beyond a simple first, second, or even third answer, to get to the real depth. Be careful, though, not to ask them to the point of frustration — you want learning and exploring to be a positive experience.

6. How Could We Avoid This Problem in the Future?

Ask students to apply critical thinking by analyzing how they could prevent a certain issue from reoccurring.

7. Why Does It Matter?

Whether they're learning about a historical event or a mathematical concept, it's important to understand why the topic is relevant today.

8. What's Another Way to Look at This Issue?

It can be easy to learn one worldview and automatically believe it is the only, or the best, way. Challenging kids to think of a creative alternate perspective encourages them to think more broadly.

9. Can You Give Me an Example?

Inventing an example, or pulling from experience to share a real one, is an excellent way to apply critical thinking skills.

10. How Could It Have Ended Differently?

It takes some innovation and careful analysis to storyboard a different ending, considering "what could have been" rather than "what is." 

11. When Will We Be Able to Tell If It Worked?

Kids will be pushed to consider what constitutes success and how it can be measured in scenarios where the results aren't set in stone.

12. Why did you ask that question?

Instead of answering a question at face value, this question encourages kids to think about what the merits of the question may be.

13. Who Would Be Affected by This?

Students as the next generation of leaders and game-changers. When making any decision, it's important to consider who will be impacted and how.

14. What Can This Story Teach Us About Our Own Lives?

From literature to social studies, students interact with all kinds of different stories. Help them take these narratives one step further by examining how it relates to their lives.

15. Why Is This a Problem?

Analyzing why something is a problem — rather than just accepting that it is — will help students develop strong problem-solving skills of their own.

The Hun School of Princeton Teaches Critical Thinking

At the Hun School of Princeton, our teachers ask these questions, and more, in combination with our student-centered learning approach that helps kids of all ages think critically about what they’re learning. 

As a premier private school in Princeton, NJ , we aim to help students think deeply and develop well-rounded skill sets through immersive, problem-based learning . 

Schedule a tour today to see our program in action!

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Motivating and engaging strategies to maximize reading skills and ensure genuine love for learning

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Critical Thinking Soars with Best Questions

Critical thinking and comprehension can be built even before learning to read. The same way you do that, you can consistently build it for readers. Before reading, after reading and during reading, it is simple, just ask the right questions! The same excellent questions also ignite reading motivation.

The critical thinking tools found here at Reading Solutions, https://readingsolutions.net , engage a unique generic form of Bloom’s Taxonomy, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloom%27s_taxonomy . Being generic allows you to keep them in your mind and transfer them to any story, informational reading, or learning (video, lecture, etc.)

The six cognitive levels engaged in the best questions include knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation.

Knowledge Level  questions recall the facts and details about the setting, plot or characters and can include the who, what, where, when, how and where questions.

Comprehension Level  questions check for understanding such as why questions, and memory, such as sequence, such as retelling the plot.

Application Level questions require applying the text the the reader’s world and other texts.

Analysis Level  questions break down information by categorizing or identifying parts.

Synthesis Level questions require understanding the text and creating something new.

Evaluation Level questions require us to decide on the value of our information, making judgments about the plot, characters, them, or setting.

You will find these levels questioned in The Book Club Games, Story Talk and The Reading Companion, https://readingsolutions.netindex.php/store/.  Each of these learning tools uses the generic form of them to easily internalize and transfer to new reading situations.

Generic questions greatly enhance reading for everyone, including non-readers and English language learners because they can develop critical thinking through “reading” they listen to on an audio or see in a video. In addition, English language learners can easily translate them to their native language to expand critical thinking as they read in their native language while learning English, thus, avoiding the educational gap that often plagues them.

Story elements must also be engaged to fully comprehend. They include the plot, characters, theme and settings of a story. Questions threaded through these elements will ensure the highest standards of comprehension and critical thinking.

Here are some examples of generic questions that use both Bloom’s Taxonomy of cognition and the story elements. Think of a favorite story and try answering them to experience how they bring the story alive and exercise your critical thinking. Answer them with another person and you can see how they bring out different perspectives.

Tell about a part of the story that made you feel sad. Plot is the story element and the Bloom’s levels are evaluation and analysis.

What place in the story did you like? Why? Setting is the story element here and you see evaluation and analysis.

How is someone kind or helpful in the story? Character is the story element, while, comprehension and evaluation are the question’s levels.

What would be another title for this story?  Theme is the story element here, and comprehension, analysis and synthesis would be the levels at play.

Here kids and adults learn these terms so they can become metacognitive of their thinking process and understand the codes on the cards. It isn’t necessary to know this to play the game, but if kids, parents, and teachers want to learn Bloom’s Taxonomy levels, The Book Club Game provides an easy, hands on way to do it. The metacognition provided empowers all to write their own questions from the levels, choosing the story elements. All provide engaged awareness and enlightened active reading.

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Dianna Radcliff

Teaching Upper Elementary & more

Question Stems

January 22, 2020 by Dianna Radcliff

There are three words that elementary teachers know by heart — reading level assessments. Reading level assessments are what is used to assess students’ reading skills from kindergarten until eighth grade. These assessments are supposed to guide the students through reading passages while providing the teacher with instructional help.

Students need to be able to proficiently answer questions without assistance from an adult that proves that they comprehend the text that they’ve read. This is where Question Stems come in!

What are Question Stems?

Question Stems are to help your students start thinking about the reading standard that they’ve just read. These stems are used to prompt comprehension and get them thinking about the text, so they are better prepared to answer more difficult questions on the assessments.

For example, if you are doing a text structure, and you are looking to test your student’s comprehension of the text, you could use a question stem that matches the standard! 

These questions are the same format and manner that they are asked on assessments, and they are specific!

How to Use Question Stems in Small Group Activities?

Question Stems can be used to help increase proficiency in both oral and written comprehension for your students, but these work well in small group activities too! These Question Stems are grouped by levels, and each set comes with a full page of questions, and the option to have eight on a page. 

You can put them on a ring and cut them out to use in small group activities to discuss the books that your students read! If you choose to laminate these cards, they can last for years to come!

How can I use Question Stems in My Classroom?

There are many ways you can use these Question Stems in your classroom, but my favorite is by using them for group discussion. While you are reading text out loud to your students, Question Stems are a great way to check and make sure that your students understand the text they are hearing. 

During your reading, pause occasionally and ask a few of the Question Stems that are relevant to the text. This will not only check and see if your students are actually listening, but can lead to some great group discussions as well!

What Do I Need to Know?

Before you get started, there are a few things you may want to know about the text! First, these assessments are going to require a higher level of questioning that will involve more critical thinking. When responding to assessments, this is going to help your students by allowing them to practice with higher-level questions. This will encourage your students to cite the text to back up their answers and have a more critical stance.

These questions are aligned by reading levels so students can have instruction and practice answering during whole group and small group situations in class. 

If you are looking for a cost-effective way to promote critical thinking and comprehension in your classroom, then there are so many ways you can incorporate these Question Stems! 

Thank you for subscribing!

If you are interested in how to incorporate these into written comprehension and response, check out this post .

Making inferences is also a big part of drawing conclusions from text! Check out this post for more about Making Inferences.

Implement this Question Stems resource into your classroom by clicking here or on the image below!

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Teaching Critical Reading with Questioning Strategies

Sparking starter questions, becoming sidekicks, from curious to suspicious readers.

• Why did grave robbers sometimes steal the mummy?
• Why are step pyramids called step pyramids?
• I wonder why the people blamed the pharaohs for angering the gods.
• What are some other ways…
• What if you…
• Can you imagine…
• If … , then…
• Would you consider explaining more what the narrator is thinking?
• I am wondering if the narrator gets in trouble a lot, and how often?
• Did you consider adding another character? Two fat house cats doing this would be funnier.
• Type I questions seek to understand information from the reading.
• Type II questions cause the reader to analyze, critically examine, and appraise the information presented by recognizing what is missing or only implied.
• Type III questions judge the author's position or formulate an alternative—or even contrary—hypothesis.
• Do you believe that the death of a beautiful woman is the most tragic thing a poet can write about?
• You say you wrote "The Raven" in a step-by-step procedure. Do you think all poets work this way? Do they have to follow your approach?
• You say _____, but what about _____ ?
• You imply ______, but ______ ?
• Are you saying that _____ ? If so,______ ?
• Why don't you mention ______ ?
• Didn't you consider ______ ?
• If what you say is true, what about ______ ?
• What you say is interesting, but I think that ______.

Bloom, B. S. (1956). (Ed.) Taxonomy of educational objectives: The classification of educational goals . Chicago: Susan Fauer Company.

Ciardello, A. V. (2007). Puzzle them first: Motivating adolescent readers with question finding . Newark, DE: International Reading Association.

Duke, N., & Pearson, P. D. (2002). Effective practices for developing reading comprehension: What research has to say about reading (3rd ed.). Newark, DE: International Reading Association.

Lewin, L. (2006) Reading response that really matters . New York: Scholastic.

Raphael, T., Highfield, K., & Au, K. (2006) QAR Now: A powerful and practical framework that develops comprehension and higher-level thinking in all students . New York: Scholastic.

• 1 This activity is available on the Web site of the National Teaching and Learning Forum ( www.ntlf.com/html/lib/bib/assess.htm)

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Before, During and After Questions: Promoting Reading Comprehension and Critical Thinking

Students ask questions pertaining to a text before, during and after reading to build comprehension. View the full lesson plan at LitDiet.org . 

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Questions Before, During, and After Reading

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Asking Questions Before, During, and After Reading

To aid their comprehension, skillful readers ask themselves questions before, during, and after they read. You can help students become more proficient by modeling this process and encouraging them to use it when they read independently.

Why Ask Questions Before, During, and After Reading?

Dolores Durkin's research in 1979 showed that most teachers asked students questions after they had read, as opposed to questioning to improve comprehension before or while they read. In the late 1990s, further research (Pressley, et al. 1998) revealed that despite the abundance of research supporting questioning before, during, and after reading to help comprehension, teachers still favored post-reading comprehension questions.

Researchers have also found that when adult readers are asked to " think aloud " as they read, they employ a wide variety of comprehension strategies, including asking and answering questions before, during, and after reading (Pressley and Afflerbach 1995). Proficient adult readers:

• Are aware of why they are reading the text
• Preview and make predictions
• Read selectively
• Make connections and associations with the text based on what they already know
• Refine predictions and expectations
• Use context to identify unfamiliar words
• Reread and make notes
• Evaluate the quality of the text
• Review important points in the text
• Consider how the information might be used in the future

Successful reading is not simply the mechanical process of "decoding" text. Rather, it is a process of active inquiry.

Good authors anticipate the reader's questions and plant questions in the reader's mind (think of a title such as,  Are You My Mother?  by P.D. Eastman). In this way, reading becomes a collaboration between the reader and the author. The author's job is to raise questions and then answer them – or provide several possible answers. Readers cooperate by asking the right questions, paying careful attention to the author's answers, and asking questions of their own.

Examples of Before, During, and After Reading Questions

Before reading — at the beginning of a new book.

Before Reading — Continuing a Book Students Are Reading

During Reading

After Reading — At the end of the book

After Reading — Continuing a Book Students Are Reading

How to Ask Questions Before, During, and After Reading

While reading a book, article, or directions, think aloud to learn to ask questions before, during, and after reading. Document each question you think of on a post-it note attached to the relevant text. These questions could relate to the author's choice of title, a specific vocabulary word, or the future application of the information.

During read-aloud times, model questioning by verbalizing your thoughts. Emphasize that asking questions before, during, and after reading enhances understanding, regardless of the reader's age. Ask questions such as:

"What clues does the title give me about the story?"

Pre-select several stopping points within the text to ask and answer reading questions. This is also an excellent time to model "repair strategies" to correct miscomprehension. Start reading the text, and ask yourself questions while reading:

"What do I understand from what I just read?"

Then reread the text, asking the following questions when you are finished:

"Which of my predictions were right? What information from the text tells me that I am correct?"

Encourage students to ask their own questions after you have modeled this strategy e, and write all their questions on chart paper. Students can be grouped to answer one another's questions and generate new ones based on discussions. Be sure the focus is not on finding the correct answers, because many questions may be subjective, but on curiosity, wondering, and asking thoughtful questions.

After students become aware of the best times to ask questions during the reading process, be sure to ask them a variety of questions that:

• Can be used to gain a deeper understanding of the text
• Have answers that might be different for everyone
• Have answers that can be found in the text
• Clarify the author's intent
• Can help clarify the meaning
• Help them make  inferences
• Help them make predictions
• Help them make connections to other texts or  prior knowledge

As students begin to read text independently, you should continue to model the questioning process and encourage students to use it often. In the upper elementary and middle school grades, a  framework  for questions to ask before, during, and after reading can serve as a guide as students work with more challenging texts and begin to internalize comprehension strategies. You can use an overhead projector to jot notes on the framework as you "think aloud" while reading a text. As students become comfortable with the questioning strategy, they may use the guide independently while reading, with the goal of generating questions before, during, and after reading to increase comprehension.

How Can You  Stretch  Students' Thinking?

The best way to stretch students' thinking about a text is to help them ask increasingly challenging questions. Some of the most challenging questions are "Why?" questions about the author's intentions and the design of the text. For example:

"Why do you think the author chose this particular setting?"

Another way to challenge readers is to ask them open-ended questions that require evidence from the text to answer. For example:

"What does Huck think about girls? What is your evidence?" unlike

Be sure to explicitly model your own challenging questions while reading aloud a variety of texts, including novels, subject-area textbooks, articles, and nonfiction. Help students see that answering challenging questions can help them understand text at a deeper level, ultimately making reading a more enjoyable and valuable experience.

As students become proficient in generating challenging questions, have them group the questions at the time they were asked (before, during, or after reading). Students can determine their own categories, justify their reasons for placing questions into the categories, and determine how this can help their reading comprehension.

Lesson Plans

Lesson Plan: Questioning,  The Mitten

This lesson is designed to introduce primary students to the importance of asking questions before, during, and after listening to a story. In this lesson, using the story  The Mitten  by Jan Brett, students learn how to become good readers by asking questions. This is the first lesson in a set of questioning lessons designed for primary grades.

Lesson Plan: Questioning,  Grandfather's Journey

This lesson is for intermediate students using the strategy with the book,  Grandfather's Journey , by Allen Say.

Lesson Plan: Questioning,  Koko's Kitten

This lesson is designed to establish primary students' skills in asking questions before, during, and after they listen to a story. You can help students learn to become better readers by modeling how and when you ask questions while reading aloud the true story,  Koko's Kitten , by Dr. Francine Patterson. This is the second lesson in a set of questioning lessons designed for primary grades.

Lesson Plan: Asking Pre-Reading Questions

This is a language arts lesson for students in grades 3-5. Students will learn about asking questions before reading and will make predictions based on the discussion of the questions.

Lesson Plan: Asking Questions When Reading

In this lesson, the teacher will read  The Wall  by Eve Bunting with the purpose of focusing on asking important questions. The students and the teacher will then categorize the questions according to the criteria for each.

See the research that supports this strategy

Durk, D. (1979) What classroom observations reveal about reading comprehension instruction. Reading Research Quarterly , 14, 481-533.

Pressley, M., & Afflerbach, P. (1995).  Verbal protocols of reading: The nature of constructively responsive reading.  Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. Pressley, M. (1998). Reading instruction that works: The case for balanced teaching. New York: Guilford.

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What Are Critical Thinking Skills and Why Are They Important?

Learn what critical thinking skills are, why they’re important, and how to develop and apply them in your workplace and everyday life.

We often use critical thinking skills without even realizing it. When you make a decision, such as which cereal to eat for breakfast, you're using critical thinking to determine the best option for you that day.

Critical thinking is like a muscle that can be exercised and built over time. It is a skill that can help propel your career to new heights. You'll be able to solve workplace issues, use trial and error to troubleshoot ideas, and more.

We'll take you through what it is and some examples so you can begin your journey in mastering this skill.

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to interpret, evaluate, and analyze facts and information that are available, to form a judgment or decide if something is right or wrong.

More than just being curious about the world around you, critical thinkers make connections between logical ideas to see the bigger picture. Building your critical thinking skills means being able to advocate your ideas and opinions, present them in a logical fashion, and make decisions for improvement.

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Why is critical thinking important?

Critical thinking is useful in many areas of your life, including your career. It makes you a well-rounded individual, one who has looked at all of their options and possible solutions before making a choice.

According to the University of the People in California, having critical thinking skills is important because they are [ 1 ]:

Crucial for the economy

Essential for improving language and presentation skills

Very helpful in promoting creativity

Important for self-reflection

The basis of science and democracy 

Critical thinking skills are used every day in a myriad of ways and can be applied to situations such as a CEO approaching a group project or a nurse deciding in which order to treat their patients.

Examples of common critical thinking skills

Critical thinking skills differ from individual to individual and are utilized in various ways. Examples of common critical thinking skills include:

Identification of biases: Identifying biases means knowing there are certain people or things that may have an unfair prejudice or influence on the situation at hand. Pointing out these biases helps to remove them from contention when it comes to solving the problem and allows you to see things from a different perspective.

Research: Researching details and facts allows you to be prepared when presenting your information to people. You’ll know exactly what you’re talking about due to the time you’ve spent with the subject material, and you’ll be well-spoken and know what questions to ask to gain more knowledge. When researching, always use credible sources and factual information.

Open-mindedness: Being open-minded when having a conversation or participating in a group activity is crucial to success. Dismissing someone else’s ideas before you’ve heard them will inhibit you from progressing to a solution, and will often create animosity. If you truly want to solve a problem, you need to be willing to hear everyone’s opinions and ideas if you want them to hear yours.

Analysis: Analyzing your research will lead to you having a better understanding of the things you’ve heard and read. As a true critical thinker, you’ll want to seek out the truth and get to the source of issues. It’s important to avoid taking things at face value and always dig deeper.

Problem-solving: Problem-solving is perhaps the most important skill that critical thinkers can possess. The ability to solve issues and bounce back from conflict is what helps you succeed, be a leader, and effect change. One way to properly solve problems is to first recognize there’s a problem that needs solving. By determining the issue at hand, you can then analyze it and come up with several potential solutions.

How to develop critical thinking skills

You can develop critical thinking skills every day if you approach problems in a logical manner. Here are a few ways you can start your path to improvement:

1. Ask questions.

Be inquisitive about everything. Maintain a neutral perspective and develop a natural curiosity, so you can ask questions that develop your understanding of the situation or task at hand. The more details, facts, and information you have, the better informed you are to make decisions.

2. Practice active listening.

Utilize active listening techniques, which are founded in empathy, to really listen to what the other person is saying. Critical thinking, in part, is the cognitive process of reading the situation: the words coming out of their mouth, their body language, their reactions to your own words. Then, you might paraphrase to clarify what they're saying, so both of you agree you're on the same page.

3. Develop your logic and reasoning.

This is perhaps a more abstract task that requires practice and long-term development. However, think of a schoolteacher assessing the classroom to determine how to energize the lesson. There's options such as playing a game, watching a video, or challenging the students with a reward system. Using logic, you might decide that the reward system will take up too much time and is not an immediate fix. A video is not exactly relevant at this time. So, the teacher decides to play a simple word association game.

Scenarios like this happen every day, so next time, you can be more aware of what will work and what won't. Over time, developing your logic and reasoning will strengthen your critical thinking skills.

Learn tips and tricks on how to become a better critical thinker and problem solver through online courses from notable educational institutions on Coursera. Start with Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking from Duke University or Mindware: Critical Thinking for the Information Age from the University of Michigan.

Article sources

University of the People, “ Why is Critical Thinking Important?: A Survival Guide , https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/why-is-critical-thinking-important/.” Accessed May 18, 2023.

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.