Reader 23
When a Better Question Leads to a Better Answer
A better question can lead to a better answer because it directs attention to the right issue. Some questions are too general, too emotional, or too focused on blame. For example, asking “Why is this bad?” may not help much because the question is unclear. A stronger question might be, “Which part is not working, and what evidence shows the problem?” This question gives the person a clearer path to follow. The answer is more likely to be useful because the question is more specific.
Good questions help people think. They can reveal missing details, challenge assumptions, and separate facts from opinions. A better question does not always make the answer easy, but it makes the thinking more focused. This is useful in reading, writing, problem-solving, and communication. When people ask stronger questions, they often discover that the issue was not what they first thought. The quality of the question can change the quality of the answer.
SPEAK
Why can a better question lead to a better answer?
Why is “Why is this bad?” not very helpful?
What stronger question does the article suggest?
What can good questions reveal?
How can the quality of the question change the answer?
WRITE
Write 5–7 sentences about how better questions can improve answers. Include one example of a general question and a more specific question. Use the sentence prompts.
Better questions can improve answers by…
Better questions can improve answers because…
A good example of a general question would be…
A good example of a more specific question would be…
LISTEN
Listen to the recording and respond.
What did the speaker say?
How do you respond to the speaker’s opinion?
Use the reading to support your response.
