From topic to inquiry question

In the MYP, inquiry helps you move from a broad topic to questions that lead to deeper understanding. You connect concepts, real-world contexts and evidence to explore issues that matter.

A good inquiry question gives your research a clear direction, while leaving room for curiosity, different perspectives and new learning.

Start with a topic

A topic is a broad area you want to explore.

For example:

• Migration

• Water

• Cities

• Artificial intelligence

• Identity

• Climate change

• Food waste

• Music

• Ancient civilisations

A topic is the beginning of an inquiry—not the final question.

Identify the key concept

MYP units explore big ideas called concepts. Your teacher may give you a key concept and related concepts for the unit.

Common concepts include:

• Identity

• Culture

• Communication

• Systems

• Change

• Relationships

• Perspective

• Creativity

• Development

• Global interactions

Ask: What big idea am I exploring through this topic?

For example:

Topic: Migration
Concept: Identity
Question: How can moving to a new country affect a person’s identity and sense of belonging?

Connect to a global context

Global contexts help you connect your learning to real life.

Ask:

• Which MYP global context fits this topic?

• Why does this issue matter locally and globally?

• Who is affected?

• What real-world examples could help me investigate?

For example:

Topic: Food waste
Global context: Globalization and sustainability
Question: How can reducing food waste at school contribute to more sustainable communities?

Build your inquiry question

A strong MYP inquiry question is:

• Connected to a concept and global context.

• Clear and focused.

• Open to research and discussion.

• Possible to answer using evidence.

• Relevant to the real world.

• Interesting to you.

Use question starters such as:

• How does…?

• Why do…?

• To what extent…?

• In what ways…?

• What are the effects of…?

• How can…?

• What might happen if…?

Develop different kinds of questions

Good inquiry often includes more than one type of question.

Factual questions

These help you find important information.

What causes air pollution in cities?
What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

Conceptual questions

These help you explore bigger ideas.

How does technology change the way people communicate?
What makes a community sustainable?

Debatable questions

These invite different perspectives and evidence-based discussion.

Should cities limit private cars to reduce air pollution?
Is artificial intelligence more helpful than harmful for students?

Use factual questions to build knowledge. Use conceptual and debatable questions to think more deeply.

Test your question

Before you begin researching, ask:

• Is my question too broad?

• Is it too narrow?

• Can I find reliable sources to help answer it?

• Does it connect to a concept or global context?

• Does it allow for different perspectives?

• Can I explain why it matters?

• Will it help me learn something new?

Revise your question if needed. Strong researchers improve their questions as they learn more.

Example: from topic to inquiry

Topic: Plastic pollution
Concept: Systems
Global context: Globalization and sustainability
Factual question: Where does plastic waste in rivers come from?
Conceptual question: How are human choices connected to environmental systems?
Inquiry question: How can communities reduce plastic pollution in local rivers?

Plan your next steps

Once you have a focused question:

1. Identify keywords and search terms.

2. Find reliable sources.

3. Look for different perspectives.

4. Take notes in your own words.

5. Record where your information came from.

6. Use evidence to develop your response.

7. Consider possible action and reflection.

Before you begin

Check that:

• I have chosen a topic.

• I understand the key concept.

• I know the global context.

• I have developed a focused question.

• I have considered factual, conceptual or debatable questions.

• I have useful keywords for searching.

• I know where to ask for help.

A focused inquiry question helps you connect classroom learning to the world around you.