Levels of Questions

Level 1: The answer to a level 1 question is in the text or another resource (for example, an encyclopedia or dictionary). A level one question asks you to read the lines: What does the text say?

Level 2: The answer to a level 2 question is both from evidence in the text and your own background knowledge. Level 2 questions require analysis and interpretation of specific parts of the text. The author does not confirm the answer. A level two question asks you to read between the lines: What does the text mean? What might happen? What might be the reason for ______?

Level 3: The answer to a level 3 question is much more open-ended; you get the answer not from the text, but from your own background knowledge. Level 3 questions are intended to provoke a discussion of an abstract idea or issue. A level three question asks you to read beyond the lines: Why does the text matter? What are your opinions about the issues it brings up? What is your experience with this topic?