Types of Questions

Inference questions: 

• Inference

• Evidence

• Explanation

Some examples of this question: 

• Based on Source XX, what can you infer about YY? 

Inference-purpose (Message) questions: 

• Verb

• Audience

• Message

• Evidence

• Explanation

• Intended outcome

Some examples of this question: 

• What is the purpose of this Source? 

Comparison (difference) questions: 

• Common criteria

• Evidence (A)

• Explanation (A)

• Evidence (B)

• Explanation (B)

• Tone/ Purpose

Comparison (similarity) questions: 

• Common criteria

• Evidence ( A & B)

• Explanation

Some examples of this question: 

• How different /similar are Sources A and B? (Diff. and similarity)

• To what extent is Source A similar/ different from Source B? (Diff. and similarity)

• To what extent will Source A agree/disagree with Source B? (Diff. and similarity)

• How far do these sources agree about... (an issue) (Diff. and similarity)

• How do Sources A and B differ? ( Diff. only)

• How are Sources A and B similar? (Similarity only)

Answering techniques:

• Types of criteria: 

  • Content

  • Tone

  • Purpose