2.5: Inquiry Tutor/Student Handout 2.5.

1 (1 of 2)

T
Three-Story House
(Costa’s Levels of Questioning)
o better understand the content being presented in their core subject areas, it is essential for students to
learn to think critically and to ask higher levels of questions. By asking higher levels of questions, students
deepen their knowledge and create connections to the material being presented, which in turn prepares
them for the inquiry that occurs in tutorials. Students need to be familiar with Costa’s (and/or Bloom’s) levels of
questioning to assist them in formulating and identifying higher levels of questions.
Directions: Read the poem below and review the “Three House Story” on the next page. Both set the stage for
Costa’s Levels of Questioning.

One- Two- Three-Story Intellect Poem

There are one-story intellects,

two-story intellects,
and three-story intellects with skylights.

All fact collectors who have

no aim beyond their facts
are one-story people.

Two-story people compare, reason,

generalize, using the labor of
fact collectors as their own.

Three-story people idealize,

imagine, predict—their best illumination
comes through the skylight.
Adapted from a quotation by Oliver Wendell Holmes
2.5: Inquiry

The Three-Story House

Level 1 (the lowest level) requires one to gather information.
Level 2 (the middle level) requires one to process the information.
Level 3 (the highest level) requires one to apply the information.

3—Applying
Evaluate Generalize Imagine
Judge Predict Speculate
If/Then Hypothesize Forecast

2—Processing
Compare Contrast Classify
Sort Distinguish Explain (Why?)
Infer Analyze

1—Gathering
Complete Define Describe
Identify List Observe
Recite Select
2.5: Inquiry

Vocabulary: Costa’s Levels of

Thinking and Questioning
LEVEL 1
Remember Define List Recall Match
Repeat State Memorize Identify
Name Describe Label Record
Show Give examples Rewrite Review Tell
Understanding Restate Recognize Locate Extend
Discuss Explain Find Summarize
Express Report Paraphrase Generalize

LEVEL 2
Use Dramatize Use Translate Interpret
Understanding Practice Compute Change Prepare
Operate Schedule Pretend Demonstrate
Imply Relate Discover Infer
Apply Illustrate Solve

Examine Diagram Question Analyze Criticize

Distinguish Inventory Differentiate Experiment
Compare Categorize Select Break down
Contrast Outline Separate Discriminate
Divide Debate Point out

Create Compose Draw Plan Modify

Design Arrange Compile Assemble
Propose Suppose Revise Prepare
Combine Formulate Write Generate
Construct Organize Devise

LEVEL 3
Decide Judge Rate Choose Conclude
Value Justify Assess Summarize
Predict Decide Select
Evaluate Measure Estimate

Supportive Prove your answer. Give reasons for Explain your answer. Why do you feel that
Evidence Support your your answer. Why or why not? way?
answer.
B
2.5: Inquiry Tutor/Student Handout 2.5.2 (2 of 2)

Bloom’s Taxonomy of Questioning

looms Taxonomy categorizes the types of thinking students do into seven categories. Evaluation and
synthesis are the most complex types of thinking and questioning, and knowledge and comprehension
questions and thinking are the most basic forms.

Evaluation - Judging Based on Criteria

Assess Test Select Support
Decide Measure Judge Conclude
Rank Recommend Explain Compare
Grade Convince Discriminate Summarize

Synthesis - Using Parts of New Information to Create Whole

Combine Substitute Invent Prepare
Integrate Plan What if? Generalize
Modify Create Compose Rewrite
Rearrange Design Formulate

Analysis - Seeing Parts and Relationships

Analyze Explain Arrange Select
Separate Connect Divide Explain
Order Classify Compare Infer

Comprehension - Understanding Meaning

Summarize Associate Contrast Discuss
Describe Distinguish Predict Extend
Interpret Estimate Differentiate

Knowledge - Recalling Information

List Identify Examine Who
Define Show Tabulate When
Tell Label Quote Where
Describe Collect Name

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2.5: Inquiry Tutor/Student Handout 2.5.3 (1 of 6)

Content Specific Questions

Costa’s Levels of Questioning: Math
LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3

What information is given? What additional information is Predict what will happen to _______
needed to solve this problem? as _______ is changed.
What are you being asked to
find? Can you see other relationships Using a math principle, how can we
that will help you find this find...?
What formula would you use in information?
this problem? Describe the events that might occur
How can you put your data in if...
What does _____mean? graphic form?
Design a scenario for...
What is the formula for...? What occurs when...?
Pretend you are...
List the... Does it make sense to...?
What would the world be like if...?
Name the... Compare and contrast ______ to
_______ . How can you tell if your answer is
Where did...? reasonable?
What was important about...?
What is...? What would happen to ____ if
What prior research/formulas _______ (variable) were
When did...? support your conclusions? increased/decreased?

Explain the concept of... How else could you account How would repeated trials affect
for...? your data?
Give me an example of...
Explain how you calculate... What significance is this formula to
Describe in your own words what the subject you’re learning?
________ means. What equation can you write to
solve the word problem? What type of evidence is most
What mathematical concepts compelling to you?
does this problem connect to?

Draw a diagram of...

Illustrate how _____ works.

Unit 2: Before the Tutorial 89

2.5: Inquiry

Costa’s Levels of Questioning: Science

LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3

What information is given? What additional information is Design a lab to show...

needed to solve this problem?
What are you being asked to Predict what will happen to
find? Can you see other relationships _______ as _______ is
that will help you find this changed.
What formula would you use in information?
this problem? Using a science principle, how
How can you put your data in can we find...?
What does _____mean? graphic form?
Describe the events that might
What is the formula for...? How would you change your occur if...
procedures to get better results?
List the... Design a scenario for...
What method would you use
Name the... to...? Pretend you are...

Where did...? Compare and contrast ______ to What would the world be like
_______ . if...?
What is...?
Which errors most affected your What would happen to ____ if
When did...? results? _______ (variable) were
increased/decreased?
Describe in your own words what What were some sources of
________ means. variability? How would repeated trials affect
your data?
What science concepts does this How do your conclusions support
problem connect to? your hypothesis? What significance is this
experiment to the subject
Draw a diagram of... What prior research/formulas you’re learning?
support your conclusions?
Illustrate how _____ works. What type of evidence is most
How else could you account compelling to you?
for...?
Do you feel _______
Explain the concept of... (experiment) is ethical?

Give me an example of... Are your results biased?

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2.5: Inquiry Tutor/Student Handout 2.5.3 (3 of 6)

Costa’s Levels of Questioning: English

LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3

What information is given? What would happen to you if... Design a ______ to show...

Locate in the story where... Would you have done the same Predict what will happen to
thing as...? _______ as _______ is
When did the event take place? changed.
What occurs when...?
Point to the... Write a new ending to the story
Compare and contrast ______ to (event)...
List the... _______ .
Describe the events that might
Name the... What other ways could ____ be occur if...
interpreted?
Where did...? Add something new on your own
What is the main idea of the story that was not in the story...
What is...? (event)?
Pretend you are...
Who was/were...? What information supports your
explanation? What would the world be like
Illustrate the part of the story if...?
that... What was the message in this
piece (event)? Pretend you are a character in the
Make a map of... story. Rewrite the episode from
Give me an example of... your point of view.
What is the origin of the word
___________? Describe in your own words what What do you think will happen to
________ means. _______? Why?
What events led to ______?
What does __________ suggest What is most compelling to you
about ____________’s in this _______? Why?
character?
Could this story have really
What lines of the poem express happened? Why or why not?
the poet’s feelings about
____________? If you were there, would you...?

What is the author trying to How would you solve this

prove? What evidence does he problem in your life?
present?

Unit 2: Before the Tutorial 91

2.5: Inquiry Tutor/Student Handout 2.5.3 (4 of 6)

Costa’s Levels of Questioning: Social Studies

LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3

What information is given? What would happen to you if...? Design a ______ to show...

What are you being asked to Can you see other relationships Predict what will happen to
find? that will help you find this _______ as _______ is
information? changed.
When did the event take place?
Would you have done the same What would it be like to live...?
Point to the... thing as...?
Write a new ending to the event.
List the... What occurs when...?
Describe the events that might
Name the... If you were there, would you...? occur if...?

Where did...? How would you solve this Pretend you are...
problem in your life?
What is...? What would the world be like
Compare and contrast ______ to if...?
Who was/were...? _______ .
How can you tell if your analysis
Make a map of... What other ways could ____ be is reasonable?
interpreted?
What do you think will happen to
What things would you have used _______? Why?
to...?
What significance is this event in
What is the main idea in this
the global perspective?
piece (event)?
What is most compelling to you
What information supports your
in this _______? Why?
explanation?
Do you feel _______ is ethical?
What was the message in this
Why or why not?
event?

Explain the concept of...?

Give me an example of...?

Describe in your own words what

________ means.

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2.5: Inquiry

Bloom’s Levels of Questioning: Science and Math

1. KNOWLEDGE—recalling 2. COMPREHENSION— 3. APPLICATION—using

information understanding meaning learning in new situations
What information is given? What are you being asked to find? What additional information is
needed to solve this problem?
What are you being asked to find? Explain the concept of...
Can you see other relationships that
What formula would you use in this Give me an example of...
will help you find this
problem?
Describe in your own words what information?
What does _____mean? ________ means.
How can you put your data in
What is the formula for...? What (science or math) concepts graphic form?
does this problem connect to?
List the... What occurs when ... ?
Draw a diagram of...
Name the... How would you change your
Illustrate how _____ works. procedures to get better results?
Where did...?
Explain how you calculate... What method would you use to...
What is...?
Does it make sense to...?
Who was/were...?
When did ... ?

4. ANALYSIS—ability to see 5. SYNTHESIS—parts of 6. EVALUATION—judgment

parts and relationships information to create new whole based on criteria
Compare and contrast ______ to Design a lab to show... How can you tell if your answer is
_______ . reasonable?
Predict what will happen to _______
What was important about... as _______ is changed. What would happen to ____ if
_______ (variable) were
Which errors most affected your Using a principle of (science or
increased/decreased?
results? math), how can we find ...?
How would repeated trials affect
What were some sources of Describe the events that might occur
your data?
variability? if...
What significance is this
How do your conclusions support Design a scenario for...
experiment/formula to the subject
your hypothesis?
Pretend you are... you’re learning?
What prior research/formulas
What would the world be like if ... ? What type of evidence is most
support your conclusions?
compelling to you?
How else could you account for...?
Do you feel _______ experiment is
ethical?
Are your results biased?
2.5: Inquiry Tutor/Student Handout 2.5.3 (6 of 6)

Bloom’s Levels of Questioning: English and Social Science

1. KNOWLEDGE—recalling 2. COMPREHENSION— 3. APPLICATION—using
information understanding meaning learning in new situations
What information is given? What are you being asked to find? What would happen to you if ... ?
What are you being asked to find? Explain the concept of... Can you see other relationships that
will help you find this
Locate in the story where... Give me an example of...
information?
When did the event take place? Describe in your own words what
Would you have done the same thing
________ means.
Point to the... as...?
Illustrate the part of the story that...
List the... What occurs when ... ?
Make a map of...
Name the... If you were there, would you ... ?
This event led to...
Where did...? How would you solve this problem
Describe the scenario... in your life?
What is...?
In the library (on the Web), find info
Who was/were...? about...

4. ANALYSIS—ability to see 5. SYNTHESIS—parts of 6. EVALUATION—judgment

parts and relationships information to create new whole based on criteria
Compare and contrast ______ to Design a ______ to show... How can you tell if your analysis is
_______ . reasonable?
Predict what will happen to _______
What was important about ... ? as _______ is changed. Would you recommend this ______
to a friend? Why?
What other ways could ____ be What would it be like to live ... ?
interpreted? What do you think will happen to
Write a new ending to the story
_______? Why?
What things would you have used (event).
to ... ? What significance is this event in the
Describe the events that might occur
global perspective?
What is the main idea of the story if...
(event)? What is most compelling to you in
Add a new thing on your own that
this _______? Why?
What information supports your was not in the story.
explanation? Do you feel _______ is ethical?
Pretend you are...
Why or why not?
What was the message in this piece
What would the world be like if ... ?
(event) ... ? Could this story have really
happened? Why or why not?

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2.5: Inquiry Tutor/Student Handout 2.5.9 (1 of 2)

Moving On Up:
Writing Higher-Level Questions
Directions: Complete the table below by writing Level 2 and 3 questions that correspond to each Level 1 question
provided for the fairy tale “Cinderella.” The first set has been completed for you as an example.

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

1. What are the names of the three 1. Compare and contrast Cinderella 1. Justify the reasons why
stepsisters? to one of her stepsisters. Cinderella’s stepsisters are so
undesirable to the prince.

2. Who is the person that grants

Cinderella her wish of attending
the ball?

3. What was Cinderella’s coach

made out of?

4. What happened at midnight?

5. Who found Cinderella’s glass

slipper?

6. After Cinderella and the prince

were married, how did they live?

7. What was the slipper made of?

8. What changes happened as a

result of the fairy godmother’s
magic?

9. How did Cinderella get her

name?

10. Describe the ball at the palace.

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2.5: Inquiry Tutor/Student Handout 2.5.9 (2 of 2)
More Higher-Level Questions
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Extension Activities
1. Students may answer these questions by providing them with the fairy tale to have a text-based discussion.
2. Have students repeat this activity with a different fairy tale, subject, novel, or content area material.
3. Have students generate three level 1 questions, three level 2 questions, and three level 3 questions and fill in
questions for the corresponding levels.
4. Use this activity to have students generate questions with content level material to prepare for a test.
5. Refer to this activity when students bring lower level questions during tutorials.

Unit 2: Before the Tutorial 103

3.10: More Tutorial Essentials Teacher/Tutor/Student Handout 3.10.1

Writing Higher-level Questions

Flowchart
A. Read the question you
wrote on your Tutorial
Request Form.

LEVEL OF LEVEL OF
QUESTIONS: B. Identify the verb QUESTIONS:
COSTA’S 1 (Costa’s COSTA’S 2 AND 3
OR vocabulary) in your OR
BLOOM’S 1 AND 2 tutorial question. BLOOM’S 4–6

C. What is the level of

your question?
D. Based on the verb
D. Based on the verb
(Costa’s vocabulary)
(Costa’s vocabulary)
indicated, you have a
indicated, you have a
higher-level
lower-level question.
question.

E. Do you have
E. Rewrite your
resources to assist
question into a
you in finding the
higher-level question
answer to your
OR
question? If not,
obtain resources.

F. Create a new higher-

F. Using your resources, are you
level tutorial
able to answer the question
question. Go back to
without assistance?
A and start the
If so, go to G1. If not, go to G2.
process over.

G1. Create a new higher- G2. Congratulations! You

level question. Go have created a
back to A and start the fabulous question and
process over. are prepared for the
tutorial.

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