Question types based on Bloom's Taxonomy

Author: From Bloom, et al., 1956

Level/Subject:

As teachers we tend to ask questions in the "knowledge" category 80% to 90% of the time. These questions are not bad, but using them all the time is. Try to utilize higher order level of questions. These questions require much more "brain power" and a more extensive and elaborate answer. Below are the six question categories as defined by Bloom.

Knowledge

• remembering;
• memorizing;
• recognizing;
• recalling identification and
• recall of information
  • Who, what, when, where, how ...?
  • Describe

Comprehension

• interpreting;
• translating from one medium to another;
• describing in one's own words;
• organisation and selection of facts and ideas
• Retell...

Application

• problem solving;
• applying information to produce some result;
• use of facts, rules and principles
  • How is...an example of...?
  • How is...related to...?
  • Why is...significant?

Analysis

• subdividing something to show how it is put together;
• finding the underlying structure of a communication;
• identifying motives;
• separation of a whole into component parts
  • What are the parts or features of...?
  • Classify...according to...
  • Outline/diagram...
  • How does...compare/contrast with...?
  • What evidence can you list for...?

Synthesis

creating a unique, original product that may be in verbal form or may be a physical object;

• combination of ideas to form a new whole
• What would you predict/infer from...?
• What ideas can you add to...?
• How would you create/design a new...?
• What might happen if you combined...?
• What solutions would you suggest for...?

Evaluation

making value decisions about issues; resolving controversies or differences of opinion; development of opinions, judgments or decisions

• Do you agree...?
• What do you think about...?
• What is the most important...?
• Place the following in order of priority...
• How would you decide about...?
• What criteria would you use to assess...?