Reading Strategy: Ask Questions

When you read, ask yourself questions about the text. Then look for the answers. Sometimes the answer to a question is right there in the text. Other times you have to link the details to find the answer.

Reading Strategy Ask Questions
    How to Find Answers to your Questions

  • 1. As you read, ask yourself questions. Write them down. Begin with Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How.

  • 2. Read the text to find any answers that are right there. See the example on the blue note below.

  • 3. If the answer is not there, think about the details. Try to put them together to come up with the answer. See the example on the yellow note below.

Strategy in Action

Here’s how one student found answers.

Look Into the Text

Once there was a hunter who lived with his wife and their four sons. Each son had eyes like shiny black stones. The hunter looked at his sons and smiled. “Some men have gold, but my sons are better than gold. They are my treasures.”

Who is this story about?
It’s about a hunter, his wife, and their sons.

“I can point to the text and show that the answer is right there.”

Every morning, the hunter said to his family, “You are all my treasures. If you care about me, remember me always.”

Why does the father tell his sons what to do?

“I link details. He cares about his sons and wants them to care, also.”

Practice Together

Now ask a question of your own. Then look for details that will help you answer it. Is the answer right there in the text? Or do you have to put details together to get it?