Teaching Students How to Ask the Right Questions While Reading

2 November 2025

Reading is more than just skimming words on a page; it's about diving deep, unraveling layers, and discovering meaning beyond the surface. But how do students transform from passive readers to engaged thinkers? The answer lies in one simple yet powerful skill—asking the right questions.

When students learn how to ask thoughtful questions while reading, they sharpen their critical thinking, enhance comprehension, and stay actively engaged in the material. But here’s the catch—not all questions are created equal. Some questions guide the mind, while others barely scratch the surface.

So, how do we teach students to ask the right questions? Let’s dive into this journey of curiosity and discovery.

The Art of Asking Questions

Think of reading like a treasure hunt. The words on the page hold clues, but unless students ask the right questions, they might miss the hidden gems. Asking good questions is like having a flashlight in a dark cave—it helps illuminate meaning, clarify confusion, and connect ideas.

Without questions, reading can feel like watching a movie with the sound off. Sure, you see what’s happening, but do you really understand the story?

Why Does Questioning Matter?

Asking questions while reading:
- Encourages deeper thinking – Instead of just absorbing information, students actively engage with it.
- Boosts comprehension – Questions help break down complex texts into manageable pieces.
- Strengthens memory and recall – Engaged readers remember more because they’re thinking critically.
- Develops curiosity – The more students inquire, the more they want to discover.

All of this turns reading into an interactive experience rather than a passive task.

Types of Questions Students Should Ask

Not all questions are created equal. Some lead to deeper understanding, while others leave students stuck in shallow waters. To help students navigate, here are the key types of questions they should practice:

1. Before Reading: Setting the Stage

Before diving into the text, encourage students to ask:
- What do I already know about this topic?
- What do I expect to learn?
- What clues does the title or cover give me?

These "pre-reading" questions activate prior knowledge and set a purpose for reading. It’s like stretching before a run—getting the brain warmed up and ready.

2. During Reading: Digging Deeper

This is where the magic happens. While reading, students should ask:
- What is the main idea here?
- How does this connect to what I know?
- Why did the author choose this word, phrase, or example?
- Is this fact or opinion?
- What might happen next?

These questions keep readers engaged and help them make connections, predictions, and inferences. They transform reading from a passive act into an active dialogue between the reader and the text.

3. After Reading: Reflecting and Connecting

Once they’ve finished a passage or book, students should reflect by asking:
- What was the most important takeaway?
- Did my thinking change? If so, how?
- How does this information relate to the real world?
- What questions do I still have?

These "post-reading" questions deepen understanding and help students see the bigger picture.

Teaching Strategies for Encouraging Questions

Teaching students how to ask the right questions takes practice, but with the right techniques, they’ll become inquisitive, engaged readers in no time. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Model the Questioning Process

Students learn best by example. When reading with them, think aloud and demonstrate how you ask questions. For instance, pause after a paragraph and say:
"Hmm, I wonder why the character made that choice? What might happen next?"

When they see questioning in action, they’ll start to internalize the habit themselves.

2. Use the "Think-Pair-Share" Method

Encourage students to think of a question, pair up with a partner, and discuss. This not only builds questioning skills but also boosts confidence in sharing ideas.

3. Encourage Open-Ended Questions

Teach students the difference between surface-level questions (“What color was the cat?”) and deeper, open-ended ones (“Why do you think the author chose to describe the cat that way?”). Open-ended questions lead to richer discussions and a deeper understanding of the text.

4. Use Question Stems

Providing students with question starters can be incredibly helpful. Some examples include:
- What does this remind me of?
- What is the author trying to say here?
- How would I explain this to a friend?

Over time, students will develop their own questioning instincts.

5. Create a "Question Wall"

Dedicate a space in the classroom where students can write questions about what they’re reading. Encouraging curiosity in a visible way makes questioning a natural part of learning.

6. Turn Questions into Discussions

Instead of just asking students to jot down questions, encourage them to discuss their thoughts with peers. When students see that their questions spark conversations, they’ll be motivated to keep questioning.

Overcoming the Fear of "Wrong" Questions

Some students hesitate to ask questions because they fear looking "wrong" or "silly." But here’s an important truth—there’s no such thing as a bad question when it comes to learning.

Encourage a classroom culture where curiosity is celebrated. Share stories of great thinkers who questioned everything—scientists, writers, philosophers. Reinforce the idea that asking questions is a sign of intelligence, not ignorance.

One way to do this is through a simple mantra:
"The smartest people aren’t the ones who know all the answers; they’re the ones who ask the best questions."

Final Thoughts

Teaching students to ask the right questions while reading isn’t just about improving comprehension—it’s about empowering them as learners. When students become questioners, they take control of their own understanding.

The goal isn’t for them to just read; it’s for them to think, wonder, and explore. Because reading isn’t just about the answers—it’s about the journey of discovery.

So let’s equip our students with the tools to dig deeper, think critically, and ask better questions. Because in the end, the right questions don’t just reveal answers—they open doors to endless learning.