It’s all about Comprehension! The QAR Question Answer Relationship

QAR is all about thinking…. “It appears that students are learning how to take tests, not how to think.” Stahl, 2002 The QAR is not a test prep… it is a powerful thinking strategy! In a study that looked at students who were prepared in three different ways: QAR, Classroom test prep, and Classroom regular instructional techniques (1985) Raphael and Wonnacott found that those students using the QAR out-performed the two other groups.

https://rmsra.wikispaces.com/QAR+Resources

Right There “Right There” questions require you to go back to the text and find the correct information to answer the question.  These are sometimes called literal questions because the correct answer can be found in one place in the text.  “Right There” questions sometimes include the words, “According to the text…”  “How many…” “Who is…”  “Where is…”  “What is…”

Right There Question Examples Who was the president in 1884? How many chemical elements can we find in salt? What are the beginning and ending dates of World War II? Where did the Battle of the Bulge take place?

“Think and Search” questions sometimes include the words, “Think and Search” questions usually require you to think about how ideas or information in the text are related.  You will need to look back at the text, find the information that the question refers to, and then think about how the information or ideas fit together. The information may be in multiple places in the text. “Think and Search” questions sometimes include the words, “The main idea of the passage…”  “What caused…”  “Compare/contrast…”

Think and Search Examples Explain the difference between a solid and a gas. Give reasons why the civil war began. Find evidence in the article of causes of pollution. Give at least three reasons why the south lost the civil war.

Author and You “Author and You” questions require you to use ideas and information that are not stated directly in the text to answer the question.  These questions require you to think about what you have read and formulate your own ideas or opinions.  “Author and You” questions sometimes include the words, “The author implies…”  “The passage suggests…”  “The speaker’s attitude..,”  

Author and You Examples How might the Watson family be similar to and different from your family? Do you think Jacob’s dream will come true? Why or why not? Discuss a time when you use tools and compare that to early man’s use of tools. How is living in Alaska different from living where you live?

On Your Own “On Your Own” questions can be answered using your background knowledge on a topic.  This type of question is the most infrequent question on tests of reading comprehension because it does not require you to refer to the text.  “On Your Own” questions sometimes include the words, “In your opinion…”  Based on your experience…”  “Think about someone or something you know…”  

On Your Own Examples What are some different uses for a wooden frame? What are some ways that brothers and sisters help each other? What would you do if you found a kayak? What do you know about Arctic lands?

Professional Development Resources Mosaic of Thought by Ellin Keene I Read It, But I Don’t Get It by Cris Tovani Strategies That Work by Stephanie Harvey Reading with Meaning by Debbie Miller Constructing Meaning Through Kid-Friendly Comprehension Strategy Instruction by Nancy Boyles Teaching Reading in Middle School by Laura Robb http://www.greece.k12.ny.us/instruction/ela/6-12/Reading/Reading%20strategies/QAR.htm

Source https://ms219.wikispaces.com/file/view/QAR+Using+NonFiction.ppt