1. Costa’s Levels of Questioning and Thinking

2. Level 1 Question- Factual
The answer can be found in the text.
Texts include books, lectures, articles, etc.
This type of question is very concrete and simple, and is only about the text. It asks for facts about what has been read or heard. The facts are easily remembered and recalled.
It has only one correct answer.

3. Level 1 Words
Complete
Define
List
Name
Select

4. Level 1 Examples Name the feuding families in Romeo and Juliet.
What is an apothecary?
When was William Shakespeare’s first play published?

5. Level 2 Questions- Inferential
The answers to these questions may be inferred rather than directly in the text (when you infer or make and inference, you are making an educated guess about something based on your prior knowledge and context clues from what you are reading)
These answers longer answers and more thinking

6. Level 2 Words Compare or Contrast Sort Explain (why) Analyze
Synthesize
Sequence

7. Level 2 Examples
Explain what Romeo’s concept of love is at the start of the play?
Analyze: Is Friar Laurence or the Nurse to blame for the tragedy?
Explain why Juliet’s father could be considered a villain.

8. Level 3 Questions- Extend
Answers to these questions link to prior knowledge, other texts, or human experiences.
These answers require the reader to think more abstractly (outside the box) and relate the text to real life.

9. Level 3 Words
Evaluate
Predict
Imagine
Hypothesize
Apply
Judge

10. Level 3 Examples Is “love at first sight” really love?
Should parents arrange marriages for their children?
Imagine yourself in Romeo or Juliet’s position? Would you go through with the plan? Why or why not?