1. Developing an Essential Question
Mrs. Bovino
Library

2. Essential Question
The answer should not be in your notes or in any one source
Reflect upon what you learned this year
Requires critical thinking to answer
You must evaluate the facts and draw your own conclusions!
The answer to your research question should be your opinion! Think current events….

3. Your Subject for Research
Choose a subject that you found interesting/enjoyed learning about this year… Maybe Government, Religion or Art?
Maybe a problem facing us today…
Brainstorm ideas within topics

4. How do I structure my Essential Question?
Must start with How or Why
Must be a Comparison or Cause/Effect
Question

5. Cause/Affect Question
Ex. How did democratic thought affect common people?
Choose 3 effects to discuss
Examples:
Work
Education
Family
Leisure
Freedom
Rights

6. Comparison Question
Select something you want to compare:
How does recycling today compare to recycling in the past 10 years?
Select criteria of the items on which you want to base your comparison
Guiding Questions:
1) What did recycling look like in the past?
2) What is current state of recycling?
3) What is the future of recycling?

7. Format - Use for all forms – Photo Story, Prezi, Paper, etc.
Essential Question - clearly stated on Title Page/Slide
Introduction – State your Thesis. This is the answer to your research question. (This is your opinion, not a fact).
Comparison Question: 3 criteria to compare such as
1) Past 2) Present 3) Future
OR Cause/Affect Question: 3 effects such as
1) Work 2) Education 3)Family
Conclusion – Restate your thesis. Provide proof to your thesis from facts.

8. Works Consulted You must cite in proper MLA format.
Works Consulted must be in Microsoft Word or Google Doc.
Noodle Tools:
Personal id: your student id#
Password: student

9. Are these good essential questions?
What is the battle of tours?
How did the Battle of Tours help lay the foundation for Frankish power in western Europe?
What is pollution?
How does pollution affect the environment?