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Decoding Question Intent Worksheet

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Decoding Question Intent Worksheet

English Language Arts — Grade 12

Student reading and analyzing text

📖 Part 1: Identifying Question Types

Read each question below carefully. Then identify the type of question it is and circle the signal word(s) that reveal its intent.

1. Which of the following best summarizes the main idea of the passage?

What type of question is this?

Literal / Fact-Based

Main Idea

Vocabulary in Context

Evaluative / Opinion

The signal word(s) in this question that reveal its intent: _______________________

2. As used in paragraph 2, the word "hubs" most nearly means which of the following?

What type of question is this?

Inferential

Vocabulary in Context

Main Idea

Compare / Contrast

The signal word(s) in this question that reveal its intent: _______________________

3. Which statement from the passage represents an opinion rather than a fact?

What type of question is this?

Fact vs. Opinion

Main Idea

Supporting Evidence

Vocabulary in Context

The signal word(s) in this question that reveal its intent: _______________________

4. According to the passage, which of the following best supports the author's central argument?

What type of question is this?

Literal / Fact-Based

Vocabulary in Context

Supporting Evidence / Inference

Evaluative / Opinion

The signal word(s) in this question that reveal its intent: _______________________

🔍 Part 2: Question Dissection — Short Answer

For each question below, underline the key command word(s), then answer the short-answer prompts that follow.

5. Consider this question: "How does the author's use of structure in paragraphs 3–5 contribute to the overall meaning of the text?"

a) What is the command word telling you to do?

b) What kind of evidence from the text would best answer this question?

6. Consider this question: "Which of the following statements would the author most likely agree with, based on the passage?"

a) What qualifier word makes this question tricky, and why?

b) Check ALL the strategies you would use to answer this question:

Re-read the passage for the author's tone and perspective

Look for the author's stated opinions or conclusions

Choose the answer that sounds most dramatic

Eliminate answers that contradict the passage's main idea

Use my own opinion about the topic

7. A student reads this question: "What is the connotative meaning of 'wilderness' in line 14?" and answers by giving the dictionary definition. What mistake did they make?

✏️ Part 3: Apply Your Thinking

Read the short passage below, then complete the analysis tasks that follow.

"Modern libraries have evolved far beyond their original purpose of housing books. Today, they serve as dynamic community hubs, offering digital resources, job training workshops, and safe spaces for all ages. Critics argue that libraries are outdated institutions, yet statistics show that library usage has increased by 40% over the past decade. Clearly, the library remains an essential pillar of an informed and connected society."

8. Write your own main idea question for this passage. Include at least one signal word that makes the question intent clear.
9. Identify ONE sentence from the passage that is a fact and ONE that is an opinion. Explain how you can tell the difference.

Fact:

Opinion:

How I can tell:

10. 🎯 Exit Ticket: Choose one question from this worksheet. In 2–3 sentences, explain exactly what that question is asking you to do and what type of evidence or reasoning it requires.

Question # ______

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