How to Answer Critical Thinking Questions for the Fifth Grade

Hmm ... that's an interesting question.

Critical thinking skills are becoming increasingly important in today's changing world with almost dizzying access to information via the Internet. Students must learn to evaluate information, apply it and make meaning of it in their lives in order to solve problems. Educators are moving away from closed questions based on rote memorization and opting for ones that apply, synthesize and evaluate learning content to achieve deeper understanding. Fifth graders and upper elementary students need to develop these skills to prepare them for middle school assignments. Responding to critical thinking questions can seem difficult and even overwhelming, but it will become easier with practice. You will often see critical thinking questions listed as challenge questions at the bottom of the page in a textbook. Do not skip those questions, because they are the ones that will give you the most practice and help you strengthen your thinking skills.

Instructions

1. Question the question and/or problem.

   Figure out exactly what the question is asking. Most of these questions focus on broad issues, so carefully consider the purpose of the question. Ask a teacher, parent or classmates if you are unsure. Otherwise, you may answer the wrong question and waste valuable time. Open-ended questions typically require more than a one-word answer and require you to state your opinion on a matter supported by information. Once you think you have a grasp on the question, restate it in your own words.

2. Gather supportive information.

   Determine what additional information is needed, and proceed to gather it. If you need to conduct research, make sure your sources are reliable and timely. Verify the accuracy of your data. Support your response with information.

3. Think for yourself.

   Think through all aspects of the question before responding. Bring in your own background and knowledge from other subject areas and other aspects of your life, and think about how it all may relate to the topic. You may ask other people their opinions on a subject, but draw your own conclusions, and try to come up with original solutions or responses.

4. Stay on track.

   When you are trying to answer a complex question, it is easy to get sidetracked. You can stay on track by periodically checking in with yourself and asking the following questions. Is this relevant to my topic? Is this logical? Does it make sense? Do these ideas fit together?

5. Consider other perspectives.

   It is important to listen and consider other viewpoints and evaluate this information. Keep an open mind, and be willing to disregard your position and assumptions if the information supports a change.

6. Consider the implications of your response or proposed action.

   Real-life issues have many possible solutions. It may seem as if an action may result in the solution of a problem, but will it create another problem in the process and, if so, how would you deal with these issues? Are there any other consequences?

7. Continue to question.

   Get into the habit of asking yourself "what if" questions. For example, "What if the early American colonists had not staged the Boston Tea Party; do you think there would still have been a war?" This type of question encourages creative thinking. Again, responses will improve as you become more accustomed to these types of questions. You will develop a deeper understanding that will help you in all academic areas and personally and enable you to be a confident learner who is ready for middle school.

References

• Critical Thinking Skills: Upper Elementary Grades
• "21st Century Questioning and Problem Solving"; Linda Ventriglia; 2009