critical thinking questions for 4th graders

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100+ Critical Thinking Questions for Students To Ask About Anything

Critical thinkers question everything.

In an age of “fake news” claims and constant argument about pretty much any issue, critical thinking skills are key. Teach your students that it’s vital to ask questions about everything, but that it’s also important to ask the right sorts of questions. Students can use these critical thinking questions with fiction or nonfiction texts. They’re also useful when discussing important issues or trying to understand others’ motivations in general.

“Who” Critical Thinking Questions

Questions like these help students ponder who’s involved in a story and how the actions affect them. They’ll also consider who’s telling the tale and how reliable that narrator might be.

• Is the protagonist?
• Is the antagonist?
• Caused harm?
• Is harmed as a result?
• Was the most important character?

• Is responsible?
• Is most directly affected?
• Should have won?
• Will benefit?
• Would be affected by this?

• Makes the decisions?

“What” Critical Thinking Questions

Ask questions that explore issues more deeply, including those that might not be directly answered in the text.

• Background information do I know or need to know?
• Is the main message?
• Are the defining characteristics?

• Questions or concerns do I have?
• Don’t I understand?
• Evidence supports the author’s conclusion?
• Would it be like if … ?
• Could happen if … ?
• Other outcomes might have happened?
• Questions would you have asked?
• Would you ask the author about … ?
• Was the point of … ?
• Should have happened instead?
• Is that character’s motive?
• Else could have changed the whole story?

• Can you conclude?
• Would your position have been in that situation?
• Would happen if … ?
• Makes your position stronger?
• Was the turning point?
• Is the point of the question?
• Did it mean when … ?
• Is the other side of this argument?
• Was the purpose of … ?
• Does ______ mean?
• Is the problem you are trying to solve?
• Does the evidence say?
• Assumptions are you making?
• Is a better alternative?
• Are the strengths of the argument?

• Are the weaknesses of the argument?
• Is the difference between _______ and _______?

“Where” Critical Thinking Questions

Think about where the story is set and how it affects the actions. Plus, consider where and how you can learn more.

• Would this issue be a major problem?
• Are areas for improvement?
• Did the story change?
• Would you most often find this problem?

• Are there similar situations?
• Would you go to get answers to this problem?
• Can this be improved?
• Can you get more information?
• Will this idea take us?

“When” Critical Thinking Questions

Think about timing and the effect it has on the characters or people involved.

• Is this acceptable?
• Is this unacceptable?

• Does this become a problem?
• Is the best time to take action?
• Will we be able to tell if it worked?
• Is it time to reassess?
• Should we ask for help?
• Is the best time to start?
• Is it time to stop?
• Would this benefit society?

• Has this happened before?

“Why” Critical Thinking Questions

Asking “why” might be one of the most important parts of critical thinking. Exploring and understanding motivation helps develop empathy and make sense of difficult situations.

• Is _________ happening?
• Have we allowed this to happen?
• Should people care about this issue?

• Is this a problem?
• Did the character say … ?
• Did the character do … ?
• Is this relevant?
• Did the author write this?
• Did the author decide to … ?
• Is this important?

• Did that happen?
• Is it necessary?
• Do you think I (he, she, they) asked that question?
• Is that answer the best one?
• Do we need this today?

“How” Critical Thinking Questions

Use these questions to consider how things happen and whether change is possible.

• Do we know this is true?
• Does the language used affect the story?
• Would you solve … ?
• Is this different from other situations?

• Is this similar to … ?
• Would you use … ?
• Does the location affect the story?
• Could the story have ended differently?
• Does this work?
• Could this be harmful?
• Does this connect with what I already know?
• Else could this have been handled?
• Should they have responded?

• Would you feel about … ?
• Does this change the outcome?
• Did you make that decision?
• Does this benefit you/others?
• Does this hurt you/others?
• Could this problem be avoided?

More Critical Thinking Questions

Here are more questions to help probe further and deepen understanding.

• Can you give me an example?

• Do you agree with … ?
• Can you compare this with … ?
• Can you defend the actions of … ?
• Could this be interpreted differently?
• Is the narrator reliable?
• Does it seem too good to be true?

• Is ______ a fact or an opinion?

What are your favorite critical thinking questions? Come exchange ideas on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out 10 tips for teaching kids to be awesome critical thinkers ., you might also like.

5 Critical Thinking Skills Every Kid Needs To Learn (And How To Teach Them)

Teach them to thoughtfully question the world around them. Continue Reading

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36 Fun Critical Thinking Games and Activities for Kids (Printable)

Critical Thinking Games & Activities for Kids: Critical thinking skills are widely recognized as essential to equip children for learning, in and outside the classroom, and for modern life. In this post, we will explore what critical thinking means, why it is so important, and how to help build these skills in children with 36 fun critical thinking activities. You will also be able to download a free worksheet with some of the activities mentioned in the post.

Table of Contents

• What is critical thinking?
• Why are critical thinking skills important?
• How can we help build the skills and mindset for critical thinking?
• 36 Fun critical thinking activities for kids
• Critical thinking worksheets download

What is Critical Thinking?

We all know more or less what critical thinking is. So it may surprise you to know that there is no one standard, agreed definition. US philosopher and educator John Dewey first developed the concept in the early 20th century, although he more commonly used the term “reflective thinking”, defined as:

“Active, persistent, and careful consideration of any belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the grounds that support it and the further conclusions to which it tends.”

The  Reboot Foundation  provides a simpler, more contemporary definition: 

“We define critical thinking broadly, and we believe it is a type of reflective thought that requires reasoning, logic, and analysis to make choices and understand problems.” 

Most experts agree that there are two dimensions to critical thinking:

• Skills, or abilities which can be taught ( such as  analysis, inference, evaluation, self-regulation).
• Dispositions, or attitudes, which can be developed ( such as  being open-minded, fair-minded, suspending judgement, inquisitiveness).

Skills can be more straightforward to teach, and to measure, than dispositions. But critical thinking skills and dispositions are mutually reinforcing, and should be built together. 

One way to explain how critical thinking differs from simply acquiring knowledge is through “Bloom’s Taxonomy”, developed in 1956, and revised to the version below in 2001. The Taxonomy separates out simple memorization of facts, at the base of the pyramid, from the tasks which require progressively more reasoning and reflection: understanding, applying and analyzing knowledge, critically evaluating it and, ultimately, creating new, original work.

Armstrong, P. (2010). Bloom’s Taxonomy. Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching. Retrieved 22 October 2024 from  https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/blooms-taxonomy/  Used under a Creative Commons Attribution license.

Why are Critical Thinking Skills Important?

Dewey’s work on critical thinking helped to transform education, from a system built around rote-learning, memorization and repetition of learned facts, to a system which values students’ ability to think for themselves.

Now, critical thinking skills provide an essential basis for future learning. But critical thinking is important for so much more, beyond the classroom. 

Long before the internet or social media, critical thinking was seen as important for the health of democracy.

Now it is recognized as a “ 21 st  century skill ” – the set of abilities and knowledge that are essential for individuals to thrive in the modern world.

When we think about children growing into teenagers, and encountering the tsunami of information, misinformation and disinformation directed to them through social media, equipping our children to grow up as critical thinkers is an essential life skill.

How Can we Help Build the Skills and Mindset for Critical Thinking?

The abilities and attitudes necessary for critical thinking  begin to develop early . By as early as age 3, children understand that people sometimes communicate inaccurate information, and that some individuals are more reliable sources than others.

And the critical thinking journey never really stops: it is part of early childhood education, throughout the school years, life outside the classroom, and at the university level, where critical thinking can be essential to success.

We have seen that critical thinking is about both skills and mindset. The best way to support critical thinking is to work on both acquiring the skills necessary for critical thinking (e.g. analysis, inference, evaluation, self-regulation), and encouraging the attitudes needed to think critically (e.g. being open minded, fair minded, and curious).

This can be practiced in the learning of subject matter across all subjects, and beyond the classroom, in day to day life. The more that children ask “why?”, the more opportunities there are to support them in their critical thinking journey.

36 Fun Critical Thinking Games and Activities for Kids

Now that we have reflected on what critical thinking is and why it is so important for cognitive development, let’s jump in and start practicing a whole set of engaging and fun activities to help children strengthen these skills and develop a critical thinking mindset.

These activities can be used as building blocks and inspiration, in the classroom and at home. They can be woven in to wider learning, or used as creative ideas to have family conversations at the dinner table.

Fun Simple Critical Thinking Activities for Kids

1. Sorting Objects

Strengthen logical reasoning by encouraging kids to classify items based on attributes like size, color, or shape, helping them identify patterns and make connections.

For example,  ask children to sort a group of buttons of different colors, sizes, and shapes, and then explain the reasoning behind their sorting criteria.

2. Count and Analyze Patterns

Use colored beads to create sequences (e.g., red, blue, red, blue) and ask children to predict what comes next, or to create their own repeating patterns.

3. Find the Odd One Out

Present a group of objects like a banana, an apple, a car, and ask children to identify which one is the odd one out and explain why.

4. Who Am I?

A child thinks of an object, and the others ask yes/no questions to figure it out, such as “Is it something you find outside?” or “Can you eat it?”

5. “What If?” Questions

This type of game encourages curiosity and deeper thinking by exploring open-ended questions, much like the Socratic method, encouraging students to reason and arrive at their own conclusions.

Ask children questions such as:

• What if animals could talk?  How would that change our relationship with them?
• What if there were no rules?  What do you think society would look like?
• What if everyone had the same job?  How would our world look?

6. Story-building with Critical Questions

• Example : Build a short story with a problem, like “The dog is lost,” and ask children to discuss the cause, what steps can be taken to find the dog, and the potential outcomes.

7. Problem-Solving Storybooks

You can use your usual classroom activities and turn them into problem-solving activities. For example, if you’re reading a book like  The Three Little Pigs , you can pause to ask, “What would have happened if the pigs had built their house differently?” This encourages kids to analyze decisions in the plot and think critically about alternative outcomes.

8. Reviewing Evidence (Detective Games)

Create a detective game where children review evidence (footprints, letters) to figure out “who ate the cookies” or another mystery, requiring logical deduction.

Critical Thinking Games & Brain-Teasers

9. Memory Card Games / Matching Card Games

Memory card games are classic games in which children flip over cards to find matching pairs.

Although memory games are more clearly associated with memory skills, they can also support critical thinking by encouraging attention to detail, pattern recognition, and strategic recall of card locations to match pairs efficiently.

For example, instead of flipping cards randomly, kids could start by lifting cards from left to right in each row. This structured approach can help them remember the sequence and location of cards, making it easier to spot matches when a similar card appears later. By developing this strategy, they’re not only improving their memory but also practicing critical thinking through planning and pattern recognition.

10. Scavenger Hunts

To turn a scavenger hunt into a critical thinking activity, add clues that require kids to solve puzzles, interpret riddles, or make inferences to find each item.

For example, instead of simply listing an umbrella, provide clues like “I’m something that keeps you dry in the rain, and you hold me above your head”. You could also add challenges where kids must categorize the items they find by characteristics (like color or texture) or answer questions about why each item might be useful in different situations.

This approach encourages problem-solving, inference, and categorization skills throughout the hunt.

11. Mystery Bag Game

A Mystery Bag game encourages kids to use their senses and deduction skills to identify hidden objects. Place various items in a bag and allow kids to feel each one without looking, prompting them to guess what it is based on texture, shape, or weight. They can ask yes-or-no questions to narrow down possibilities (e.g., “Is it soft?”, “Is it something I can eat? or “Is it something we use every day?”).This activity fosters critical thinking by requiring kids to analyze clues, make inferences, and refine their guesses, enhancing their problem-solving abilities.

12. Puzzle Solving

Puzzles can boost logical thinking and problem-solving skills by encouraging kids to find solutions through trial, error, and reasoning.

13. Sudoku (Simple)

Sudoku is another great puzzle game that promotes logic, pattern recognition, and problem-solving for children of all ages.

The game can be tailored to various skill levels, making it suitable for all ages: the easiest grids start with a 4×4 layout, perfect for younger kids who are just beginning to explore logical reasoning.

For a fun twist, you don’t even need to use numbers! Simple shapes or colors can replace numbers to create a kid-friendly version, allowing younger children to solve puzzles with familiar objects while developing their reasoning skills.

I’ve included a fun, simple Sudoku activity in your download at the end of this post that younger kids will love.

14. Mystery Number Games

Give a series of clues, like “I’m thinking of a number between 1 and 10, and it’s not even,” and have children ask questions to deduce the number.

15. Logic Riddles or Brain Teasers

Riddles and Puzzles are a fun way to present a mental challenge to kids.   They are widely available in puzzle books and logic activity books for children.

Examples of riddles:

• “What has keys but can’t open locks?” and have children reason out the answer by thinking about the word “piano.”
• “I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?” (this one is echo, in case you didn’t guess it)

16. Lateral Thinking Puzzles . 

Lateral thinking puzzles are puzzles designed to challenge traditional thinking patterns by encouraging creative, outside-the-box solutions. Instead of straightforward logic, these puzzles require unconventional reasoning and unique perspectives, pushing kids to think beyond obvious answers.

For example, a lateral thinking puzzle might present a scenario where only by reinterpreting or reframing details can the solution be found, such as:

• “A man walks into a town on Friday, stays for three days, and leaves on Friday. How is this possible?”(Answer: The man’s horse is named Friday.)

17. Logic Grid Puzzles

Logic grid puzzles are brain-teasers that involve filling in a grid based on a set of clues to determine relationships between different categories or items.

For instance, you might have a puzzle about three friends, each with a different pet, favorite color, and favorite food. Using the clues provided (e.g., “The person with the cat doesn’t like pizza”), you can eliminate possibilities and make connections until all categories align correctly.

These puzzles develop critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills, as solvers must analyze the clues, make inferences, and systematically rule out options to find the solution.

Your free Critical Thinking Worksheets download, at the end of this post, also includes an example of a logic grid puzzle.

18. Maze Challenges

Provide a printed maze and ask children to solve it by choosing the correct path, discussing their strategy for avoiding dead ends and reaching the goal.

Our next two activities are classic strategy games that promote strategic planning and evaluation:

Chess is a timeless game of strategy, widely available both digitally and physically in educational formats. Set up a chessboard and teach children the basic moves, then have them play a game where they practice planning several moves ahead, anticipating their opponent’s strategy. 

20. Checkers

Checkers is another, simpler strategy board game. Play a simple game of checkers with a child, encouraging them to think one or two moves ahead to capture pieces and block their opponent.

21. Role-Playing Games 

Role-playing games (RPGs) are games where players assume the roles of specific characters, often in a fictional or fantastical setting, and make decisions that shape the story or world around them. In RPGs, players use imagination and creativity to develop characters with unique abilities, personalities, and goals, often collaborating to solve challenges or quests.

There are different types of RPGs, such as:

• Tabletop RPGs  (e.g.,  Dungeons & Dragons ), where players narrate actions and decisions guided by a game master.
• Live-action RPGs (LARPs) , where players physically act out their characters’ actions.
• Video Game RPGs  (e.g.,  Final Fantasy , – although note that while previous editions have been mostly young teen-friendly, some editions are rated M / R13. For fully kid-friendly video RPGs, you check out  Starport or Kids on Bikes.

RPGs, like tabletop and video game formats, can be safe and valuable for teaching critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity, with a few guidelines:

• Age-Appropriate Content : Choose RPGs with themes and language suitable for the classroom.
• Screen Time : Balance video game use with other activities to avoid excessive exposure.
• Safety in Live-Action : For LARPs, set clear boundaries to ensure a safe environment.
• Classroom-Friendly RPGs :  No Thank You, Evil!  and  Rory’s Story Cubes  promote storytelling and problem-solving.
• Educational RPGs :  Classcraft  uses RPG quests to support learning goals and teamwork.
• Simple Role-Playing Activities : Use history or science scenarios to bring content to life through role-play.

22. Escape Rooms

Participating in a  escape room  activity is an excellent way for older students to practice critical thinking skills.  Participants are locked inside a themed room and must work together to solve puzzles, find clues, and accomplish tasks within a given time limit in order to “escape” from the room. Escape rooms are great team-building games and promote critical thinking through:

• Problem-Solving : Players must analyze clues, recognize patterns, and piece together information to advance.
• Logical Reasoning : Each puzzle builds on the next, requiring logical deduction to understand how clues relate.
• Analytical Skills : Players break down complex information, assess details carefully, and synthesize clues to solve each step
• Teamwork : Players need to communicate effectively, share ideas, and build on each other’s strengths to solve complex problems together.
• Time Management : The time constraint encourages quick thinking and prioritizing.

Let’s also explore some educational games and activities!

Critical Thinking Activities for the Classroom

23. Improvised Building Activity (STEM – Science Activity )

Provide children with a box of mixed-up items like straws, paper clips, and rubber bands, and ask them to build a structure that can hold a small toy car, encouraging problem-solving.

24. Guess the Cause and Effect / Scientific Inquiry Activities

Engage kids to explore relationships by predicting outcomes, testing hypotheses, and observing results, strengthening their understanding of cause and effect through hands-on discovery.

Some cause-effect activity examples:

• Sink or Float : Have kids predict whether various objects (like a coin, sponge, or apple) will sink or float, then test each item in water and observe the outcomes.
• Plant Growth Experiment 1 : Plant seeds in different conditions (sunlight vs. darkness or water vs. no water) and have kids guess which plants will grow best, tracking progress over time.
• Plant Growth Experiment 2:  Show kids a plant that’s wilting and ask, “What do you think is happening here?” Let them suggest reasons like “It needs water” or “It’s too sunny,” and then test their hypothesis.
• Ball Drop Test : Ask kids to predict which will bounce the highest, a tennis ball, basketball, or a bouncy ball. Then perform the experiment by dropping them from the same height, to see if their predictions were correct.

25. Simple Coding (Logic-Based)

Use a coding game like “Scratch Jr.” to have children sequence blocks to make a character move in a specific direction, reinforcing the concept of logic and order. Some examples of other coding apps for kids are Scratch, Code.org, or Tynker.

26. Facts vs. Opinion (Worksheet)

Fact vs. Opinion activities help kids learn to tell the difference between objective truths and personal viewpoints, which is essential for critical thinking. By distinguishing facts—things that can be proven true—from opinions, which reflect personal feelings or beliefs, kids become better at evaluating information.

These activities teach them to look for evidence, question sources and understand that not everything they hear or read is a fact, which is a valuable skill in everyday decision-making and understanding of the world around them.

You can download a simple Facts vs Opinion activity to add to your critical thinking classroom games at the end of this article.

27. Observation Journals

Observation Journals  are a great critical thinking exercise, encouraging kids to record daily observations and reflect on details in their surroundings. This practice sharpens mindfulness, enhances analytical skills, and prompts kids to notice patterns, make connections, and express unique perspectives.

Observation journals can include prompts like, “What did you notice on your way to school?” or “Describe something interesting you saw today.”

This versatile activity can be used for nature walks, scientific observations, or even social settings, making it a fun and educational habit.

28. Simple Flowcharts

Simple Flowcharts  are an excellent tool for helping kids visualize steps in a process, enhancing their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Creating flowcharts teaches them to break down tasks into manageable parts, understand sequences, make logical connections between actions, and practice decision-making. This exercise can be used for anything from illustrating everyday life routines to mapping out decision-making steps.

This is an example of what a flow chart for “deciding what to do after school” could look like:

• If  Yes  → Go to Step 2
• If  No  → Start Homework
• If  Yes  → Go to Step 3
• If  No  → Complete Chores
• If  Yes  → Go Outside
• If  No  → Go to Step 4
• If  Read  → Read Book
• If  Game  → Play Game

29. Problem Solving Activities

Give kids a problem (for example, “How do I fix this broken toy”, and    ask them to evaluate different possible solutions, such as glue, tape, or replacing parts.)

Guide them through the problem-solving process:

• Identifying the problem (what has happened?)
• Analyzing the problem (how did it happen?)
• Generating potential solutions or strategies to address the problem.
• Evaluating all possible solutions (Pros and Cons Analysis)
• Selecting the best solution based on their analysis and judgment.
• Implementing the best solution
• Monitoring progress and results
• Reviewing and evaluating the outcomes and making adjustments if necessary.

Other resources: Problem-solving workbook for kids

Debates are a fantastic way to encourage creative thinking and help kids understand different perspectives on real-world problems. By arguing for or against a topic, students learn to consider and respect diverse viewpoints, building skills in critical analysis and the curiosity and flexibility needed for problem-solving.

Divide students into groups, and randomly allocate the teams that will defend either position. 

Here’s a list of five debate topics that would work well for a team pro/con structure:

• Should kids have homework every day?
• Would it be it better to have a longer summer break, or shorter school days year-round?
• Should schools ban junk food from the cafeteria?
• Is it better to learn from books or through technology?
• Should animals be kept in zoos?
• Should kids be allowed to have smartphones?

31. Classification Game

Present a set of mixed-up objects (e.g., animals, plants, objects) and ask children to categorize them into specific groups (e.g., mammals, plants, machines).

32. Predicting Changes in an Ecosystem

This activity involves analyzing data or observing patterns to make educated guesses about how an ecosystem might evolve under certain conditions. This can help students understand cause and effect within natural systems, fostering critical thinking about environmental science and ecology.

For example, create a small ecosystem using plants and animals (real or artificial) and ask children what would happen if a new element was introduced, such as removing one species or adding a new one. ed: suggest plants and insects. Creating an ecosystem with animals is a big ask!

33. Making Predictions from Data

Making Predictions from Data  is a real-world activity that teaches students to analyze patterns and trends to make informed guesses about future outcomes. By examining data, whether from a simple weather chart or a survey on favorite foods, students learn to interpret information, identify trends, and develop critical thinking skills. This activity can be used in various subjects, helping students understand how data supports decision-making in everyday life.

For example, give students data on the number of books read by their classmates each month. They notice that book reading increased steadily from September to December. Based on this trend, ask them to predict how many books will be read in January and discuss possible reasons for the increase, like cooler weather or reading challenges.

34. Comparing and Contrasting Items

Comparing and Contrasting  is a key critical thinking activity that helps students explore similarities and differences between topics, ideas, or items. This skill can be applied to anything from everyday choices to analyzing historical events, comparing characters in a story, or understanding scientific concepts. An effective activity is to have students compare items they might want to buy, like two different backpacks or tablets. By evaluating features, prices, and quality, they practice making informed decisions, building both analytical and decision-making skills.

35. Analyze a News Article

Provide a simple news article on current affairs and ask children to identify the key points of that particular situation, evaluate the reliability of the sources, and discuss what actions they might take if they were involved in the situation. This activity builds critical thinking by encouraging them to reflect on real-world events and consider different perspectives.

36. Make a Decision Matrix

A  Decision Matrix  is a tool that helps students evaluate multiple options by rating each one based on specific criteria. It’s a grid where options are listed on one side, criteria on the other, and each option is scored to find the best choice. This encourages critical thinking and teaches students to make thoughtful, balanced decisions by considering all aspects of a problem.

• Students are deciding on a class project, they can list options (like a science experiment, art display, or community service) and criteria (interest level, resources needed, time required) to help choose the best fit.
• Families choosing a pet may weigh options like size, cost, care requirements, and activity level.

Incorporating critical thinking activities in the classroom is a powerful way to nurture young minds. These exercises build essential  cognitive skills  and help kids become inquisitive, confident thinkers.

Other Cognitive Abilities Resources & Articles

• Fun Problem-Solving Workbook for Kids
• 25 Problem-Solving Activities for Kids
• 57 Memory Activities for Kids
• 30 Focus & Attention Activities for Kids

Critical Thinking Worksheets for Kids (PDF Download)

Your critical thinking worksheets include the following activities:

• Fun Shapes Sudoku
• Fact vs Opinion 
• Debate Activity

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Examples of Critical Thinking Questions for Students

By Med Kharbach, PhD | Last Update: May 22, 2024

Critical thinking is an essential cognitive skill that entails the ability to reason, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information. It goes beyond mere acquisition of knowledge. Instead, it involves deep, reflective thought, demanding us to question our assumptions, weigh evidence, and consider consequences. It’s about making clear, reasoned judgments. In essence, critical thinking is thinking about thinking, in a manner that allows us to improve the quality of our thinking.

In our daily lives, critical thinking helps us better understand ourselves, other people, and the world around us. It aids in problem solving, aids in the formation of beliefs and opinions, and encourages curiosity and creativity.

For example, when you’re faced with a major decision like purchasing a house, critical thinking enables you to weigh the pros and cons, assess the credibility of your sources of information, consider alternative options, and make a well-informed decision.

In professional situations, critical thinking is equally important. It helps us navigate complex work situations, make informed decisions, solve problems efficiently, and think creatively. For instance, if a company faces a decline in sales, critical thinking would help diagnose the root cause of the issue, evaluate different strategies to address the problem, and make effective decisions to rectify the situation.

The importance of critical thinking is particularly crucial for students. It provides them with the necessary skills to understand complex concepts, evaluate the credibility of sources, engage in thoughtful discussions, and develop reasoned arguments. It lays the foundation for lifelong learning and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing world.

This brings us to the concept of critical thinking questions . These are questions that are specifically designed to promote critical thinking. They go beyond factual inquiries, prompting individuals to analyze, synthesize, apply, and evaluate information. Critical thinking questions challenge the conventional wisdom and encourage individuals to think deeper, questioning the why’s and how’s.

They serve as a tool to spark intellectual engagement and stimulate thoughtful and reflective responses. As we delve further into this blog post, we will explore different types of critical thinking questions and how they can be applied in various contexts.

Related: Best TED Ed Lessons on Critical Thinking

Tips on Formulating Critical Thinking Questions

Creating good critical thinking questions involves understanding the basics of inquiry and knowing how to stimulate higher order thinking. Here are some tips and steps on formulating effective critical thinking questions:

Characteristics of Good Critical Thinking Questions:

• Open-Ended: Good critical thinking questions are typically open-ended, meaning they don’t have a single, simple answer. They invite students to think deeply and come up with their unique insights.
• Thought-Provoking: Effective questions challenge assumptions and encourage students to think creatively and critically. They provoke curiosity and exploration.
• Promote Discussion: The questions should stimulate meaningful discussions. The responses to these questions should not end the conversation, but rather, foster a deeper exploration of the topic.
• Clear and Understandable: The question should be framed in such a way that it is clear and easy to understand. Confusing questions can deter students from critical thinking.

Steps to Create Effective Critical Thinking Questions:

• Identify Your Learning Goals: Start by figuring out what you want your students to learn or achieve. Your question should align with these learning goals.
• Consider the Cognitive Level: Depending on the depth of thinking you want to stimulate, frame your questions accordingly. For instance, for higher order thinking, you might want to ask analysis, evaluation, or creation questions.
• Draft Your Question: Begin drafting your question. Remember, the best questions are open-ended and require more than a yes or no answer.
• Refine Your Question: Review your question. Is it clear? Does it promote discussion? Does it align with your learning goals? Refine as necessary.
• Test Your Question: Try out your question with a few students or colleagues to see if it stimulates the kind of discussion you’re hoping for. Be open to further refining your question based on the results.

Keep in mind that the goal of asking questions is not to ‘stump’ the students, but to promote intellectual engagement and thought. The best questions often lead to more questions, igniting a passion for learning and exploration.

Types of critical thinking questions

Critical thinking questions can be divided into the following categories:

1. Analysis Questions

Analysis questions ask the respondent to break a concept or idea into its component parts for examination. These questions can help uncover underlying structures, patterns, or meanings. They often involve words like “compare”, “contrast”, “classify”, “divide”, etc.

Example: “Compare the political ideologies of democratic socialism and laissez-faire capitalism. What are the similarities and differences between them?”

2. Evaluation Questions

Evaluation questions call for the respondent to make a judgment about the value of something, based on defined criteria. They often use terms like “critique”, “justify”, “validate”, “defend”, etc.

Example: “Evaluate the effectiveness of the government’s pandemic response measures. What were the successes and shortcomings?”

3. Inference Questions

Inference questions require the respondent to go beyond what is explicitly stated and make logical conclusions or predictions based on the information provided. Key words often include “infer”, “deduce”, “predict”, “conclude”, etc.

Example: “Given the recent surge in online shopping trends, what can you infer about the future of brick-and-mortar retail stores?”

4. Application Questions

Application questions involve applying knowledge or concepts to new situations or contexts. These questions often involve “applying”, “utilizing”, “implementing”, or “executing” learned knowledge.

Example: “How would you apply the principles of conflict resolution that we studied to resolve a disagreement in your workplace?”

5. Synthesis Questions

Synthesis questions invite the respondent to combine different pieces of information, ideas, or concepts to form a new whole or propose a solution. Words often associated with these questions are “design”, “formulate”, “propose”, “create”, etc.

Example: “Based on your understanding of climate change and renewable technologies, propose a comprehensive strategy for a city to reduce its carbon footprint.”

These types of questions, when used in the appropriate contexts, can help foster a deep level of understanding and stimulate higher-level thinking.

Examples of Critical thinking Questions

Here are some examples of critical questions that you can use to stimulate students’ critical thinking skills, encouraging them to analyze, evaluate, and create new ideas based on what they’ve learned.

• What do you think would happen if…?
• Can you explain why…?
• How would you solve this problem using different strategies?
• Can you compare and contrast these two concepts?
• How can you demonstrate your understanding of this concept in a different way?
• How would you categorize these items, and why did you choose to do it that way?
• What patterns or connections do you see in the information provided?
• How might you interpret these findings from another perspective?
• Can you design a…to…?
• How would you prove or disprove this statement?
• How can we improve…?
• What would be the consequences if…?
• Can you predict the outcome if…?
• What is the relationship between…?
• How can this be applied to other situations?
• What are the possible solutions for…?
• Why do you think that… happened?
• How can we test the validity of…?
• What alternative would you suggest for…?
• How can you illustrate this concept in a diagram?
• What would you recommend, and why?
• How is this similar to…?
• Can you make a general rule about…?
• How would you evaluate…?
• What evidence do you have for your claim?
• What are the implications of…?
• How does this contradict or confirm your understanding of…?
• Can you think of an example where…?
• How would you justify…?
• What do you think is the significance of…?

In conclusion, critical thinking questions are an indispensable tool for stimulating and nurturing the intellectual capabilities of students. They’re not just questions, but sparks that ignite the curiosity, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills in a learner. They invite students to dig deeper, challenge their preconceptions, and engage with material on a more profound level.

These questions play a pivotal role in taking learning beyond the simple absorption of facts into the realm of true understanding and application. They prepare students for the complexities of the real world, honing their ability to analyze situations, make decisions, and innovate solutions.

As educators and teachers, fostering this skill in students through the strategic use of critical thinking questions should be a top priority. So, let’s continue to question, to probe, and to encourage our students to do the same, for it’s in the exploration of these questions that true learning lies.

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Meet Med Kharbach, PhD

Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational technology landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.

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50+ critical thinking questions for students

As the demand for critical thinkers increases, educators must prioritize developing students’ critical thinking skills. And, as critical thinking is a transferable skill, you can incorporate these critical thinking questions throughout the curriculum and across subjects!

At Kialo Edu , we’re committed to helping you nurture critical thinking in your students through engaging written discussions . We’ve carefully crafted a list of critical thinking questions designed to challenge students and empower them to navigate complex problems with confidence and creativity. Kialo is completely free and always will be , so why not try these questions with your students to build their critical thinking skills through discussion?

What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is the skill of clear, rational thought. Critical thinkers go beyond accepting information at face value; they interpret and analyze information to form their own evidence-based conclusions.

They also approach questions from multiple perspectives , actively seek out opposing viewpoints, and challenge their own assumptions.

Why do students need to learn critical thinking?

Critical thinking enables students to articulate their perspective, make informed decisions, and solve problems effectively, thereby supporting their civic engagement .

Moreover, in the digital age, students can leverage critical thinking to question biases and assumptions and employ evidence-based reasoning to combat mis- and disinformation. Ultimately, mastering critical thinking equips students to succeed personally, academically, and professionally. 

By using critical thinking questions throughout lessons, you can help students build a toolkit of critical thinking skills that they can apply to tackle complex issues now and in the future.

Critical thinking questions to evaluate evidence

In today’s information-rich world, students must learn to critically evaluate the evidence they use to support their viewpoints and make informed decisions. Applying these questions in a Kialo discussion will guide students to select the strongest sources to support their claims.

• How strong is the evidence supporting your argument?
• Are there any counterexamples?
• Are there opposing viewpoints that challenge your evidence?
• How have you ensured the accuracy of your evidence?
• How does this evidence relate to the argument?
• What are the limitations of this evidence?
• Can you summarize the main evidence used to support your argument?
• How do experts in this field view your evidence?
• What might the consequences be if this evidence is flawed?
• Are the inferences being made from the data legitimate?
• Why was this methodology used?
• Was an appropriate-sized sample used?

Critical thinking questions to challenge assumptions

Using critical thinking questions to challenge assumptions teaches students to critically examine their beliefs and thought processes. This helps them identify biases and gaps in their reasoning. Kialo’s “sunburst” mini-map can help support students in visualizing the overall discussion to check that they have presented a balanced overview.

• Can you describe the assumptions you are making?
• Why do you believe this is a valid assumption?
• What if this assumption is incorrect?
• Can you make an alternative assumption?
• What evidence supports your assumption?
• What would happen if we questioned this assumption?
• How does this assumption influence your argument?
• Are there any biases influencing your assumption?
• What is the basis for your assumption?
• What are the biases or assumptions behind the information?
• How have biases or assumptions affected the framing of the problem?

Critical thinking questions to analyze perspectives

• Can you explain any alternative perspectives on this issue?
• How might someone with a different background interpret this?
• How strong are the opposing arguments?
• How might culture influence perspectives on this topic?
• How would a skeptic respond to your argument?
• How might different groups of people view this issue?
• How does historical context influence this perspective?
• How might personal experiences have shaped this perspective?
• What are the implications of accepting this perspective?

Critical thinking questions to assess the validity of arguments

Kialo discussions display arguments visually in a branching framework, so students can easily assess the validity of pros and cons and improve their own arguments. Students can even use Voting and comments to evaluate claims!

• How did you select the evidence to evaluate this argument?
• How can you assess the reliability of this evidence?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of this argument?
• How does this argument compare to others on the same issue?
• How might biases affect the evaluation of this issue?
• What benchmarks can we use to assess this claim?
• Is the reasoning logical and coherent?
• How well does this argument address counterarguments?
• Should we accept this position?
• How can you assess the value of this argument?
• Why is argument A better than argument B?

Critical thinking questions to explore consequences

• What if we had unlimited resources to solve this problem?
• How could we avoid this problem in the future?
• What if we approached the problem from a different angle?
• How would the outcome differ if we changed one variable?
• What might be the consequences or outcomes of this?
• How might this affect other outcomes?
• How might different stakeholders be affected?
• What are the long-term implications of this?
• What are the associated risks?
• Might there be any unintended consequences?
• How might this impact future developments?
• What would happen if this solution were implemented?
• How would you adapt this to create a different outcome?

Critical thinking questions to examine synthesis

• How do these ideas connect to our learning?
• How do these ideas connect to each other?
• Can you combine these viewpoints into a new perspective?
• Can you identify patterns among the different arguments?
• How can we integrate this new information into our understanding?
• What new conclusions can we draw from this evidence?
• How can we incorporate multiple perspectives in our solution?
• What is the overarching theme in these arguments?
• How might these ideas collectively influence future research?
• How do these findings relate to other research studies?

Critical thinking questions to prompt reflection

Using critical thinking questions for reflection not only gives students deeper insights into their own learning, but also fosters the development of key social-emotional learning skills like self-awareness, decision-making, and resilience.

• What did you learn from this?
• How has your perspective changed as a result of this evidence?
• What obstacles did you encounter while developing your argument?
• How do your personal beliefs influence your analysis?
• Can we identify any unanswered questions?
• How would you apply what you’ve learned to this situation?
• What insights have you gained about your own thinking?
• How do your personal experiences shape your understanding?

Use these critical thinking questions throughout your lessons to arm students with critical thinking skills for future success! Start by heading over to Kialo Edu’s Topic Library , where you’ll find hundreds of ready-made discussion prompts searchable by age and curriculum subject to maximize participation and build students’ critical thinking abilities.

We’d love to add your ideas to our inspiring list of critical thinking questions. Contact us at [email protected] or on social media.

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Use Kialo Edu to have thoughtful classroom discussions and train students’ argumentation and critical thinking skills — completely free!