Costas Level of questioning

Costa s list breaks down the way we question our knowledge of subject into levels.
Level one questions are basic questions that require the learner to simply recite what is
learned.
Level two questioning requires a more detailed understanding of the material.
Level three questioning is the highest level of understanding we can hope to achieve.
Level three questioning requires learners to look past the basic knowledge and compare it
to other concepts. Level three questioning is what we aspire to reach as it demonstrates
mastery of the material.

Directions: Use the list to help develop and refine your questions after you have written
your notes. Questioning should come after you have taken notes. Aspire to reach the 2nd
and 3rd levels.

LEVEL ONE LEVEL TWO LEVEL THREE

Define Analyze Apply
Describe Compare Evaluate
Identify Contrast Hypothesize
List Group Imagine
Observe Infer Judge
Recite Sequence Predict
Scan Synthesize Speculate