7
Questions Using the Elements of Thought
(
in a paper, an activity, a reading assignment…)
Purpose
What am I trying to accomplish?
What is my central aim? My purpose?
Information
What information am I using in coming to that conclusion?
What experience have I had to support this claim?
What information do I need to settle this question?
Inferences /
Conclusions
How did I reach this conclusion?
Is there another way to interpret the information?
Concepts
What is the main idea here?
Could I explain this idea?
Assumptions
What am I taking for granted?
What assumption has led me to that conclusion?
Implications /
Consequences
If someone accepted my position, what would be the
implications?
What am I implying?
Points of View
From what point of view am I looking at this issue?
Is there another point of view I should consider?
Questions
What question am I raising?
What question am I addressing?