Asking Better Questions
Question quality often determines learning quality.
closed question
asks for a brief fact or yes/no answer
clarifying question
removes ambiguity before you act
follow-up question
goes deeper into an initial answer
probing question
surfaces assumptions, reasons, or missing details
reflective question
prompts someone to think about their own experience or reasoning
hypothetical question
tests a what-if scenario
comparative question
asks how options differ or which fits better
evidence question
asks what facts or examples support the claim
assumption-checking question
tests what is being taken for granted
scope question
defines boundaries, constraints, or what is in or out
goal question
clarifies the outcome someone actually wants
decision question
moves discussion toward a concrete choice
prioritization question
asks what matters most right now
leading question
nudges the other person toward one answer
loaded question
hides an unfair assumption inside the wording
double-barreled question
asks two questions at once and causes confusion
wait time
pause after asking so people can think before answering
open question
invites explanation instead of a yes or no