Question and Comment Stems Worksheet

Section 1: Stems Reference

Question Stems

• “What evidence supports …?”
• “How might …?”
• “Why do you think …?”
• “Could you clarify …?”
• “What is the relationship between …?”

Comment Stems

• “I agree because ….”
• “I’d like to add ….”
• “That connects to ….”
• “Another perspective is ….”
• “I’m curious about ….”

Section 2: Application

Prompt: ____________________________________________

A. Write TWO questions using two different question stems above:

1. Question 1:
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Question 2:
   
   
   
   
   
   

B. Write TWO comments using two different comment stems above:

1. Comment 1:
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Comment 2:
   
   
   
   
   
   

Collaborative Questioning Activity

Purpose:
Students will work in small groups to apply question and comment stems in a content-based discussion. They’ll generate at least five questions and five comments to deepen understanding, practice collaborative communication, and support one another’s thinking.

Time Required: 15 minutes

Group Size: 3–4 students per group

Materials:

• Chart Paper (one sheet per group)
• Colored Markers
• Question and Comment Stems Worksheet (as reference)
• Sticky Notes (optional)

Instructions

1. Form Groups (1 minute)
   • Invite students to gather in predetermined groups of 3–4.
   • Distribute one sheet of Chart Paper and a set of markers to each group.
2. Assign a Prompt (1 minute)
   • Provide each group with a discussion prompt related to the current unit (e.g., a short text excerpt, a science concept, a math problem scenario).
   • Write the prompt clearly at the top of your Chart Paper.
3. Generate Questions & Comments (10 minutes)
   • Using the stems from the Question and Comment Stems Worksheet, groups must write:
     • At least five questions that probe, clarify, or challenge understanding of the prompt.
     • At least five comments that build on, connect to, or expand classmates’ ideas.
   • Encourage students to use different stems for each contribution.
   • Write each question or comment in a different color to make the Chart Paper visually engaging.
4. Gallery Share (3 minutes)
   • Groups place their Chart Papers around the room.
   • Students circulate quietly, read others’ contributions, and place a sticky note next to one question and one comment they find most thought-provoking or helpful.
5. Quick Debrief (Remaining Time)
   • Reconvene whole class.
   • Ask one volunteer per group to share the question or comment that received the most sticky-note votes and explain why it stood out.

Teacher Tips & Follow-Up

• Circulate actively to prompt groups that get stuck: “Which stem could help you dig deeper here?” or “How might you rephrase as a comment to build on a peer’s idea?”

• Support quieter students by assigning them to record one question or comment for the group.

• Extend the activity by having groups swap Chart Papers and add one new question and comment to another group’s sheet.

• Use the collected questions and comments in your next lesson to launch a whole-class discussion or as prompts for independent writing.

Discussion Guidelines Poster

• Listen Actively: Pay full attention when others speak and show you’re listening.

• Speak Respectfully: Use polite words and tone. Be kind in your questions and comments.

• Wait Your Turn: Avoid interrupting. Use a hand signal or wait for a pause before contributing.

• Use Question & Comment Stems: Refer to the Question and Comment Stems Worksheet to frame your thoughts.

• Build on Ideas: Connect to or expand on classmates’ contributions. Say, “That connects to…” or “I’d like to add…”

• Stay on Topic: Keep your questions and comments relevant to the discussion prompt.

• Be Inclusive: Encourage all voices. Invite quieter classmates by asking, “What do you think?”

• Be Concise & Clear: Share your ideas in a way everyone can understand.