English 10 - Quarter 3 - Lesson 1: The Power of a Good Question

English 10: Quarter 3

Lesson 1: The Power of a Good Question

Lesson 1: The Power of a Good Question

I. Objectives

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Knowledge: Identify the purpose of clarifying questions and distinguish them from other types of questions (e.g., factual recall, opinion).
• Skill: Formulate relevant questions to clarify ambiguities, seek elaboration, or request evidence from a given material.
• Affective: Appreciate the value of curiosity and critical inquiry as tools for becoming an active and informed learner.

II. Introduction

Good morning, class! Have you ever watched a news report, read an article, or seen a video and been left feeling... a little confused? Maybe you felt like you were missing a key piece of the puzzle, or a word was used that you didn't quite understand.

Today, we're going to learn one of the most powerful skills a learner can have: the art of asking good questions. We're not talking about quiz questions, but clarifying questions—the kind you ask to clear up confusion and dig deeper. This skill will help you move from being a passive viewer to an active, critical thinker.

III. Definition (Key Terms) - Part 1

1. Material Viewed:
Any piece of media you consume with your eyes (e.g., video clip, news report, infographic, chart, short article).

2. Issue:
A key point, topic, problem, claim, or argument being presented. Often something that could be debated.

• Example: The conflict between advertising convenience and personal privacy.

3. Clarifying Question:
A question you ask to get a better or more complete understanding. Its goal is to "clear up" confusion or vagueness.

III. Definition (Key Terms) - Part 2

Types of Clarifying Questions:

• For Definition: "What does the word '...' mean in this context?"
• For Elaboration: "Could you please provide an example of...?" or "Can you tell me more about...?"
• For Evidence: "What data supports the claim that...?" or "How do we know that...?"
• To Resolve Confusion: "I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that...?"

IV. Spring Board: The 'Smart-Ink' Revolution

Read the short article below.

A new technology, "Smart-Ink," is poised to change the advertising world. This digital ink, which can be applied to billboards, posters, and even product packaging, can change its display instantly. The displays can be programmed to change based on the time of day, the weather, or even data from nearby smartphones.

Proponents claim this will lead to "hyper-relevant" messaging, making ads more useful. For example, a cereal box on a store shelf could display a discount coupon in the afternoon.

However, privacy advocates are concerned. They argue that Smart-Ink creates new ways for companies to track consumer behavior without clear consent, turning every product into a potential data-gathering device. The regulations for such "dynamic advertising" are still being debated.

V. Essential Questions

Check your understanding of the article.

1. What is "Smart-Ink" and what can it do?

Answer: It's a new digital ink for ads that can change its display instantly based on time, weather, or smartphone data.

2. What is one potential benefit of this technology according to the text?

Answer: It can lead to "hyper-relevant" messaging, making ads more useful (like a coupon).

3. What is the main concern raised by privacy advocates?

Answer: They are concerned that it can track consumer behavior without consent, turning products into data-gathering devices.

VI. Exercise: The Question-Makers

Your Task: Formulate clarifying questions you would ask the author to better understand the issues.

Remember: Don't ask questions that are already answered in the text. Ask for missing details, definitions, or evidence.

1. Ask a question for Definition (is there a vague term?): 2. Ask a question for Elaboration (need an example?): 3. Ask a question for Evidence (how do they know?):

Possible Questions:
1. "What exactly does 'clear consent' look like for this technology?"
2. "Could you provide another example of how Smart-Ink could be used, besides the cereal box?"
3. "What evidence do proponents have that consumers actually want 'hyper-relevant' ads?"

VII. Generalization

Today, we learned that being a good reader means recognizing what is not stated.

By asking clarifying questions, we move from being passive receivers to active learners. This skill helps you dig deeper, challenge claims, and form your own informed opinions instead of just accepting everything you see or hear.

VIII. Evaluation

English 10 - Short Quiz No. 1

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

Full Name:

Result: English 10 - Short Quiz No. 1

Name:

Score:

Attempts:

IX. Additional Activity (Enrichment)

Assignment: Find a short (1-2 minute) online video, news clip, or a print advertisement.

In your notebook, write down three clarifying questions that arise from the material.

Ask yourself: What information is missing, vague, or unsupported by evidence?

Congratulations! You have completed Lesson 1.