The Power of a Good Question
Preface
People often believe that knowledge comes from having all the answers. However, many discoveries have begun with a simple question. Scientists, inventors, teachers, and students all improve by asking thoughtful questions. Curiosity encourages us to explore new ideas, solve problems, and understand the world more deeply. The following story reminds us that asking the right question can sometimes be more valuable than giving the right answer.
Main Text
The Power of a Good Question
Every Friday afternoon, Mr. Leka asked his English class one unusual question before the students went home. Sometimes the question was simple, such as, "What made you smile this week?" At other times, it required careful thought: "If you could change one thing in your town, what would it be?"
At first, many students found these questions difficult. They searched for the "correct" answer because they believed that every classroom question had only one solution.
One day, a quiet student named Sara raised her hand and asked, "What if there isn't a correct answer?"
The teacher smiled.
"Then," he replied, "your job is not to guess what I am thinking. Your job is to think for yourself."
From that moment, the atmosphere in the classroom began to change. Students became more willing to express their opinions. They listened carefully to one another, asked follow-up questions, and explained their ideas with confidence.
As the weeks passed, they noticed something surprising. Their English improved, not simply because they had memorized more vocabulary, but because they had learned how to organize their thoughts and communicate them clearly.
At the end of the school year, Mr. Leka asked one final question:
"What is the most important thing you have learned this year?"
Many students mentioned grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation. Sara answered differently.
"I learned that a good question can open a door that a simple answer never could."
The teacher nodded with satisfaction. He knew that his students had learned much more than English.
Comprehension Questions
A. Answer the Questions
What did Mr. Leka ask his students every Friday?
Why did many students find the questions difficult?
What question did Sara ask?
How did the teacher respond?
How did the classroom atmosphere change?
Besides vocabulary, what else helped the students improve their English?
What was the teacher's final question?
What lesson did Sara learn?
B. True or False
Mr. Leka asked the same question every Friday.
The students believed there was always only one correct answer.
Sara was usually a very talkative student.
The students became more confident during the year.
The teacher believed English was the only thing his students had learned.
Vocabulary Practice
Match the words with their meanings.
curiosity
atmosphere
confidence
express
organize
a. to arrange in a clear order
b. to communicate ideas or feelings
c. the feeling or mood in a place
d. the desire to learn or discover
e. belief in your own ability
Grammar Practice
A. Present Perfect or Simple Past
Choose the correct form.
The students ______ many interesting questions this year.
(have asked / asked)Sara ______ her hand during the lesson.
(raised / has raised)The class ______ more confident since September.
(became / has become)Mr. Leka ______ English for many years.
(has taught / taught)They ______ their final lesson yesterday.
(finished / have finished)
B. Reported Speech
Rewrite the sentences in reported speech.
Sara said, "What if there isn't a correct answer?"
Mr. Leka said, "Think for yourself."
A student said, "I enjoyed today's lesson."
The teacher said, "Ask another question."
Sara said, "I learned something important."
Discussion
Discuss these questions with a partner.
Why are questions important?
Is it better to memorize facts or understand ideas?
What is the best question a teacher has ever asked you?
What question would you ask the whole class?
Writing Task
The Best Question I Have Ever Been Asked
Write 150–180 words.
Include:
Who asked the question.
What the question was.
Why it was important.
How it changed your thinking.
What you learned from it.
Try to use:
at least three linking words (however, therefore, although, because, finally);
two examples;
one reported speech sentence.
