When introducing the inquiry process, I've found it can be difficult for students to understand the difference between compelling and supporting questions. I made this sorting activity to give them some real examples of compelling and supporting questions. This uses the analogy of the Parthenon where students place the compelling question as the "roof" and supporting questions as the "columns." See my BUNDLE where you can get this resource, a "create your own" compelling and supporting questions template, AND my compelling and supporting questions vocabulary one-pager for a discount!

This can be used as a drag-and-drop sorting activity on Google Slides or printed out and students can draw lines to sort the answers.

There are several documents in this resource! There are also two sets of each document - one using the vocabulary of "compelling and supporting questions" and the other using "essential and supporting questions." My standards have me using "compelling and supporting questions," but I know other classes are different!

There are four sets of compelling and supporting questions students must sort. Below are the compelling questions:

1. Do Americans have equal rights?

2. What makes a good friend?

3. How has immigration affected our country?

4. How does where I live affect how I live?

List of documents in this resource:

1. Terms of Use

2. Drag and Drop - Compelling and Supporting Questions (4 Question Sets)

3. Drag and Drop - Essential and Supporting Questions (4 Question Sets)

4. Answer Key

This resource is for classroom/personal use only. Please read the Terms of Use before using!