HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) questions = questions

that require analysis and interpretation of the literary piece.

= 15 points Extended HOTS questions

10 points – for acceptable content and language

5 points – for correct integration of the chosen HOTS

Decide which HOTS to use to answer the question.

Provide proof that you used the HOTS you have chosen. Integrate words that show

appropriate use of the chosen HOTS.

Provide examples or evidence from the text.

1. Inferring = reading between the lines

Useful vocabulary:

Infer

Assume

Suppose

Conclude

Understand

Probably

2. Uncovering Motives = identifying motives (reasons) for the character’s

behavior/actions

Useful vocabulary:

motive

be motivated by

be driven by

reason

cause

purpose

goal

aim

intention

want

wish

3. Comparing and Contrasting =

similarities and differences

Useful vocabulary:

Similarities Differences

like

similar

also

the same

in the same way

unlike

different than

on the contrary

however

but

although

even though

on the one hand

on the other hand

4. Explaining Cause and Effect = reason and result

Useful vocabulary:

cause

reason

effect

result

consequence

outcome

if… then

in order to

due to

thanks to

because

therefore

as a result (of)

5. Explaining patterns =

explaining models/designs/sequences

that are repeated

(behavior, words, rhymes, etc.)

Useful vocabulary:

Pattern (of behavior)

Repeat

Repeatedly

Repetition

Again

Rhyme scheme

Like

Similar

In the same way

6. Distinguishing different perspectives =

identifying different points of view

Useful vocabulary:

Perspective

Point of view

Attitude

Differences

Opinion

However

On the one hand … on the other

hand

Is the traveler satisfied with the decision he made long ago? Support your

answer with information from the poem.

Thinking skill I chose: Distinguishing different perspectives

The answer is unclear. The traveler sighs when he refers to the decision he has

made. The sigh may indicate two different attitudes. On the one hand, it can be

a sigh that shows he is looking back at his choice with satisfaction and relief that

he is happy with his decision. On the other hand, it may be interpreted as a sigh

of regret, which may mean he is sorry he made that choice and perhaps it would

have been better for him if he had chosen the other way.

Thinking skill I chose: Inferring

The answer is unclear and one can come to two opposite conclusions. One can

assume that the sigh the speaker mentions in the poem is a sigh of satisfactions

and relief, and the speaker is happy with the choice he has made. But one may also

conclude that this is a sigh of regret and sorrow and that the speaker feels

perhaps he should have taken the other road.

Extended HOTS questions

Example: The Road not Taken

OR