Materials
Gather these before class.
- QAR anchor chart with four categories
- Sample text with prepared questions
- QAR sorting cards
- Student text copies
Ready-to-use classroom activity
QAR (Question-Answer Relationships)
Students learn to categorize questions by where answers are found: Right There, Think and Search, Author and Me, or On My Own.
Grade range
3rd Grade – 10th Grade
Works across
ScienceEnglishHistoryForeign Language
Activity style
AnalyticalIndividualDiscussion
Classroom walkthrough
See it in practice
One concrete example you can borrow, adapt, or teach as written.
Example lesson context
Reading Comprehension with Informational Text (English - 4th Grade)
Preparation
What to have ready before students begin.
Create anchor chart explaining four QAR types. Prepare sample questions of each type for modeling. Select text with natural opportunities for all four question types.
Run the activity
A classroom-ready sequence from launch to follow-up.
1
Introduce the QAR categories with anchor chart:
Right There: Answer is stated directly in one place in the text
Think and Search: Answer requires combining information from different parts of the text
Author and Me: Answer combines text information with your own knowledge
On My Own: Answer comes from your own knowledge/experience (text gives context)
2
Model with sample text. Read question aloud: 'What color was the bird?' Think aloud: 'I can point to exactly where it says blue jay, so this is Right There.'
3
Model each category with clear examples.
4
Guided practice: Read new questions, students hold up category cards to show their thinking.
5
Discuss disagreements - sometimes questions can fit multiple categories.
6
Independent practice: Students read text, answer questions, AND identify the QAR type.
7
Debrief: How does knowing the question type help you find the answer?
Differentiate
Adjust the activity without losing its core purpose.
Start with just two categories (In the Text vs. In My Head) for younger students. Provide color-coded question sheets matching anchor chart colors. For advanced students, have them write their own questions of each type.
Look for learning
Use these signals to assess understanding.
Check accuracy of question categorization. Note if students can explain their reasoning. Assess whether categorizing helps students answer questions more effectively.