Fat & Skinny Questions (FSQ)

Description

Fat & Skinny Questions is a strategy to use when gathering information about a topic. Fat Questions require more thought, discussion and explanation. They take time to think through and answer in depth. Skinny Questions are simple questions requiring a yes, no, maybe or brief answer, or even a nod of the head. They take up little time and space. Often, but not always, less information is obtained form a Skinny Question.

Procedure

1. Students are asked to gather information all the time. When gathering information, students should formulate questions about the topic. If students generate Fat and Skinny questions, the information they collect will be more in depth, thorough and substantive.

2. Nominate the topic for discussion. In pairs, students are to write down 3 questions that they would like answered about the topic. When complete, explain that questions can be classified as Fat or Skinny questions. Explain that Fat questions require a more detailed answer than a Skinny question, which can often be answered in one word.

3. Ask pairs to nominate one question from their 3 and record these on the board. After collecting all questions, have each pair classify their question as Fat or Skinny, giving their reasons why. Have students classify their other two questions as Fat or Skinny as well.

4. Practice generating Fat and Skinny questions. Create one Fat and one Skinny question about a story, news article, magazine, movie or book. Create Fat and Skinny questions for interviewing a person of interest.

Link to Outcomes

Students use language to understand, develop and communicate ideas and information and interact with others.

Dynamic Strategies

Thinking/Clarification

Fat & Skinny Questions (FSQ)