EQ

Content

1.   Review this.  Confirm by stating "I reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ."

Essential Question 
Once a topic is chosen, the student will develop a working essential question.  The purpose of the working essential question is to help the student build a strong foundation of research which will allow him or her to create an essential question that encourages depth and rigor in the chosen topic.  An essential question must:

• Provide a framework for studies (It calls for breadth and depth of research, Is not a yes/no question)
• Take a stance (It allows you to argue some point, Cannot be a recitation of facts or a list)
•  Format (It is specific, The wording makes sense)

I reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ.

2.  Review the following EQs and

• Tell us if each meets the rule of three.
• Tell why they do or don't.

 a.  What is the most important factor in healthy weight loss?

The following EQ meets the rule of three.  It is not a yes/no question and calls for depth in research. It takes a stance by asking "what is the most important (blank)". The EQ's format makes sense and is specific in that it is asking about healthy weight loss.

 b.  What is most important to securing a conviction in a criminal investigation?

The  following EQ does not meet the rule of three. Despite the EQ's proficient wording and invitation to "take a stance", the question is not specific enough about the type of crime or the circumstances in order to provide a focused framework for studies.

 c.  What is most important in creating a hairstyle that best satisfies a customer?

The  following EQ does not meet the rule of three. The EQ isn't specific enough. The wording of it opens invitation for the cliche "The customer is always right." 

 d.  How can an anesthesiologist best treat chronic pain?

The following EQ meets the rule of three.  It is not a yes/no question and calls for depth in research. It takes a stance by asking which treatment is best for an anesthesiologist to use. The EQ's format makes sense and is specific in that it is asking about the type of pain.

3.  Based on your review of the rule of 3 and your experience with assessing four EQs, please write another draft EQ for your senior project.  The senior team will be meeting with students shortly for EQ revision and approval; you are expected to bring your research notebook to that meeting with your EQ draft written inside in pencil.