Survey questions and fair samples
Name: _____________________ Date: __________
Show your thinking with numbers, words, or a drawing.
1. Jack wants to find out how the children in the class usually get to school. Which question is best for the survey? A: "What time do you go to bed?" B: "How do you usually get to school?" C: "Walking is the best way to get to school, isn't it?" D: "Do you come to school by car?"
2. Ruby wants to find out which pet is the most popular in the year group. Which question is best for the survey? A: "Which pet do you like best?" B: "What is your favourite colour?" C: "Do you have a pet?" D: "Everyone loves dogs, so a dog is your favourite pet, right?"
3. Omar wants to find out how the children in the class usually get to school. Which question is best for the survey? A: "Do you come to school by car?" B: "Walking is the best way to get to school, isn't it?" C: "How do you usually get to school?" D: "What time do you go to bed?"
4. Noah wants to find out how long the children in the class spend reading each week. Which question is best for the survey? A: "About how many hours do you spend reading each week?" B: "You read a lot every week, don't you?" C: "How many brothers and sisters do you have?" D: "Do you like reading?"
5. Mia wants to find out which fruit the class would like at fruit break. Which question is best for the survey? A: "Bananas are the healthiest fruit, so you want bananas, don't you?" B: "Which fruit would you most like at fruit break: apple, banana or orange?" C: "Do you eat fruit?" D: "What is your favourite TV show?"
Answer key ยท Survey questions and fair samples
1. B
A good survey question matches the goal, does not push people towards an answer, and lets them give a real choice.
Option C pushes an answer, D can only be answered yes or no, and A asks about something else.
The best question is B.
2. A
A good survey question matches the goal, does not push people towards an answer, and lets them give a real choice.
Option D pushes an answer, C can only be answered yes or no, and B asks about something else.
The best question is A.
3. C
A good survey question matches the goal, does not push people towards an answer, and lets them give a real choice.
Option B pushes an answer, A can only be answered yes or no, and D asks about something else.
The best question is C.
4. A
A good survey question matches the goal, does not push people towards an answer, and lets them give a real choice.
Option B pushes an answer, D can only be answered yes or no, and C asks about something else.
The best question is A.
5. B
A good survey question matches the goal, does not push people towards an answer, and lets them give a real choice.
Option A pushes an answer, C can only be answered yes or no, and D asks about something else.
The best question is B.
Try it together
Choose a question from the printable. Use objects or a drawing to show your thinking, then explain your method to someone at home.