UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Statements A, B, C and F are correct because they describe lower-order and higher-order questions, the value of varied levels and the diagnostic role of probing. A is true as recall and basic understanding are tested by lower-level questions. B is true since analysis and evaluation represent higher levels, C is true because blending levels deepens learning, and F is true as probing uncovers reasoning. D is false because limiting answers to a few able students restricts participation, and E is false because encouraging student questions is vital; hence A, B, C and F only is the correct combination.

Option A:
Option A includes A, B and C but omits F, ignoring the important function of probing questions in revealing learners’ thinking. Since F is also correct, A, B and C only is incomplete.

Option B:
Option B brings together B, C and F but leaves out A, failing to explain how lower-order questions fit into the overall questioning strategy. Without A, B, C and F only does not provide a full picture.

Option C:
Option C links A, C and F but omits B, leaving out explicit reference to higher-order thinking. As higher levels are central to the question, A, C and F only cannot be accepted as the best answer.

Option D:
Option D combines A, B, C and F, presenting a comprehensive set of true statements about different levels and the diagnostic use of probing. It excludes D and E, which limit participation and discourage student questions, so this is the correct option.

Divergent thinking involves generating multiple possible answers, perspectives or solutions to a given problem. Questions that ask “What different ways…?” encourage learners to think broadly and creatively rather than search for a single correct response. Such questioning is important for developing innovation and flexibility in thought. Therefore, the question stem is clearly designed to promote divergent thinking.

Option A:
Convergent thinking focuses on narrowing down options to arrive at one correct or best answer, often required in structured problem-solving. A convergent question would usually ask for “the” solution, not “different ways” to solve a problem. Hence, convergent thinking is not the primary target in the example given.

Option B:
Rote thinking centres on mechanical repetition and recall of memorised material, without exploring alternatives or meanings. It might help with learning formulae or definitions, but it does not encourage generating multiple solutions. As the stem explicitly invites different ways of solving, rote thinking cannot be the intended outcome.

Option C:
Imitative thinking occurs when students merely copy procedures or ideas demonstrated by the teacher, without adapting or extending them. It produces one familiar answer rather than varied, original possibilities. Because the question encourages learners to move beyond imitation and propose various approaches, imitative thinking is not being promoted here.

Option D:
Divergent thinking is fostered when the teacher encourages brainstorming, open-ended responses and exploration of unusual ideas. The wording “What different ways can you solve this problem?” signals that many responses are welcome and that creativity is valued. Thus, divergent thinking is the correct answer.

Effective questioning encourages students to think, respond and elaborate their understanding. Asking learners to explain a concept in their own words and provide an example invites them to process information actively. It gives the teacher insight into how well the concept is understood and stimulates peer learning when different explanations are shared.

Option A:
This option is often used habitually without checking responses properly. If the teacher does not wait for or interpret actual answers, it becomes a ritual rather than a real interaction and students may simply nod without genuine understanding.

Option B:
This option is correct because it demands more than a brief yes or no response. Students must recall, interpret and apply the idea to an example, which makes the interaction meaningful. It opens space for multiple contributors and follow up probes by the teacher, thereby enriching the discussion.

Option C:
This option restricts responses to yes or no and does not reveal the depth of understanding. It limits interaction and prevents the teacher from diagnosing misconceptions or gaps in learning.

Option D:
This option focuses on a trivial factual detail that is not central to conceptual understanding. Counting pages does not promote meaningful engagement with the subject matter.

Statements A, C, D and F correctly describe productive questioning practices. A is true because open-ended questions invite analysis and explanation. C is true as distributing questions broadens engagement, and D is true since probing helps uncover misconceptions. F is true because inviting student questions promotes dialogue. B is false because eliminating wait time reduces thoughtful responses, and E is false since focusing only on high achievers narrows participation; therefore A, C, D and F only is the correct combination.

Option A:
Option A includes A, C and D but omits F, ignoring the value of students framing their own questions. Hence A, C and D only is incomplete.

Option B:
Option B groups A, D and F but leaves out C, which stresses equitable distribution of questions. Without C, A, D and F only does not fully address participation.

Option C:
Option C collects C, D and F but omits A, failing to recognise the role of open-ended questions in stimulating thinking. Thus C, D and F only cannot be accepted.

Option D:
Option D gathers A, C, D and F, combining open questions, broad participation, probing and student questioning while excluding B and E, which discourage wait time and equitable access. This makes A, C, D and F only the correct answer.

Statements A and B correctly distinguish lower-order and higher-order questions in terms of recall and complex thinking. Statement C is true because combining both types allows teachers to build from basic understanding to deeper learning. Statement E is also true since group discussions and project work are suitable contexts for encouraging higher-order questioning. Statement D is false because large classes can still benefit from higher-order questions, and F is false because simply asking such questions does not guarantee critical thinking without appropriate support. Therefore, the correct set of statements is A, B, C and E only, making option C the right answer.

Option A:
Option A includes A and B, both true, but omits C and E, which further explain the value of mixing question types and using higher-order questions in interactive activities. The absence of these true statements means the set is incomplete. Hence A and B only cannot be the correct answer.

Option B:
Option B extends A and B to include C, which is correct, but still leaves out E, a true statement about contexts for higher-order questioning. Because a complete set of correct statements must also include E, A, B and C only is not adequate. Therefore option B is not correct.

Option C:
Option C contains A, B, C and E, all of which accurately describe the roles and uses of different levels of questioning. It rightly excludes D and F, which either unduly limit higher-order questions or assume they automatically produce critical thinking. Since it includes all and only the true statements, A, B, C and E only is the correct answer.

Option D:
Option D includes B, C, D and E but introduces D, which asserts that only lower-order questions should be used in large classes, a claim that underestimates students' capacity and the teacher's skill in managing time. The presence of D, a false statement, makes this option invalid. Thus B, C, D and E only cannot be accepted.

Option E collects A, D, E and F but contains D and F, both of which misrepresent higher-order questioning in terms of when it should be used and what it guarantees. Even though A and E are true, the inclusion of these two false statements undermines the set. Therefore A, D, E and F only is not the right answer.

Option F groups C, E and F and mistakenly treats F as correct, suggesting that merely asking higher-order questions always yields critical thinking. This ignores factors such as scaffolding, classroom climate and learner readiness. As a result, C, E and F only is not a valid combination.

Statements A, C and D are correct because good questions must be clear, stimulate higher-order thinking and be accompanied by adequate wait time to allow processing. B is false since a mix of cognitive levels is desirable within a lesson to build from simple to complex learning. E is false because concentrating questions on a few students reduces participation and opportunities for learning. Therefore, A, C and D only is the correct combination.

Option A:
Option A lists A and C but omits D, ignoring the evidence that wait time improves both the quantity and quality of responses. As D is also true, A and C only is incomplete.

Option B:
Option B groups C and D but leaves out A, which identifies clarity as a basic feature of good questions. Without A, C and D only fails to capture the full picture of quality questioning.

Option C:
Option C adds B to A, C and D, but B wrongly insists on a single cognitive level throughout a lesson. Including B therefore makes A, B, C and D only an invalid option.

Option D:
Option D correctly combines A, C and D, highlighting clarity, thought stimulation and wait time, while excluding the unhelpful ideas in B and E. Hence A, C and D only is the correct answer.