Question Flip Slides
5-Minute Writing Power Skill
Grades 6–7 ELA
The Question Flip
Stop starting answers with "Because..." Master the art of converting any prompt into a rock-solid claim statement.
1
Identify the Ask
2
Drop & Reorder
3
State the Claim
Part 1: The Culprits
The 5 Ws + H: What Do They Want?
Question words are search engines—each one hunts for a specific type of information.
WHO Subject
Demands a person or character.
WHAT Thing
Demands an action, event, or object.
WHERE Location
Demands a setting or place.
WHEN Time
Demands a time period or date.
WHY Reason
Demands a cause, motive, or purpose.
HOW Process
Demands a method, step, or degree.
The Golden Rule: When you build a statement, the question word must disappear!
Part 2: The Technique
The 3-Step Flip Formula (PQA)
PQA = Put the Question in the Answer. Here is how:
1
Drop the Question Word
Delete Who, What, Where, When, Why, How along with helper verbs like did/does.
Why did the author use...
2
Identify Subject & Verb
Find the subject (who/what it’s about) and adjust the verb to past or present tense.
The author used...
3
Attach the Answer
Add your factual claim or reason. Replace the question mark with a period.
...to create suspense.
Trap Alert: Never start with "Because", "Yes", or "It". Always name the noun first!
Part 3: Model Example
Watch the Flip in Action
Notice how the question gives you 75% of your opening sentence for free!
The Question Input
How did the ecosystem recover after the wildfire?
Flip the words • Add your claim
The Statement (Answer Claim) Output
The ecosystem recovered after the wildfire through pioneer plant regrowth.
What we dropped: "How did" and "?"
What changed: Verb "recover" became past tense "recovered"
60-Second Challenge
Turn & Talk: Flip These Stems!
With your partner, say the sentence starter out loud. Do not start with "Because"!
Challenge 1
"Why is biodiversity important to an ocean reef?"
Say out loud:
"Biodiversity is important to an ocean reef because..."
Challenge 2
"Where did early human civilizations choose to settle?"
Say out loud:
"Early human civilizations chose to settle near..."
Ready for independent practice? Grab your Quick Sheet!
Full Sentences Only!
