National Evaluation Series (NES) Assessment of Professional Knowledge Practice Test

What is an example of a Socratic question?

1. What events led up to the Civil War?

2. What year did Lincoln order the Emancipation Proclamation?

3. Why do you think Lincoln chose not to include the border and northern states in the Emancipation Proclamation?

4. How did Abraham Lincoln die?

The correct answer is: Why do you think Lincoln chose not to include the border and northern states in the Emancipation Proclamation?

The selected option is indicative of a Socratic question as it encourages deep critical thinking and reflection rather than mere recall of factual information. Socratic questioning is characterized by asking open-ended questions that challenge students to think about their reasoning, understand underlying assumptions, and explore the implications of their answers. In this instance, the question invites the respondent to analyze Abraham Lincoln's decision-making process, prompting them to consider not just the historical fact of the Emancipation Proclamation, but the strategic, ethical, and political reasons behind Lincoln’s choices. This exploration fosters a deeper comprehension of historical context and encourages students to articulate their ideas and reasoning about complex issues. The other options primarily focus on factual recall or specific details about events, which does not engage students in the same level of critical thinking. They ask for information that can be directly answered without requiring a more profound analysis or reflection on the implications or motivations behind historical actions.