Clarity:
* Avoid ambiguity: The question should be phrased in a way that avoids multiple interpretations.
* Use precise language: Choose words that have clear meanings and avoid jargon or slang that might not be universally understood.
Conciseness:
* Get to the point: A well-defined question avoids unnecessary words and phrases that can confuse the reader.
* Avoid rambling: Stick to the core question and avoid introducing unrelated ideas.
Specificity:
* Target a specific area: The question should have a clear focus and be targeted at a specific topic or concept.
* Avoid general questions: Questions like "What is the meaning of life?" are too broad and difficult to answer effectively.
* Use specific details: Include relevant details such as time, location, or specific individuals to make the question more focused.
Example:
Bad Question: "What's the deal with the stock market?"
Good Question: "What are the major factors influencing the performance of the NASDAQ Composite Index over the past five years?"
Here are some additional factors that contribute to a well-defined question:
* Feasibility: The question should be answerable given the available resources and information.
* Relevance: The question should be relevant to the context or purpose of the discussion.
* Openness: The question should encourage a variety of perspectives and allow for different interpretations.
By following these guidelines, you can craft well-defined questions that lead to meaningful and insightful answers.