What does the K stand for in KWL?

What does the K stand for in KWL?

• A. Know-how
• B. Keep
• C. Know
• D. Knowledge

Answer: (C)

The K stands for what you already know about the topic. In the KWL chart, you start by stating your existing knowledge so you can connect new information to what you’ve learned before and identify gaps you want to fill. Using the verb form “Know” reinforces that you’re expressing your current knowledge, not a noun or a skill. Know-how would imply practical ability or how to do something, which isn’t the purpose of this first step. Knowledge is a noun referring to information in general, but the chart prompts you to state your actual, active knowledge (“I know that…”) rather than a label for information. Keep has no relation to prior knowledge in this context. For example, before studying photosynthesis, you might jot: “Know: Plants use light to make energy.” This sets a starting point, then you list what you want to learn and later what you learned.

The K stands for what you already know about the topic. In the KWL chart, you start by stating your existing knowledge so you can connect new information to what you’ve learned before and identify gaps you want to fill. Using the verb form “Know” reinforces that you’re expressing your current knowledge, not a noun or a skill.

Know-how would imply practical ability or how to do something, which isn’t the purpose of this first step. Knowledge is a noun referring to information in general, but the chart prompts you to state your actual, active knowledge (“I know that…”) rather than a label for information. Keep has no relation to prior knowledge in this context.

For example, before studying photosynthesis, you might jot: “Know: Plants use light to make energy.” This sets a starting point, then you list what you want to learn and later what you learned.