There are many variations on what makes a good essential question; here are some guidelines being used by students in a "Middle Earth 12" class at D.P. Todd in Prince George:
- an essential question should spark the imagination
- an essential question introduces a problem that has a means of being solved
- an essential question has depth -- dimension and significance
- an essential question pushes thinking, creativity, and authentic inquiry
- an essential question is broad enough to make connections between diverse fields, but still has a recognizable focus
- Can the use of creative writing and visual arts be used to understand and empathize with daily life in a medieval village?
- Why does the legacy of medieval mythology passed down to modern times leave us with the sense that dragons could be real?
- How did the design and construction of castles satisfy the social needs and engineering talents of past societies?
- How and why have monsters such as werewolves developed in modern literature and cinema?
- How has the character and moral purpose of Robin Hood evolved over time to fit modern society and new audiences?
- What do the Spartan, Aztec, and Ancient Chinese cultures have in common regarding the social impact of weapons, armour, and warfare?
- What has been the purpose of calligraphy and related forms of graphic expression in past societies and how has this changed?
- What part of the classic mythological record of Hercules is reflected in modern versions of the story such as Disney's "Hercules?"
- How have various past societies and cultures been shaped by military strategy and weapons technology?
- What patterns are in place in the lore and creation of Dark Souls characters such as Havel the Rock?
- What purpose do the Asgardian Weapons have within Norse Mythology?
- How and why do fictitious "cryptozoological" creatures come into the stories of past European and First Nations cultures?