A question that is too vague
The head of Year 9 asks: "Who goes to clubs a lot?" How much is a lot? Which month? Which clubs?
A search can only answer a question that has been made exact.
Key words
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Purpose | what the query must find out |
| Parameter | a detail that limits a query, such as a month or a count |
| Query | a question you ask a database |
| SQL | the language used to search tables |
| Aggregate | a figure worked out from many rows, such as a count |
| Group | rows put together by a shared value |
| Database | an organised store of data that you can search |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
By the end of this lesson
Note
I can turn a vague question into an exact query and run it.
Starter
Have a go
Starter
3 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.
First identify and assess the purpose
Ask what the answer is for and who reads it. Then list the parameters: the time period, the group, the measure and the limit.
Write the question again, exact: "Which Year 9B pupils came to three or more club sessions in March 2026?"
Parameters of the exact question
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Group | Form 9B |
| Time period | March 2026 |
| Measure | Count of sessions per pupil |
| Limit | 3 or more |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
Check
Have a go
Check
3 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.