Why and how belong in the same enquiry
Original practice source: a commentary about two kinds of question.
Asking how can make an idea usable. A person discovers the steps, conditions or choices through which a result becomes possible. Asking why may reveal the purpose or reason which gives those steps their meaning.
Either question can be used to avoid the other. A procedure may be followed without considering whether its goal is worthwhile, while an impressive explanation of purpose may leave nobody able to act. A useful enquiry notices which question the situation still needs rather than give one word permanent authority over the other.
A national newspaper is running an essay competition on the statement: “Asking why is more important than asking how.”
Write an essay for the competition arguing your view. You may use ideas from the source and your own ideas.
60 exam-style questions on Oxford AQA IGCSE English Language 2.2.1 Writing for audience and purpose. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.