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Name _____________________________ Date ________________ Period ________ Before you can ask the hard questions you have

to know what the hard questions are. There are two types of questions that will deliver the most critical type of inquiry. Please read the following descriptions. You will need to know what makes one type of question different from the other. Take notes in the margins of this paper as needed.

Questioning Questions ask about the parts of the text that seem insignificant or that
don't quite seem to make sense. They're the parts where you, as the read, go, "What? Why in the world is the author doing ...? He/She must just be filling space." There is where you are wrong. The author isn't just filling space and now you have to figure out what it all means. Questioning Questions try and figure out the answer. There are no "right" or "wrong" answers to these questions. If you can textually support your answer, you are right. If you can't, you are wrong. How to Write and Answer Questioning Questions Identify the parts of the text that don't seem to make sense or that seem insignificant Write the question that you naturally asked as you read Look for anything in the text that could provide insight Develop a hypothesis that is supported by the text in presenting your answer, discuss what you think and why you think that. What in the text led you to your conclusion? Words to Use

How is _____ related to ...? Why do you think ...? What is the relationship between ...? Why is the focus ...? Why did the character ...?

Predicting Questions attempt to delineate the purpose of the text according to the author
and yourself (these will most likely be different). Predicting Questions try to connect images, symbolism, and images to the purpose of the reading. Again, there are not "right" or "wrong" answers. If your answer is soundly supported from the text, it is right. And if you answer is not soundly supported from the text, you know what it is - wrong. How to Write and Answer Predicting Questions Look at images, symbols, and re-occurring issues Looking at things like the title, beginning and end, in particular Write questions that tie your discoveries to the purpose of the text Look for anything in the text that could provide insight Develop a hypothesis that is supported by the text In presenting your answer, discuss what you think and why you think that. What in the text led you to your conclusion? Words to Use What is your opinion of ...? Why did they ...? How could you explain ...? Why was it better that ...? How would you compare the ideas/people ...?

Macbeth Williamson

Name _____________________________ Date ________________ Period ________

Socratic Seminar Tracking Grid


You have the opportunity to make four (4) comments during this seminar. Please track the comments you make ensuring that for each comment you include part or all of the components delineating a critical thinker. Comment 1 2 3 4 Analysis Text Connections Reference

Analysis: Analyze the text and discuss the original conclusions you come to. Mention ideas you come up with pertaining to themes or issues in the text, or add your original thoughts to an issue someone else has brought up. Stay on topic. Get deep. Wow the class. Text: Reference specific examples from the text that either support or disprove the claim being discussed. Refer the class to the page or line you're talking about. Connections: Apply the concept in question to areas outside of the text area. How is the idea in question proven o disproven in your world? Reference: Evaluate what others say and then either challenge or build off of them. Show that you are listening to your peers. ("I agree with Sarah" doesn't count.)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name_______________________ Total: _________x2= _________

Socratic Seminar Self-Assessment Grading Rubric All scores will be x2 to achieve final grade.
I showed a clear and deep understanding of novel themes. I worked well with many parts of the novel. I acknowledged and built off of others' comments, yet I wasn't domineering.

10

other:________

other:________

I related my comments and questions back to the novel.

I was present at the seminar meaning that I was listening contributing, not having side conversations.

other:________

other:________

Macbeth Williamson

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