Learning how to create good discussion/exam questions can better train you to engage in the core elements of literary analysis: formulating a claim, developing an idea, and evaluating evidence. This...

Learning how to create good discussion/exam questions can better train you to engage in the core elements of literary analysis: formulating a claim, developing an idea, and evaluating evidence. This discussion will also show you how to better analyze exam questions before answering them.

Ultimately, good discussion/exam questions should accomplish the goals below. Effective questions followallof these guidelines:

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      Situates the writer in the text by referring to a specific moment, idea, pattern, etc. Often the question starts with a direct quote or summary overview of a theme.

      
      
    
    
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      Focuses on specific aspects of the text (so the writer avoids bland summary answers);

      
      
    
    
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      Uses recognizable analytical terminology.

      
      
    
    
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      Contains specific action verbs that direct the writer on how to answer. SeeBloom's Taxonomy of Action Verbs
      
      Download Bloom's Taxonomy of Action Verbsfor suggestions.

      
      
    
    
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      Be easily understood (craft them well and proofread to avoid confusing sentences);

      
      
    
    
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      Be open-ended and thought-provoking to prompt an analytical response that avoids the trap of yes or no answers.

      
      
    
    
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      Must be answerable directly from a close interpretation of the text while avoiding speculation.

      
      
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

INSTRUCTIONS:

Craft a discussion question from your intersectional reading and analysis this week. Review your notes and analytical writing in the worksheet assignment to find a place to craft a question and then follow the guidelines above. You will need to post a question before you see others' work.

Then, choose a question to analyze and respond to. Use the checklist above to determine whether the question fits the parameters. Indicate whether the question seems interesting and what type of discussion would be sparked by the question. Offer suggestions where needed to help the writer refine and revise their formulation.

Rubric:

1st Post: Your discussion question (which will be evaluated based on the checklist)- 50 points

2nd Post: Your analysis of a classmate's question - 50 points