Reading Discussion Questions for Deborah Tannen, pp 26-28, due MON, 10/6
(You don’t need to turn in answers; just come prepared to discuss)
MAIN IDEAS
1. In paragraph 1, why is independence key in a world of status, according to
Tannen? Who focuses on independence, men or women? What does the other
gender focus on?
2. Summarize the different views of men and women in the 2 examples of
couples given (Linda and Josh, Louise and Howie). Explain how these
examples provide evidence of Tannen’s claim that one gender is more
focused on independence and one on intimacy.
3. In paragraph 7, Tannen states some differences in how men and women
handle decision making. Summarize these differences.
4. In the last paragraph (8-9, pp 27-28), what do you think the last sentence
means? Do you agree?
VOCAB IN CONTEXT/PARAPHRASING
5. What’s another way to say “status” in P1?
6. What’s another way to say “warranted” in P5?
7. In the last paragraph (8-9, pp 27-28), what does the following mean: “To
survive in the world, we have to act in concert with others, but to survive as
ourselves, rather than simply as cogs in a wheel, we have to act alone.”