Socratic Seminar on Of Mice and Men
English 10/Speech
You MUST have answers for the Grounding Question and all
Initiating Questions written down (or typed) and ready for the
beginning of class in order to participate (and get the full points) in the
Socratic Seminar.
Grounding Question: Do you think you would like the life of an itinerant worker (such as George
and Lennie). Why or why not?
Initiating Questions: When writing answers for these, include lines/quotes with page numbers
from the book to support each answer.
1. John Steinbeck develops the idea that the characters in this novel are not very good at
controlling their own lives. Discuss how the things they talk about—their hopes and
dreams—reveal how shabby and small their lives are.
2. Do you think that George did the right thing (in regards to Lennie) at the end of the
novel? Why or why not?
3. How does Steinbeck use foreshadowing in the novel? Give some examples and discuss
their effectiveness.
4. Discuss themes of the novel. What is the message(s) Steinbeck is trying to convey to us?
5. Does Of Mice and Men make a better book or movie? Explain your answer with
examples.
Socratic Seminar Guidelines
1) Read the material before participating in the seminar.
2) Create answers for the Grounding and Initiating questions. Mark the novel with post it
notes. Your answers should include lines/quotes with page numbers from the book.
3) Everyone must answer the Grounding question and speak at least TWO other times.
4) Avoid side conversations. You could lose points this way.
5) Engage in active listening strategies.
6) Avoid being a conversation-hog.
7) Raising hands is not needed unless someone is monopolizing the conversation and you
can’t get a word in edgewise.
8) The seminar does not need to be or stay focused around the Initiating questions. Other
questions and topics related to the text are encouraged.
Grading-- Not speaking in a Socratic Seminar is NOT an option.
A
Answers the Grounding question. Speaks at least two more times during the seminar and
uses specific examples (cites the text). Contributions are insightful, thought-provoking, and move
the discussion forward.
B-F
Doesn’t meet the above expectations.
*NOTE* If you are not fully prepared for the Socratic Seminar at the beginning of class, you
must still listen. You will not receive points for the discussion. In order to receive partial credit,
you will need to write one page where you summarize the Socratic Seminar and offer at least two
insights of your own.