Asking Thoughtful Questions
Student-Lead Socratic
Seminar
Pre-Writing Seminar
Before you come to a Socratic Seminar
class, please read the assigned text and
write at least one question in each of the
following categories:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
world connection question
Close-ended question
Open-ended question
Universal theme/ core question
Literary analysis question
World Connection Question
This question connects the text to the
real world.
ex. How would you react to seeing
someone rifle through your garbage?
(after reading “On Dumpster Diving”)
Close-Ended Question
This is a question that will help
everyone in the class come to an
agreement about events or characters
in the text. The question usually has
a “correct” answer.
Ex. When did Eighner begin dumpster
diving?
Open-Ended Question
This is an insightful question about
the text that will require proof and
group discussion. The goal is to
discover or explore the answer.
Ex. Is Lars’ situation temporary? Or does
he prefer to be homeless?
Universal Theme/ Core Question
This question deals with the theme(s)
of the text that will encourage group
discussion about the universality of
the text (in other words, why is this
text important to literature?).
Ex. What does the author imply about the
true nature social status?
Literary Analysis Question
This question deals with HOW an
author chose to compose a literary
piece. How did the author manipulate
point of view, characterization, poetic
form, archetypal hero patterns, etc.
Ex. How does the tone of the piece help
establish trust between the author and
the reader?
Homework for Seminar Day
You will be required to read Act 3 for our next
Seminar Day.
Write 5 questions (one of each question) on index
cards
On the day of the Seminar, turn in your index
cards when class starts
Students who do not have index cards will not
participate and will be required to write an essay
while others participate in seminar
The student leader will run the seminar. He/She
will gather all of the cards and use them to lead
discussion.
Each time you respond during seminar mark your
post-it with a tally. Once you have 5 tally marks,
you must remain quiet or invite someone who
hasn’t spoken to join the discussion.
Seminar Day Guidelines
Be prepared to participate
Don’t raise hands (student leader must
keep control so that everyone has a turn)
Invite others into the discussion
Refer to the text, provide support for your
answer by quoting the text
Comments must be appropriate/
respectful/ focused
Listen to and build on one another’s
comments, summarize the previous
comment before making your own.
Seminar Day Guidelines
Talk to each other, not just to the leader
Stuck to the point currently under
discussion, make notes about ideas you’d
like to come back to
It’s ok to “pass” when asked to contribute
Do not stay confused, ask for clarification
Discuss ideas rather than each other’s
opinions
The teacher will not participate in seminar,
unless asked
Evaluating Participation: Did you…
sign clearly?
cite reasons and evidence?
use the text to support your ideas?
listen to others respectfully?
stick with the subject?
Talk to each other, not just the leader?
Paraphrase accurately?
Support each other?
Avoid hostile exchanges?
Seem prepared?
Socratic Seminar Rubric
See the rubric for information on how
to get an A for Socratic Seminars
When do we start???
Our first Socratic Seminar will be on
Wednesday!
For the rest of today, keep working on
your Crucible Layered Projects (due
oct. 5th!!!)
Remember: Crucible Final: Oct. 5th