English 9H
Tom Sawyer
The Questions
For selected reading assignments, you will write at least two questions on a given 3x5
card.
Literal Questions: Who, what, where, when, how
7 pts.
Critical questions: Why
8 pts.
Analytical questions: Questions where you must make connections. The question
should create a bridge between the text and the authors intention, or perhaps the book’s
social norms and today’s, or a character’s experience and your own. Analysis questions
also ask you to extend the information presented in a passage to another setting,
find patterns, or even infer from the passage – that is, read between the lines. 9 pts.
Avoid:
o sharing questions with friends or neighbors-points will be
be shared as well.
o Late cards will not be accepted. Only absent people can
turn in a late card.
o Questions not completed when cards are stamped will
receive half credit.
The Discussion
o On days where we use the 3x5 cards are stamped, we will have a discussion.
Everyone is required to speak twice (questions and answers count) during the
course of reading the novel (20 points total). After, discussion points will be
tracked and accumulated.
o At the very end of the discussion of the book, the top 1/3 of students who
accumulated the most discussion points will receive 10 extra-credit points. The
next third of students who accumulated discussion points will receive 5 extracredit points. The final 1/3 of the class will receive a great deal of appreciation.
o Negative points can be accumulated for side conversation, working on other
assignments during discussion, sleeping during discussion, talking to neighbors
during discussion, talking about the discussion during the discussion to someone.
NOTE: When one decides to take on the adventure of climbing a mountain, riding a chair lift up the side should not be confused with climbing.
Avoid reading aids, Spark Notes, Cliff Notes, or other online aids, and videos while reading Great Expectations. Struggling through Dickens will
make you a stronger reader and a more confident student. You will attain more reading skills and knowledge. Rely on the class to find out what
you want to know. –Metaphor courtesy of Steve Billeau.