Lesson 4: Discovery through questioning
In the 4th lesson for unit 2, we will be learning how to ask questions.
Learning how to ask questions about something is a good way to begin to analyze it.
This lesson says that there are three different types of questions.
Learning how to ask questions about something is a good way to begin to analyze it.
This lesson says that there are three different types of questions.
The Three different types of questions
1. Literal
I literally already know what a literal question is, literally. (Sorry, couldn't resist).
This is the type of question that is answered easily. You can find the answer directly in the text.
2. Interpretive
This type of question is not answered with words that are directly written in the text. This type of question needs an interpretation--not a literal interpretation (it's not like the question is in a different language), but an interpretation of the information you've read. You'll need to read and understand what's going on without being specifically told what's going on.
For example if I write, "My friend slammed the door and walked away." You might say, "Oh, was she mad?"
You have created an interpretive question by figuring out that the actions of my friend are those that people demonstrate when they are mad or upset.
This isn't hard. You interpret things all day, everyday. But now, you'll need to be aware of how you interpret written work---like character's actions in stories.
It's one of the best and most tricky things about reading--trying to figure out what's going on without having the author tell you step-by-step what's happening or what a character is thinking. As a reader, you interpret the author's message all the time. For this lesson, you're supposed to demonstrate how to create questions off of what you interpret.
3. Evaluative
This type of question deals with right and wrong (ethics), and/or personal experiences that you can relate to what the character in the book is going through.
Spend time on slide 2 to read through each of these different type of questions, see examples and practice identifying the different types of questions.
You'll need to be pretty comfortable with each of these, as you'll be quizzed on them at the end of the lesson.
fables
Ok, so you are reading your novel, we are reading 'Little Brother' in this unit, why not through another thing to read into the mix??
Sure, let's do it! How about reading three fables? A fable is a very short story that features talking animals. Fables are known for giving life lessons.
There are three fables on slide 4. Click the 'Text Version' link at the bottom of the interactive window to bring up each of these fables; 'The Lion and the Mouse,' 'The Ant and the Grasshopper,' and 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf.'
Maybe the interactive shows up in Chrome, but on my IE, I had to click the text version link for them to appear.
There are practice and example questions re-enforcing the three different question types. I wouldn't recommend spending a ton of time with the drop downs if you feel comfortable wit the three different question types.
meet marcus
On slide 6, we begin to read an excerpt from a online novel called 'Little Brother.'
We will be reading a bit of this excerpt in each lesson for the next several lessons.
In this lesson, we will read the beginning of Marcus' story and practice asking questions about what we've learned about his character from the little bit we've read about him. In other words, will begin to analyze the character of Marcus.
Be sure to click the 'Questions' tab on slide 6 to see examples of how to ask literal. interpretive and evaluative questions about the character.
I will provide the entire 'Little Brother' reading excerpt for you here:
We will be reading a bit of this excerpt in each lesson for the next several lessons.
In this lesson, we will read the beginning of Marcus' story and practice asking questions about what we've learned about his character from the little bit we've read about him. In other words, will begin to analyze the character of Marcus.
Be sure to click the 'Questions' tab on slide 6 to see examples of how to ask literal. interpretive and evaluative questions about the character.
I will provide the entire 'Little Brother' reading excerpt for you here:
virtual backpack
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A VIRTUAL BACKPACK!
It's just a fancy-way of saying, 'Hey, keep this handy! You'll need to have it for later in the course!'
There are a lot of things on the list for the virtual backpack (no such thing) on slide 8.
Let's talk about each one:
Text Analysis Graphic Organizer: this is the packet you'll fill out for your chosen novel. If you do not already have it, get it. Download it and start filling it out. Continue filling it out as you continue to read your novel. You'll turn in the completed packet into a drop box in lesson 10.
The second bullet point says, "Take some time now to ask and answer some questions about your protagonist."
This means the protagonist (you know this term, right? HINT: it's a type of character)) for your chosen novel.
The third bullet point tells you to write this information about your novel's protagonist into the Connecting with Character section of the Text Analysis Graphic Organizer.
So, the first three bullet points are asking you to begin filling out the novel packet and hold on to it.
The fourth bullet point says that if you'd like an example of how to fill out the Text Analysis Graphic Organizer (I also call it the novel packet), click the link. The lesson uses the story 'Little Brother' to fill out the packet, BUT YOU WILLUSE YOUR CHOSEN NOVEL.
You may also click here to see a real student from last semester's example.
Ok, almost through the list...
The 5th bullet point gives you a 'Question Cheat Sheet' to use as a guide. A guide for what? I'm not sure...perhaps for your quiz at the end of the lesson..? (yes).
The last bullet point reminds you that you will turn in your completed packet novel later in the unit (guess what? it's in lesson 10).
Now you understand what all that virtual backpack stuff is!
On to the quiz!!
Assessment: quiz
There is a 7 question quiz on this lesson.
Be sure you know:
literal, interpretive, evaluative-type questions
That's it and that's all!!
See you in lesson 5!!
Be sure you know:
literal, interpretive, evaluative-type questions
That's it and that's all!!
See you in lesson 5!!