3 Levels of Questions When readers examine literature
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3 Levels of Questions When readers examine literature closely, they are likely to ask themselves questions that fall into roughly three categories.
Level 1 Questions – On the Line l These questions can be answered explicitly by facts contained in the text or by information accessible in other resources. l The answers are directly stated in the text. l Avoid writing Level 1 Questions for literature circles. They will not generate discussion.
Level 1 Question Examples l What does the main character look like? l What is the setting? l Who is the antagonist?
Level 2 Questions – Between the Line l These questions are textually implicit, requiring analysis and interpretation of specific parts of the text. l Clues are found in the text, but students must analyze the text for the answer. l These questions are acceptable for literature circles but do not generate the most interesting discussion.
Level 2 Question Examples l Why did the author begin the story with a description of the weather? l How does the way the main character is dressed serve as a symbol? l How does the author use the device of personification to create a tone of terror in the last paragraph? l What is the character’s tone when addressing the Nazi officer?
Level 3 Questions – Beyond the Line l These questions are much more openended and go beyond the text. l They are intended to provoke a discussion of an abstract idea or issue. l They are related to the text, but the answers are not necessarily found in the text. l These questions generate interesting discussion.
Level 3 Question Examples l Is it ever okay to be racist? Prove your answer. l What was harder, living in the concentration camp or facing death in the gas chamber? l How does death affect a child?
3 Levels of Question l Remember: Prepare one great Level 3 question for each literature circle. l Write your question at the bottom or on the back of your literature circle role. l NO “HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF…” QUESTIONS l To recap: For each circle, prepare l 1 Level 3 question + your assigned role.