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| Preparation is the key to a successful book discussion. A familiarity with the book and a solid set of questions give the leader the ammunition to guide and inspire the group rather than flounder around wondering what comes next. Familiarity is gained through careful reading(s) of the book and researching reviews and author background. A solid set of questions takes some creativity and planning. It does not, however, demand an English degree - only a willingness to think through the materials and develop questions that convey what the author has written.<
TYPES OF QUESTIONS
There are three basic types of questions: factual, personal and interpretive. Each type of question is used for a different purpose. A mixture of all three types provides a variety and helps the leader direct the discussion.
Factual - Factual questions ask for information (example: Who was the Thin Man?). They
have a
specific answer. They are used for several reasons:
- to get a discussion started
- to direct the group to a particular section of the book, especially if the discussion is
- stagnating or getting off track
- to get more of the group talking (those hesitant to voice an opinion may start
- responding to an objective question).
Personal - Personal questions ask for a patron's viewpoint (example: What book would
you choose to memorize if you lived in Bradbury's Farenheit 451 world?). This type of
question is used:
- to create a reaction among the participants
- to better understand the members of the group
- to change the tone of the conversation (such as changing the group discussion from
- an "I don't like this book..." to thinking about the book as it relates to their own experiences).
Interpretive - Interpretive questions try to get the participants to delve into the book
(example: Why does Tolstoy give both Anna Karenina's husband and lover the same first
name?). These questions are used:
- to allow the group to see different facets of the work
- to stimulate discussion
- to help participants understand the book
WRITING QUESTIONS
- Read through the material thoroughly. As you read a passage, jot down ideas presented by the author, underlining key passages, noting main characters, etc.
- List the main points presented in the book. This will vary according to the format of the book. Characterization and plot may be important in a novel, while description and accuracy may be vital to a biography. Points to consider include:
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| tone: spirit, mood or attitude toward life that the author transmits (entertaining, sincere, imaginative, humorous, etc.)
content: theme or subject conveyed by the author (insight, credibility, viewpoint, etc.)
form: the pattern by which the theme is presented (structure, language, imagery, characterization, style, etc.)
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Create questions that reflect these points. Try to word these questions so that they guide the group but leave room for diversity.
After formulating these questions, study them and try to answer them. Are they clear? Do they lead to a response?
Make sure the questions cover the entire book and address various facets of the material.
DO'S AND DON'TS IN FORMULATING QUESTIONS
- Ask questions that require a response. Yes or no questions tend to stop the conversation.
- Think through the questions before the discussion. Figure out where the question is going. During the program you can keep leading the group toward a specific point with follow-up questions if you know where you are headed.
- Formulate lots of questions. Don't let the discussion bog down.
- Be flexible. Try to go with the flow of conversation. Be prepared to skip around from question to question and make up new questions on the spot.
- Be brief. Use as few words as possible to convey your questions.
- Use informal language. Don't use buzz words that might intimidate or confuse the group.
- Use a mix of factual, personal and interpretive questions.
- Don't focus on only one aspect, character or portion of the book. Try to touch on all areas.
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