Core Collection

Discussion Techniques

Getting Started

Online Resources

Preparing Questions

List the main point of the book. This will be determined by how the book is set up.

Think of questions that lead to talking about setting.

1. How significant is the setting to the novel?
2. Does the time period affect the way the novel is written?
3. Are you familiar with this time period or did you learn something about it?
4. Is the setting of the story more important than the characters or events?
5. Would the story have been different if it had been set in a different time period?

Think of questions that lead to talking about the characters.

1. Who is the main character of this novel?
2. What traits make this character unique?
3. Describe some the feeling the characters experienced.
4. How does the main character compare to other characters in similar novels?
5. What roles do the minor characters play in the novel?
6. Do you get a sense of how the author feels about the main character?

Think of questions that lead to a discussion of plot.

1. What do you think the main event or idea is in this novel?
2. What are some of the decisions the character makes?
3. Was there an event during the story that you had strong feelings about?
4. Does the author include any subplots? Do they enhance or detract from the story?

Think of questions that lead to talking about conflict or resolution.

1. Is there a major conflict that the main character must overcome?
2. Did the choices resolve conflicts adequately or do they reappear?
3. Can you think of a similar conflict you may have experienced?
4. If you could talk to a character, what advice would you share?
5. What type of universal conflict does the character’s struggle represent?

Think of questions that lead to discussion of character motivation.

1. Choose a situation in the novel and discuss how the character behaves?
2. Does the novel need to give more information to help readers better understand the characters?
3. Have you ever felt or behaved in similar ways to the main character?

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