Discussion

You may be asked to do this in response to readings in one of your texts (individual essays in Opposing Viewpoints, chapters in a primary source text, etc.)

• Identify up to five new vocabulary words: look them up and define them for us (use the glossary in the back of the book, if there is one, or use any other sources)
• Summarize the main idea(s)
• Quote a notable passage (sentence or paragraph) - why did you chose this one?
• Reflect on the reading: describe how the content of this reading relates to your own perspective and/or experience
• Offer any criticism you may have of the arguments or perspective put forth in the reading

Write these things down and be prepared to share in class discussion: 

• You may be selected as the official "discussion starter" for a class discussion (you may simply read what you have prepared in writing - your written preparation will be collected for course credit)
• The class discussion may be more informal and you may be called upon at random to share what you got out of the reading (if you are getting credit for contributions to discussion and you are unprepared to respond when called upon, you won't get credit)
• You may be asked to contribute your observations to a class discussion board

Grading: (for official "discussion starter")

• Completeness: are all the above noted points addressed for all the essays in the chapter?

• How effective your observations were in getting the discussion moving