Where can I find suggestions for higher-level thinking questions for high school English?

Question

I want to write questions that will require the students to really think about the books we read before they answer the question. I am disatisfied with the material in our department. There are too many multiple choice, factual memory question tests and assignments. I don't believe that the purpose of an English class is to know Hamlet's uncle's shoe size.

I'm looking for websites that offer suggestions, tips, or examples, for writing really thought provoking questions and assignments.

Answer 1

First thing would be to get rid of shakespeare.

Get some books regarding utopian societies or books that have a science fiction basis. Anything by Robert Heinlein or Larry Niven might do.

Then the questions are about how society might end up reflecting the themes of the books. Forward looking analysis if you will.

The main benefit is that the books will reflect contemporary issues. The main language will be english and not some obscure obsolete dialect that requires translation as you go.

If you stick with shakespeare then you are making pearly gates out of mud fences. Get people interested in reading and we will have less illiteracy. Thought provoking questions are not possible when even the instructors have to work on getting through the basic story.

Best english course I ever had was a grade 12 science fiction creative writing course.

I like reading. I read widely and frequently. I'll never pick up shakespeare again though; not worth the effort.

Answer 2

I completely agree with you.  Have you looked into Bloom's Taxonomy?  The Level II questions (analysis, synthesis, evaluation) really get kids thinking, and they can be applied to any content area, any book, any assignment.  Look for key question words tied to each level.  I ask my students to create  questions based on these levels (yes, even for Shakespeare -- that person needs to shut it) and then I pick the best ones for their essay choices.

An example of a question for Hamlet might be to analyze his soliloquies and evaluate his mental state based on what he says.

This site gives good sample questions for each level (and you'll also find those "shoe size" questions are at the lowest levels):

http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/researchs...