1. 3 Levels of Questions
When readers examine literature closely, they are likely to ask themselves questions that fall into roughly three categories.

2. Level 1 Questions – On the Line
These questions can be answered explicitly by facts contained in the text or by information accessible in other resources.
The answers are directly stated in the text.
Avoid writing Level 1 Questions for literature circles. They will not generate discussion.

3. Level 1 Question Examples
What does the main character look like?
What is the setting?
Who is the antagonist?

4. Level 2 Questions – Between the Line
These questions are textually implicit, requiring analysis and interpretation of specific parts of the text.
Clues are found in the text, but students must analyze the text for the answer.
These questions are acceptable for literature circles but do not generate the most interesting discussion.

5. Level 2 Question Examples
Why did the author begin the story with a description of the weather?
How does the way the main character is dressed serve as a symbol?
How does the author use the device of personification to create a tone of terror in the last paragraph?
What is the character’s tone when addressing the Nazi officer?

6. Level 3 Questions – Beyond the Line
These questions are much more open-ended and go beyond the text.
They are intended to provoke a discussion of an abstract idea or issue.
They are related to the text, but the answers are not necessarily found in the text.
These questions generate interesting discussion.

7. Level 3 Question Examples
Is it ever okay to be racist? Prove your answer.
What was harder, living in the concentration camp or facing death in the gas chamber?
How does death affect a child?

8. 3 Levels of Question
Remember: Prepare one great Level 3 question for each literature circle.
Write your question at the bottom or on the back of your literature circle role.
NO “HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF…” QUESTIONS
To recap: For each circle, prepare
1 Level 3 question + your assigned role.