If a reader wants to evaluate a text, which is the best question to ask while
reading it?
o
a. how long is this text, and how quickly does it get to the point?
o
b. when did the author of this text decide on its goals, and when did
he write it?
o
c. what are the goals of the text, and what elements achieve
those goals?
d. where else is there a text with similar goals that used different
elements?
o

Why is it important for students to establish some common values before beginning a discussion

When reading a poem closely to interpret its meaning and nuances, what can give you clues about the theme of the poem? a the rhyme scheme b. the stanza structure c. the title of the poem d. the name of the poet

Read the excerpts from part 3 of "an occurrence at owl creek bridge." a rising sheet of water curved over him, fell down upon him, blinded him, strangled him! the cannon had taken a hand in the game. as he shook his head free from the commotion of the smitten water he heard the deflected shot humming through the air ahead, and in an instant it was cracking and smashing the branches in the forest beyond. *** a whiz and rattle of grapeshot among the branches high above his head roused him from his dream. the baffled cannoneer had fired him a random farewell. he sprang to his feet, rushed up the sloping bank, and plunged into the forest. *** as he is about to clasp her he feels a stunning blow upon the back of the neck; a blinding white light blazes all about him with a sound like the shock of a cannon—then all is darkness and silence! what function does the motif of the cannon serve throughout the story? the cannon continually pushes farquhar to continue his journey through his dream and back to reality. the cannon encourages farquhar to investigate whether his escape was a dream or reality. the cannon reminds farquhar that time is subjective and encourages him to move quickly in order to reach his home. the cannon represents farquhar’s romantic dream that he escaped his execution and will return home.