Zeitoun

Discussing the novel

You have chosen to have a groups discussion about the novel extract. In these kinds of speaking tasks, I will get information about your abilities to speak English. I will also get some information about your ability to read and understand. When it comes to the last part, a lot of the responsibility rests on you - you have to make sure that you express things that make your comprehension clear. The talking space will also be divided between you, so you will have to use the time you have wisely.

Advice

- Take notes of interesting observations while you read. This will make it easier for you to remember things and make connections during the discussion
- Build and develop on what other people say (don't just repeat the same thing)
- Refer to the text. Quote if possible (shorter passages)
- Stick to the topic! Don't leave the book to discuss other things. The contents of the book is what you should be discussing.

Preparations

- Choose three quotations from the text that you would like to discuss with the class
- Prepare four discussion questions that you would like to discuss with the group
- Choose five characteristics that you feel define the main character, Zeitoun, be prepared to present evidence from the text that support your claims.

During the discussions you may bring the text. It is okay to have notes on the text, but please don't bring additional paperwork.

Reading comprehension 

You have chosen to take an individual reading comprehension test on the novel. This will give me quite a bit of information about your ability to read and understand English and you won't be affected by other class mates while doing this.

Advice

- Read carefully, take notes, underline important passages and look up words and write down definitions.
- Talk to your classmates about things you find difficult to understand

Preparations

- Choose three important quotations from the text. Be prepared to present them and your reason for choosing them during the reading comprehension test
- Choose five characteristics that you feel define the main character, Zeitoun, be prepared to present evidence from the text that support your claims.

You will get additional questions on the test.

During the discussions you may bring the text. It is okay to have notes on the text, but please don't bring additional paperwork.