Some Suggestions for What to Write in Your Socratic Seminar Prep Notes

Remember, the purpose of taking notes on what we read is two-fold:

1. Create a record of what you were thinking about as you read. It is a transcript of what was going on in your head while reading.

2. Prepare for our seminar discussion on the text, ensuring you can contribute in a meaningful manner.

These are some things you might do in your notes:

• Write down unfamiliar words. Try to figure out what they mean.

• Write down questions that occur to you about things you don’t understand, or about things you want to discuss.

• Write down things you think are particularly important, and write why.

• Write notes about what the reading section makes you think of, perhaps another text or event in your life.

• Write your personal reaction to the text, whether you agree or disagree with the author and why.

• Write a short paraphrase of any sentence or concept that seems more difficult. This way you will be able to remember it more easily later.

**Most importantly, use the question stems on the handout provided to help you craft questions that you would like the group to discuss.