Sharing Fiction with a Partner

Reading fictional stories is fun and informative. It is fun because fiction contains action and suspense: You want to find out what happens to the main character. Fiction is informative because it can help you better understand yourself, other people, and life in general.

Fiction becomes even more enriching when you share it with classmates. You can talk about characters, discuss exciting scenes, and wonder about the main point of the story. This activity will help you share ideas before, during, and after your reading.

Your Turn Choose a piece of fiction to read with a partner. (A novel will require more sharing sessions than a short story.) Share your experience by discussing these questions before, during, and after your reading.

Before Reading

1. What does the title and artwork tell me about this story?
2. Who wrote this, when, and why?
3. What do I expect to happen in this story?

While Reading

1. Who is the narrator?
2. Where and when does the story take place?
3. What problem is the main character facing?
4. How do I feel about the main character? Why?
5. What has been the most important event up to now? Why?
6. What do I expect to happen next?

After Reading

1. How does the main character deal with his or her problem?
2. How does he or she change by the end of the story?
3. Does the ending come as a surprise? Why or why not?
4. Is there anything about the plot that I still wonder about?
5. What does this story teach me?