The Socratic Seminar—English II Pre-AP
A Socratic Seminar is a type of higher-level dialogue based on the Greek philosopher
Socrates. The idea behind the Socratic Method is that it is more important for
students to think for themselves than to merely repeat the “right” answers given by
their teacher. Socrates regularly engaged his pupils in dialogues by responding to
their questions with open-ended questions instead of answers.
Open-ended questions allow people to think critically, analyze multiple meanings in
a text, and express ideas with clarity and confidence. Your job is to seek a deep
understanding of the complex ideas in the text, and you need to apply those ideas to
the larger themes in the text and to your own lives.
It is important to remember that a Socratic Seminar is a dialogue and not a debate.
In other words, we are not looking for a winner. In a Socratic Seminar, every person
in the room not speaking is expected to listen respectfully. Discuss ideas rather than
other’s opinions or feelings.
All participants are expected to…
 Participate actively: Speak, listen, and draw others into the discussion.
 Come prepared with questions and possible answers.
 Ask questions during the seminar.
 Answer three or four questions during the seminar. These may be questions asked
originally or follow-up questions.
 Refrain from interrupting.
 Support ideas with evidence from the text.
 Cooperate in a friendly discussion.
During dialogue, participants may…
 Ask for clarification if a person’s comment confuses them.
 Add to a comment made by another person.
 Respectfully voice an opposing viewpoint.
No one may...
 Criticize anyone’s opinions, comments, or beliefs.
 Interrupt when someone is speaking.
 Respond in a manner that is in any way contemptuous or derogatory.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF SEMINAR PARTICIPANTS
Before the Seminar:
1. Create (2) questions for use during the Socratic Seminar. You may use your packet
or create other original questions based on the entire section we’ve read.
2. ANSWER your two questions. Use quotations and at least ¾ of page to answer
each question.
3. All questions must be original and a result of your own work and thinking.
Plagiarized questions, from an outside source or another student, will result in
automatic failure of the entire assignment.
4. ANNOTATE! Be prepared to cite passages and reference quotations when you
discuss.
5. You may want to jot down further questions, just in case!
During the Seminar:
1. Listen to the questions posed by your classmates and consider potential responses
and issues.
2. Discuss the questions posted, keeping to the subject and nature of the questions,
attempting to analyze, criticize, and connect.
3. Make good use of the text! Responses must be supported by textual evidence to
receive credit. At times, be sure to call attention to specific passages relevant to
the issue at hand. When working with such a passage, cite the page number and
allow time for others in the class to locate it. Then, read it aloud.
4. Pretend the teacher, who will not speak often, is not in the room. Direct your
attention only to your classmates.
5. Take brief notes of points and examples that deepen your understanding, opinions
that differ from your own, and arguments that you find helpful, convincing, or worth
trying to refute. Do not, however, allow note-taking to cause you to lose the thread
of the discussion.
6. Do not stay confused! Ask for clarification.
7. You will be responsible for marking a peer and keeping track of his/her
participation.
Warning:
As this is also an assessment of the Listening and Speaking TEKS for the English II Pre-AP
course, you will be penalized for breaking any of the Socratic Seminar rules. Criticism of
the beliefs and views of others, interrupting a speaker, or responding in a contemptuous or
derogatory manner to anyone will result in a penalty. In addition, you may not ask the
teacher “Do I have to say anything else?”, “Is that enough for an A?”, or any other questions
that are entirely unrelated to the subject at hand.
In addition:
Take care of all personal business (restroom, water, etc.) prior to entering class on the days
of the Socratic Seminar. Students will not be allowed to leave the discussion circle except
in the event of an emergency.
A range
Answers a question in discussion at least three times
Consistently contributes INSIGHTFUL comments—always
referring to author’s purpose/theme
Always explains himself/herself (the WHY of the question)
Pays attention to others speaking 100% of the time (including in
outer circle)
Although the A student contributes to discussion, he/she does
not overpower other students and offers opportunities for others
to answer
B range
Answers a question in discussion at least two times
Consistently contributes INSIGHTFUL comments that show
evidence that the speaker read the novel
Explains himself/herself often
Pays attention to others speaking most of the time (including in
outer circle)
C range
Answers a question in discussion at least once
Comment(s) should show evidence that the speaker read and
understood the novel and its main ideas
May not justify response fully
May be a bit distracted while others are speaking
FAILING
Might only ask a question or questions
Any responses given show evidence that the either student did
NOT read the novel or did not understand main ideas
Is distracted or causes others to be distracted during
conversation
RUBRIC for SOCRATIC SEMINAR
Your Name:
Partner Name:
Socratic Seminar Peer Evaluation Sheet
Directions: Each time your partner does one of the following put a check in the box.
These will serve
as your notes for your final evaluation.
Speaks in the discussion (general responses)
SPECIFICALLY refers to the text (quote with page number)
Asks a question
Engages in side conversation (BAD)
Dominates discussion (BAD)