What is the context of the reading (author, time, setting, audience)? If you cannot discern the context, explain why.

-What is the topic of this text or what is it about and what question does it try to answer?

-What is the thesis of this text or what is the main point that the text argues or tries to get across?

-What examples does this text use to support its argument?
-What were weaknesses of the text—ideas that you oppose or found problematic? What were the strengths of the texts—ideas you support or found intriguing?

-To what specific problem does the text allude? If we fail to meet the specific challenge of this problem, what consequences, in your opinion, might we face?

-What does this text conclude? Or, what is its final message?

-Was the argument convincing—why or why not?

-How can the ideas in this text be applied to other contexts or speak to other readings?