Wuthering Heights Discussion Game

Part 1: The Rules

Unlike the tournament of scholars game, this particular discussion game will be held round-robin style, where each team will face off with each other team.

1. Teams will be given excerpts from the text from which to formulate their questions. Each team will receive the same excerpts so that there are no surprises or obscure references to the text which ensures the other teams have no opportunity to respond properly.

2. Teams will formulate 5 questions from their texts. Questions will receive a score of 0-3, depending on the complexity of the question. This score will later be equated into a grade, which will count as 20% of the total overall grade.

Questions may not be duplicated. Once a team has used a question, any question resembling that question that is asked during play will receive a deduction of 5 points for the team.

3. While in play: One team will take their place in the middle of the room. After taking these places, Team Two will ask one of their questions. I will then appoint one member of the team to answer the question by picking a team members name out of&something. That team member may have input from their teammates, but once the time is up, no one but the member appointed may speak. Team one will have a total of 7 minutes to respond. After the first team members response, Team 3 will ask one of the their questions, and the process will start over again, with a different person being chosen by me to respond to the question. There will be no rebuttals as there were in the tournament of scholars, HOWEVER, groups should prepare answers to their own questions. This preparation of materials will count as 10% of each individuals overall grade.

Points will not be announced after responses or between rounds. The team with the highest overall average will be rewarded with 4 points added to their lowest major grade.

4. So then the question that begs: how will points be awarded for questions and responses. Glad you asked!

For questions, points will be awarded as follows

3- A superior, analytical question that asks the other team to analyze the use of a specific device in the section (How does Virginia Woolfs use of anaphora and polysyndeton contribute to the overall tone of the excerpt)

This question requires analysis into the specific use of rhetorical devices, and requires the team to apply that part to the whole, but is not SO specific as to answer the question for the other team.

2.- An appropriate, analytical question that requires insight into the text as a part and as a whole, but does not require analysis of rhetorical/poetic/schematic device.

1. Question is too broad for a focused response, but does require some aspect of analysis. Question does not require connection from part to the work as a whole.

0. Question is too broad and does not require analysis.

For Answers, points will be awarded as follows.

10: A superior answer that answer each part of the question using analytical voice, with proper textual support, transitions, and commentary. These responses will also link WH to a larger issue in contemporary society or some other literary work (I.e. connecting Heathcliffs bitterness with Satans bitterness in Paradise Lost). NOTE: Connecting to another work is important, but should not dominate your response. If the connection dominates your response, then you are really analyzing that work, not Bronte.

9. Answers the question specifically, with appropriate textual support, transition, and commentary. Pays attention to poetic/rhetorical devices and analyzes their effect. Connects part effectively to whole, and connects to other literary work, but the connection to literary work is awkward, or inappropriate.

8. Comment answers question, but is missing either textual support or transitions. OR perhaps comment does not discuss the effect of poetic/rhetorical devices. OR, comment does not connect part to the work as a whole OR does not connect WH to another literary work.

7. Comment lacks true insight. Comment lacks reference to text OR discussion or poetic/rhetorical devices OR connection of part to a whole, OR connect WH to another literary work.

6. Comment is unacceptably brief, but displays some understand of the question. Does not discuss effect of devices or use transitions appropriately, or quote text. Ends comment with (um&.yeah).

5 and below. Does not address the question, does not speak with the exception of everythings been said, or I agree with him, or something like that.

Point Deductions:PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THIS PART

5-10 points: Disrespect towards opponents based upon severity and frequency.

10 points: Interruption of teammates while they attempt to answer a question&this includes attempts to help after they have begun speaking

10 points: talking, sleeping, or disruption of any kind. If I have to call your name or give you the eyebrow while someone is speaking&guess what you get.

Abstract of points and such:

Preparation: 10% of overall grade

3: 95

2: 85

1: 75

0: 50

Questions: 20% of overall grade

3: 95

2: 85

1: 75

0: 50

Responses: 70 % of overall grade

10: 100

9: 95

8: 86

7: 80

6: 74

5: 70

4: 70

3: 65

2: 60

1: 55

0: 0

The Teams: