PIA Socratic Seminar Reflection

Malaika Hall

Hon. English/per.3

January 13^th 2014

Socratic Seminar Final Reflection

            In our Socratic Seminar we had a discussion about our answers to PIA. This PIA primarily focused on our ability to analyze speeches. This Seminar reassured the answers I chose and in some cases changed my whole view on the question. For example I still believe that “life is unfair” is the theme of the third passage, while many of my other classmates felt the theme was about justice. From this seminar I was able to see different point of views and ways of thinking that may help me on the next PIA.

            One statement that I agreed with the most was how many of these questions are worded in a way where the answer is almost up to interpretation.” Something I didn’t agree with was that the basic root of America’s problems was corrupt banking. Social unrest would be a more suitable answer. Something I would say is that author of the poem in the PIA’s purpose was not to show how much of a struggle poverty is and how only people who have experienced it can understand his pain.

            In my opinion allowing each group to analyze at least one of the excerpts was really helpful. That way the second group could see even more ways they can be more open to other answers while take these types of tests. This most likely helped our over all test taking strategies and skills.

            Knowing the answers to the test would be very helpful, and allow us to compare our thinking to its exactness. It would also be helpful if focused on the questions most people got wrong. This might help to save time.