Generate Discussion Questions for a Novel Chapter

Step‑by‑step tutorial: novel discussion questions for any chapter

Use case: “I need discussion questions for a chapter of a novel.”

This guide shows how to create novel discussion questions in Didaktos AI, organized by thinking level, so your class moves from recalling events to interpreting characters, themes and the author’s craft.

1. Open Didaktos and go to Assessment

1. Log in to Didaktos and open Didaktos AI.
2. On the home screen, click the “Assessment” category.
3. In Resource Type, select “Bloom Question Bank”. It creates 18–24 questions organized by Bloom’s taxonomy, from Remember to Create.

2. Set the subject, grade, standard and format

1. Subject:
   Choose “Language Arts”.
2. Grade Level:
   Choose “Middle School” for 8th grade, or the level that fits the novel.
3. Context / Standard:
   Choose “Common Core ELA”, or your local curriculum.
4. Output Format:
   Didaktos selects “CSV Table” automatically for a question bank, with the columns Level, Question, Expected answer / criteria and Difficulty. Choose “Plain Text” if you prefer a simple list.

3. Write the topic / instructions

1. In Methodology, select the Cooperative tag if students will discuss in small groups or literature circles.
2. Click inside the “Topic / Instructions” text box.
3. Type the following, replacing the title and chapter with your own. This example uses The Call of the Wild, a public‑domain novel you can read free at Project Gutenberg:

   Create novel discussion questions for Chapter 1 of The Call of the Wild for 8th grade. Focus on interpretation, character motivation, theme development, and author’s craft. Include open‑ended questions, text‑dependent questions, and prompts that connect the chapter to its historical or cultural context. Avoid spoilers from later chapters.

4. Optionally, add constraints such as:
   • “Include at least two text‑dependent questions.”
   • “Add one question connecting the chapter to historical context.”
   • “Avoid advanced vocabulary.”

4. (Optional) Attach supporting files

1. Click the “Attach” button.
2. Select a file from your computer, such as a chapter excerpt, your teacher notes or a reading guide: an image, PDF, Word (.docx), .txt, .md or .csv file (max 5 MB).
3. The file appears next to the button. Didaktos uses it so the questions quote and refer to the actual text.

Attaching files is a Didaktos Pro feature. On the free plan, paste a short excerpt in the Topic / Instructions box instead. Learn more about using your own materials.

5. Choose language

1. At the top of the panel, select EN so the discussion questions are generated in English.
2. If you later want a Spanish version, select ES and generate again, or use the Translate action on the result.

6. Generate the discussion questions

1. Review all fields:
   • Resource Type: Bloom Question Bank
   • Subject: Language Arts
   • Grade Level: Middle School
   • Context / Standard: Common Core ELA
   • Methodology: Cooperative
   • Output Format: CSV Table
   • Topic / Instructions: Your detailed request for novel discussion questions
2. Click the “Generate Resource” button.
3. Wait a few seconds while Didaktos creates the discussion questions.

7. Review and refine the result

1. Read the generated questions and check that they:
   • Encourage interpretation and critical thinking, not only recall.
   • Address character motivation, theme, and author’s craft.
   • Include text‑dependent prompts that ask for evidence.
   • Contain no spoilers from later chapters.
   • Are appropriate for 8th‑grade students.
2. Click “Edit” to refine them with a quick suggestion such as “More activities”, or type your own follow‑up request, for example:
   • “Add more open‑ended questions.”
   • “Include a question about symbolism.”
   • “Add a writing extension activity.”
3. For a graded check after the discussion, use the Create quiz action on the result.

8. Save, export, or reuse

1. Click “Template” and give your settings a name, such as “Novel Study – Discussion Questions – 8th Grade”. It appears under Saved templates on the home screen, ready for the next chapter.
2. Open History (the clock icon) to find your recent results again.
3. Use “Download” to get the file, “Copy” to paste the questions into your LMS or discussion guide, or the “Print” view for student handouts.