How can a teacher assess students' conclusions about specific events in a text?

Using journal prompts that require evidence allows students to formulate and articulate their conclusions about specific events in a text. This approach emphasizes critical thinking and comprehension skills as students must reflect on their understanding and support their conclusions with textual evidence. By writing in journals, students engage with the material more deeply, providing opportunities for self-expression while also honing their ability to analyze and interpret details from the text. This method also encourages students to make connections between events and themes, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the narrative.

Other options, such as quizzes or multiple-choice questions, may assess recall of facts rather than deeper analytical thinking. Similarly, while organizing debates can be a dynamic way to discuss text, it may not guarantee that each student reflects individually on their conclusions with the same depth as journal prompts.