This template can be used to prepare for discussing an entire book or any part (paragraph, page, section, or chapter) of a book. As written, the questions and statements assume you are using one template for the entire book. Italicized print follwing the questions are only suggestions to get Marines on task. Local variations to make this template more effective are encouraged.
1. Identify the author’s mission (task and purpose in writing this book.
Task may be expressed in terms like “to describe, “ “ to relate the events associated with, “ “ to explain, “ “to discuss,” “to analyze, “ “to use fiction as a means to,” “to address the problem of,” “to inquire into the circumstances surrounding,” “to propose” or “to argue ( a particular point).” The purpose is a statement of what the author wants the reader to take away from the book and may be expressed with “to educate,” “to convince,” “to inspire,” “to recommend a solution,” etc.
2. What part of the book was the most effective in accomplishing the author’s mission? What part of the book was the least effective
Identify the most and least convincing arguments based on what the author wrote reconciled with your experiences. For fiction, what part of the story really drew you in and what part was least interesting?
3. What does the author assume to be true in order to accomplish his mission?
Does the author validate these assumptions in the book?

4. The part of the book that is most relevant to what I / we do is: