What type of questions should an ESE teacher ask when working with students using semantic analysis?

• A. What does the character think?
• B. What does it mean when the character talks to his father?
• C. How does the character feel in the story?
• D. What is the setting of the story?

Answer: (B)

When working with students using semantic analysis, the focus is on understanding the meaning behind text and the relationships between characters, events, and their significance within the narrative. The chosen response emphasizes deeper critical thinking about the dialogue and interactions between characters, which is vital for grasping nuanced aspects of the text.

Asking what it means when the character talks to his father encourages students to consider not just the words spoken, but the emotional, cultural, or contextual implications of that dialogue. This type of question promotes analysis of character relationships, motivations, and themes, fostering a richer understanding of the text that goes beyond surface-level comprehension.

In contrast, the other options prompt responses related to character feelings, thoughts, or setting descriptions, which, while still important, do not delve into the interpretive analysis of dialogue and interaction that is central to semantic analysis. The focus on the implications of communication between characters aligns closely with the goals of developing students' ability to engage critically with texts. This approach also cultivates their capacity to infer meaning and understand the complexities inherent within narrative relationships.