Contrasts and Contradictions
When your reading and a character says or does something that’s the opposite of what he/she has been saying or doing all along?
WHY IS THE CHARACTER DOING THAT?
The answer could help you make a prediction make an inference about the plot.
AHA Moment
When you’re reading and suddenly a character realizes, understands or finally figures something out.
HOW MIGHT THIS CHANGE THINGS?
If the character figured out a problem, you probably learned about the conflict. If the character understood a life lesson you probably learned about the theme.
Memory Moment
When you’re reading and the author interrupts the action to tell you a memory.
WHY MIGHT THIS MEMORY BE IMPORTANT?
The answers will tell you about the theme, conflict or might foreshadow what will happen in the story.
Words of the Wiser
When you’re reading and a character (who’s older and wiser) takes the main character aside and gives serious advice.
WHAT IS THE LIFE LESSON, AND HOW MIGHT IT AFFECT THE CHARACTER?
Whatever the lesson is, you’ve probably found the theme for the story.
Again and Again
When you’re reading and you notice a word, phrase, object or situation mentioned over and over.
WHY DOES THIS KEEP SHOWING UP AGAIN?
This answers will tell you about the theme and conflict, or they might foreshadow what will happen later.
Tough Question
When you’re reading and the character asks himself a really difficult question.
WHAT DOES THIS QUESTION MAKE ME WONDER ABOUT?
The answers will tell you about the conflict that might give you ideas about what will happen in the story.