How to develop focus questions

1. What is _________, according to this text? according to you? according to other groups? (i.e., based on gender, culture, socioeconomic class, age/generation, etc.)

success

happiness

freedom

courage

heroism

scary

patriotism

loyalty

love / lasting relationship

friendship

American dream

fatherhood

motherhood

manhood

the simple life

power

human-animal relationships

human-nature relationships

coming of age

2. ethical/moral question

Is ________________ ever justified?

revenge

killing

murder

lying

stealing

rebellion

hate

war ("War! What is it good for?" - song by Edwin Starr)

dishonesty (see http://www.honestylab.com/ "Honesty Lab" for great focus questions and video "tests")

3. questioning "common sense" sentiments:

Beauty is only skin deep. (Not really: appearances DO matter)

You can't judge a book by its cover. (actually, most of the time, you can...)

Good always prevails over evil. / Things happen for a reason.

Winners never quit, and quitters never win.

You can be anything you want to be. The sky's the limit.

Life isn't fair. (Should it be fair?)

What doesn't kill you, makes you strong.

You make your own luck.