■        What genre would you classify “The Case for Reparations”? What kind of writing is this? Why would you classify it as part of this genre? How might this particular genre help Coates achieve his purpose?

■         What are your initial reactions to Coates’ article, “The Case for Reparations”? Did you find the piece to be particularly moving, powerful, insightful, etc.? Did you think it fell flat or could have been improved in some way? If so, why/how?

■        Can you relate to this article in any way?

■        What is Ta-Nehisi Coates’ purpose for writing “The Case for Reparations”? What does he want his audience to believe after reading this article? Does he want them to take any specific action? Can you point to any moments in the text where Coates directly states his intentions?

■        Who is the intended audience for this article – who does Coates seem to be addressing? How do you know? Are there any specific ways that he must address this particular audience?

■        How would you characterize Coates’ tone throughout the piece? Does it change depending on his topic? If you were to describe how this piece “sounds,” what words might you use? Can you point to any specific examples from the text?

■        Based on the tone that Coates uses, what is his stance toward his subject? How does he feel about this particular topic? Can you provide examples from the text?

■        Pick one piece of evidence that you found particularly convincing or moving, and discuss it in detail. How does this particular piece of evidence affect the reader? How does it help Coates achieve his purpose?

■        Does it seem particularly important to the writer’s purpose? If so, why?

■        -        Does it connect with another section of the text, or introduce crucial information?

■        -        Does the passage remind you of another text or writer? Why?

■        -        Do you agree or disagree strongly with the passage? Why?

■        What is the overall topic, or message, of this chapter? 

■        How is the chapter arranged (organized)? 

■         What evidence does Coates use to support his claims? 

■        How does Coates address his readers? Do any specific words or sentences stand out to you as being particularly powerful or effective? 

■         How does this chapter fit into Coates' larger argument?