Part A

1. Read the Holman Study Guide, pp. 33-34 of Chapter 4, "Observation and Interpretation."

2. Carefully study the scripture passage for this week and record six to eight of your most significant observations. Strive for variety in the "relations" that you observe. For this and succeeding assignments which call for "observations," divide your observations as equally as possible between:

Category 1: How the segment relates to the preceding segment or segments, generally and/or at specific points.

Category 2: Insights within a single paragraph of the segment; select only one paragraph for all observations in this category (for 2:1-3:6 use either the third or fourth paragraph, but not both).

Category 3: Relationships between corresponding words, phrases, clauses, events, or ideas, any of which span any two or more paragraphs of this segment.

Category 4: Relationships between any two or more paragraphs as wholes of this segment. Take into account a pervasive theme of each paragraph concerned (but seeking especially to identify the main theme of the respective paragraphs), before stating your literary relationships. Such an overall theme should pertain to historical or ideological "material."

Clearly identify "relationships" in your observations and give the numerical category (see the above numbering) of each kind of observation in your left margin.

3. Give brief titles to the paragraphs

Part B

1. Read the Holman Study Guide, pp. 34-36 of Chapter 4, "Observation and Interpretation."

2. Record five to seven of your most significant observations that pertain to either paragraph three or four, but not both. You may include observations made in part A, but you will probably wish to "observe" further before asking interpretive questions. Of course you should observe paragraph structure, but it is especially helpful to observe broad paragraph structure before asking (related) interpretive questions.

3. Record five to seven of your most important interpretive questions, pairing them with the corresponding observations. Do not separate your interpretive questions from their observations! Pair your questions directly with their observations! Do not restate or rephrase observations before asking interpretive questions! Do not include separate sections for observations and interpretive questions! Always pair them together by double-spacing beneath your observations and inserting your interpretive questions! Ask key interpretive questions of your own that are based upon your observations. Avoid asking questions which call for a "yes/no" answer. Note the following examples.

Observation 1: Mark concludes the first paragraph with a double climax, the first which sees the paralytic walking (vss. 10-12a) and the second which sees the crowd glorifying God (vs. 12b).
Interpretive Question: Why does Mark conclude this paragraph with this double climax?

Observation 2: Mark records in 2:15 that Jesus was eating with "sinners." This is clearly a key term here.
Interpretive Questions: What is the meaning of "sinners" as used here? Why was Jesus eating with sinners?

Observation 3: Mark repeats “sinners” twice in verses 16-17.
Interpretive Questions: Why does Mark twice repeat "sinners" in this paragraph? What are the implications of this (answer) in terms of Mark's purpose?

Part A 1. Read the Holman Study Guide, pp. 33-34 of Chapter 4,...