JUST WHAT IS…“CLOSE READING”

Definition

Close reading means reading to uncover layers of meaning that lead to deep comprehension.

Here are five simple strategies to help think about the text more critically.

• Number the paragraphs• Chunk the text• Underline and circle with a purpose• Left margin: What is the author SAYING?• Right margin: Dig deeper into the text

Number the Paragraphs

• Many questions ask you to refer to the text.

• One simple way to do this is by numbering each paragraph, section or stanza in the left hand margin.

• When you’re writing to a response refer to the paragraphs #’s where you’re referencing information.

Chunk the Paragraphs

• Breaking up the text into smaller sections (or chunks) makes the page much simpler.

• Do this by drawing a horizontal line between paragraphs to divide the page into smaller sections.

• No right or wrong way to chunk the text

Underline and Circle with a Purpose

• Don’t just underline “stuff” you think is important

• Underline and circle very specific things• If it’s a persuasion article/letter you should

identify the belief statements that the author is making.

• When studying poetry, underline the imagery you find throughout the poem.

Underline and Circle with a Purpose

• Circle specific items– i.e. key terms that are defined or repeated

throughout the text–figurative language (i.e. idioms,

personification, similes, metaphors)

Left margin: What is the author SAYING?

• What is the text saying?• Summarize what the author is saying in just

that small, specific chunk.• Summarize each chunk in 10 words or less. • Use context clues to write the meaning of

unknown words.

Right margin: Dig deeper into the text

• What is the text doing?• Complete a specific task for each chunk– Use a power verb to describe what the author is

DOING. (For example: Describing, illustrating, arguing, etc..)

– Represent the information with a picture.– Ask questions– Make predictions, connections