Close reading

What is close reading?

Close reading is a meaningful reading and rereading of a piece

of text. This purposeful reading is designed to help the student
gain more knowledge of text structure, be able to determine
what’s important, and have a deeper understanding of the
author’s purpose. The ultimate goal is for the student to be
prepared to answer complex questions.

Close reading includes:

 using short passages and excerpts

 divide right in the text with limited pre-reading activites
 Focusing on the text itself
 Rereading deliberatly
 Noticing things that are confusing
 Discussing the text with others
 Responding to text- dependant questions

Why is close reading important?

Close reading is important because it helps readers understand a

text in-depth. The strategy helps readers comprehend how an
author purposefully used certain words and literary techniques to
elucidate overarching ideas. Understanding the text on such a
detailed level informs critical analysis.