1. Close Reading
Tips for Success

2. Close Reading: What is it?
Close, analytic reading stresses engaging with a text of sufficient complexity directly and examining meaning thoroughly and methodically, encouraging students to read and reread deliberately.
Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers
Reading something enough times so you can understand it, explain it to someone else, and ask and answer questions about it using evidence from the text.
Scholastic

3. Number the Paragraphs Common Core → Cite and select evidence from text
Number by: paragraph, stanza
Left margin
Facilitate discussion with ease

4. Chunk the Text Smaller sections = manageable text
Draw a horizontal line between paragraphs
No right or wrong way to chunk text, but do so with purpose
Paragraphs 1 – 3 → Focus on the hook and thesis statement
Paragraphs 6 – 8 → Author addresses the opposing veiwpoint

5. Underline and Circle…With Purpose!
Important stuff → what is important?
Be specific:
Poetry → examples of imagery
Argument → claims or belief statements
Key terms
Are defined within the text
Appear repeatedly

6. Left Margin: What is the author SAYING?
Summarize each chunk
10 words or less

7. Right Margin: Dig deeper into the Text!
Each chunk = Specific task
Use a power verb to describe what the author is doing (describing, illustrating, arguing).
Compare two characters (Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn)
Represent the chunk with a visual
Ask questions

8. Sample

9. Use Shorter Text
Literature: folktales, legends, myths, fables, as well as short stories, poetry, and scenes from plays
Informational: articles, biographies, personal narratives, and some primary-source materials

10. ???
Questions? Further PD?