Close Reading Tips

By | April 17, 2016

Close reading is engaged reading. It’s the opposite of read-as-fast-as-you-can. It encourages readers to read for deeper meaning and requires taking time to understand what is read. Here are a few tips to focus your thinking about close reading:

  1. Practice close reading yourself. As you read ask why questions and open-ended questions to move beyond the written words.
  2. Read with a purpose. For example, How does the title reflect the story or text purpose? If it’s information about the world, how does this affect people, countries, beliefs, etc.?
  3. Look for evidence. With why questions in mind, look for information in the text to support
  4. Focus on making personal connections. How does what you read connect to your life, your goals, your family?
  5. Ask questions. Again, use open-ended questions to get the most from the material read.
  6. Expect misinterpretations. Life experiences may affect an understanding so be prepared to be wrong. It’s OK. Listen to others, see how your ideas fit in, then, be willing to step back and readjust your interpretation.