Close Reading Strategies

1. Skim the Text

Take the time to make note of the author, the title, and any other information that "pops" out of the text. 

2. Marking the Text

1. Number each paragraph, even if it is a one line paragraph.
2. Circle key terms. 
1. Repeated words
2. Topic related terms
3. Key Terms
4. Bold or Italicized
5. Words or phrases that are in quotes
6. Words that have a definition/context clue
3. Underline claims and essential information. 
4. Place a ? by words or ideas that you do not understand. 

3. Examine the Reading Prompt

A reading prompt may not be given with each text, but you will get them often in my class. 

4. Annotating the Text 

Basically, it is a deeper examination of the text from the previous step of Marking the Text. 

This still isn't perfect, but it is better
than the other one. 

This is overdoing it. 

Ways to Annotate

• Write on the text. 
• Use Post-It Notes on the text. 
• Create Cornell Notes.
• Utilize any graphic organizer that is provided for you.
• Develop a timeline and/or plot diagram.
• Use various colored Post-It Notes to track different characters. 
• Summarize information from chunks of the text. 

I Should Annotate When...

...something grabs my attention. 

...something connects to the theme. 

...powerful literary devices are used. 

...dialogue reveals plot progressions and characterization.