Name______________________________

How to Perform a Close

Read

Darlenenne

Close reading is thoughtfully and actively reading, rereading, and

analyzing a challenging text for deep understanding.
It is helpful to write responses and comments on the text or on a
post-it. This is called annotating.
Use the Following Strategies
1. Before You Read:
Number the paragraphs for easy reference.
Break the text up into sections, called chunks. A chunk could be a
paragraph, more than a paragraph, or less. Draw a line under each
chunk.
2. Read the Passage. Mark the Following:
On the Left:
*Check what you understand.

On the Right:
*Question parts you dont understand.

3. Reread the Text. Mark the Following:

Within the Text:
* Mark key words and details.
* Circle unfamiliar words.
* Mark parts that are interesting or surprising.
On the Left:
*Summarize each chunked
section.

On the Right:
*Connect the text with what you
already know.
*Determine the main idea and purpose.
*Write down any new questions the
text raises.

1
Paragraph #

Summary

Chunking
Understood

Important
Surprising
Connection
Main Idea
Purpose
Question
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DarleneAnne2013

How to Perform a Close

Read

NAMES

Number the Paragraphs

Arrange Chunks
Mark for Understanding
and Questions

Establish Main Idea and

Purpose

Summarize Chunks
Copyright2013DarleneAnne

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Name______________________________

Date ___________________________

What to Look for in a Close

Read

Look for specific information, depending on the

genre.
Nonfiction:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

What is the purpose of the text?

What is the main idea?
Look for supporting details.
Examine the text features.
Notice the text structure.
Mark unfamiliar words and
content vocabulary.
Label facts and opinions.
Does the author use any
figurative language?
Does the passage answer any
questions?
Does the passage leave you with
questions?

Dig
Deep!

And
Think!

o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

DarleneAnne2013

Fiction:

What is the first thing you notice?

Make inferences about the
narrator.
What is the mood?
What is the setting?
Which characters are introduced?
Which passages tell you about the
characters?
Has a conflict been introduced?
Mark unfamiliar words.
Are any ideas suggested, but not
mentioned outright?
Does the author use any figurative
language?
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Close
Read
figurative
language unfamiliar
words
characters
character
setting
description
narrator
conflict
mood

Fiction
Copyright2013DarleneAnne

18

Copyright2013DarleneAnne

Close
Read

unfamiliar
main idea
words
purpose
text
features
facts

supporting
details
questions
answers

opinions

Nonfiction

19

Copyright2013DarleneAnne