What is Close Reading?

Have you ever heard of close reading? It’s like being a detective with a book. Close reading means you read a piece of writing several times, each time with a different goal in mind. It helps you really get what the author is trying to say, especially if the writing is a bit complex.

Think of close reading as a four-step adventure:
1. First Look: Before you dive in, skim the text to get the gist of it.
2. First Read: Read it once to understand the basic idea.
3. Second Read: Go through it again, this time looking closer at what the author is really trying to say.
4. Third Read: The final read is where you connect the dots, linking the main ideas to things you see in the world around you.

By following these steps, you’re engaging with the text in a thoughtful and comprehensive manner, gaining a deeper understanding of its themes and implications.

Getting Ready to Read: Smart Strategies

Before you start reading, take a moment to guess what the story or article might be about. This is like warming up before a game. You can use these tricks to help you:

1. Quick Scan: If it’s an essay, skim through the headings or the summary (if there is one) to get a basic idea.
2. Keyword Search: Reading online? Use the keyboard’s Command+F (on Mac) or Control+F (on Windows) keys to find specific words quickly.
3. Chapter Titles in Novels: These can give hints about what’s coming next. Watch out for cliffhangers – they’re the exciting bits at the end of chapters that make you want to read more!
4. Understanding New Words: Don’t worry if you bump into words you don’t know. Try to guess what they mean from the sentence, or look them up. Knowing these words will make reading smoother.

Remember, getting a bit familiar with the text before diving in can help make your reading experience easier and more fun!

Your First Read: Digging Deeper

So, you’ve had a quick look at the text and picked up on the chapter titles and the main words and ideas. Now it’s time to really get into the reading. This first deep read is all about understanding the basic story or message. How do you do this? By making notes as you go – this is your secret weapon!

1. Tools for Notes: Grab your favorite highlighters, sticky notes, or colorful pens. Use these to mark important points, evidence, and ideas as you read.
2. What to Note?: If it’s a factual piece, remember the main ideas you spotted in your quick scan. Find sentences that back up these points and highlight them. You can use different colors for different ideas. Next to your highlights, jot down your thoughts or questions like, “Why does the author say this?” or “I think this is true/false because…”.
3. Reading Stories?: Look for clues about the characters. For instance, if you’re reading a novel, see how the author shows what a character is like through their actions or words. If you find a sentence that really shows what a character is like, highlight it and write down why it’s important.

Let’s say you’re reading “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” and you come across a line describing Mr. Utterson. Highlight it, and in your notes, explain what this tells you about him.

By taking these notes, you’re not just reading; you’re having a conversation with the text and starting to really get what it’s all about.

Second Read: Dive Deeper into the Story

Alright, you’ve read the text once and got the basic idea. Now, it’s time for round two: reading it again to really understand the deeper stuff.

Let’s use “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” as an example. You know a bit about Mr. Utterson and this mysterious, not-so-nice guy named Hyde. Even after just the first chapter, you’re probably ready to start piecing together the puzzle. You’re figuring out the story, one step at a time.

Think about the book’s title. It’s a big hint! You might guess that the “respected man” is probably Dr. Jekyll. And Mr. Utterson? He seems more like a side character who’s there to help solve the mystery, but he’s not the main hero or villain. Also, notice how everyone reacts to Mr. Hyde. There’s a pattern of people not liking him at all. These clues give you a feel for what’s going on.

By picking up on these patterns and the story’s structure, even from just a part of the book, you’re setting yourself up to really get the whole novel. This second read is all about connecting the dots, preparing you for twists and turns as you keep reading.

Third Read: Looking at the Bigger Picture

Now, you’re on your final reading. You’ve already got the basics and the deeper meaning, but there’s one more layer: understanding why the author wrote the story this way.

Let’s stick with “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Lewis Stevenson. From the start, Stevenson isn’t just telling a story; he’s making us think about the rules and norms of his society.

Notice the two groups in Mr. Utterson’s London: the rich and respected, and the poor and ignored. These groups don’t mix much, but characters like Mr. Utterson and Dr. Jekyll move between them. This isn’t just random; it’s a big part of the story.

Think about our own cities. Aren’t they often divided by money, where people live, or the kind of jobs they have? Why did Stevenson focus so much on these divisions? And why do these issues still exist today, even though this book was written in the late 1800s?

This third read is about seeing the bigger picture. You’re not just reading a story; you’re understanding its message and thinking about how it relates to the world, both then and now.

Making Close Reading Fun and Effective

Close reading sounds like a lot of work, but it can be fun and effective when you break it down into steps. Here’s how you can tackle a tough text in a fun way:

1. Group Brainstorm: Start by looking at just the chapter title – like “The Story of the Door.” Guess what might happen and chat about your ideas. Teachers might ask some follow-up questions to get you thinking more, so be ready to really dig in!
2. Vocab Prep: Get a list of new words from the chapter. Figure out what they mean before diving in – this makes reading much smoother.
3. Read-Aloud Session: Ask your teacher to read part of the text out loud. This helps everyone get the basic story. Stop along the way to make sure everyone’s on the same page.
4. Small Group Time: Now, break into smaller groups. Your mission? Find clues in the text about a character like Mr. Hyde. Look at how he’s described, what he does, and what others say about him. Then, share your thoughts with the group.
5. Write It Out: Finally, on your own, write a paragraph about your opinion of Hyde. Back it up with reasons and think about why the author, Stevenson, created Hyde the way he did. You’ll need to look back at the text for this, so it’s like being a detective.

Yes, reading something three or four times might seem a bit much. But when each read has a clear, engaging goal, it feels less like a chore and more like solving a mystery. Plus, it helps you understand and enjoy the story way more!

Conclusion

To recap: Close reading is like reading a book or article in steps. You read it a few times, and each time, you’re looking for different things. First, you check it out to get the basic idea. Then, you read it again to really get the important parts. The last read helps you figure out why the author wrote it and what they’re trying to say.

Sure, it might take a bit longer, but close reading is a great way to understand tough texts better. It’s like a toolkit for your brain, helping you see things in different ways. Plus, it teaches you how to take on big challenges and break them into smaller, doable steps, setting you up for success!

Practice Makes Perfect

Want to get really good at close reading? Albert’s got you covered with lots of cool texts to dive into. If you’re just starting out, try our Short Readings course. It’s full of quick passages that help you nail the basics. Our Leveled Readings course provides passages that are just right no matter your reading level, ensuring that everyone in the classroom gets to explore the same big questions. Learn more about the Lexile Framework here!

Check out the Essential Readings in Literature course if you’re into real-deal reading. It’s like a tour of the big books you often read in English class, broken down so you can really beef up the skills you need.

Plus, Albert.io is super easy to use and gives you feedback that makes sense. It’s a great way to level up your close reading skills and really get what you’re reading.