Close Reading What is the text actually saying?

First Reading Get the gist of the article. Should be able to answer basis questions such as: What was the article about? What are key points and details? Circle powerful words or phrases Underline words or phrases you don’t know

Second Reading You need to look for these… Language/Diction (words) – What kind of words did the author use? – What kind of emotion does the author want to create in you? Examples: dangerous vs. treacherous beautiful vs. attractive gentle vs. delicate Syntax (order of the words) - what kind of emotions do the order of words create in you? Examples: The path was treacherous. vs. The treacherous path. That lady is attractive. vs. That attractive lady. Roses are delicate. Vs. Delicate roses…

Second Reading…continued Narrative – – What is the story being told? What story does the author want you to hear? – Who is telling the story? Context – - What is the author’s bias? - Who is the author’s trying to influence? - Who or what do you think may be influencing them?

When Close Reading… Think about: Language/Diction – The kind of words the author uses… Syntax – The order of the article (what emotion does the author begin and leave you with…) Narrative – The story the author wants you to hear… Context – The bias of the author…

Close Reading allows us to find out: What the text actually says. How is it said. The author’s intent.