Close Reading Strategies

1. What can we do as readers to not
feel overwhelmed with the text we
read? How can we increase
comprehension?
Here are 4 helpful strategies!

2. 1. Number the paragraphs
- As students, you to be
able to cite and refer to
the text.
-One simple way to do
this is by numbering
each paragraph, section
or stanza in the left hand
margin.

3. When you refer to the text, it is important to
say which paragraph they are referring to.
The rest of the class will be able to quickly find
the line being referred to.
Why else should you do this?
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4. 2. Chunk the text.
• This means breaking up the text into smaller sections (or
chunks)
BUT WHY?
• It is easier to understand/organize content of the text
HOW TO DO THIS?
1)First be sure you’ve numbered your paragraphs
2)As you read and annotate, draw a horizontal line
between paragraphs when you sense that the author is
describing a new topic or idea
3)After you have divided the text up, look back at each
chunk, and quickly write down the main idea of this
section in the margin.
*IN THE LEFT HAND MARGIN, Summarize in just a few words
what this chunk is about
Later in the year, you will be able to chunk quickly and
efficiently! As you number the paragraphs you must make
decisions about what paragraphs will be grouped together.

5. • It is important to understand that there is no
right or wrong way to chunk the text, as
long as you can explain why you grouped
certain paragraphs together.

6. 3. Underline and circle… with a
purpose.
THIS IS ALSO CALLED
ANNOTATION!
• Think about what information you
want to take from the text.
– LOOK FOR KEY WORDS
• Ask yourself what the author
wants you to understand!
• What you mark will may
depending on the text type.
(fiction, non-fiction)

7. 4. Right margin: Dig deeper into the text
In the right-hand margin, you also need to be note-taking
about the reading you are doing.
You may:
• Use a power verb to describe what the author is
DOING. (For example: Describing, illustrating,
arguing, explaining…)
• Note: It isn’t enough to write “Comparing” and be
done. What is the author comparing? BE
SPECIFIC

8. You may also wish to:
-Represent the information with a picture.
• This is a good way to show what you think this
text is about visually.
• -Ask questions.
– -What is your point of confusion?
– -What do you want to know more about?
– -What could you ask the author or a character?
• Make comments that show you are digging
deeper into the text.