Close Reading

Close Reading

1. Understanding

   • Key Skills:
     • Skimming
     • Identifying information
     • Explaining answer simply in own words
   • Link
     • How ideas are joined.
     • - QUOTATION 1 refers back to (insert point)
       • - QUOTATION 2 refers forward to (insert point)
   • Context
     • Meaning of a word
     • Explain meaning of word
       • Word that helps understand context
         • Explain

2. Word Choice

   • Quote
     • Connotations
       • Effect

3. Imagery

   • What is being compared to what?
     • Explain similarity
       • Evaluate effectiveness

4. Sentence Structure

   • Whenever simple sentence pattern has been altered.
   • Anything unusual / use of punctuation

5. Evaluation

   • Consider writers' purpose
   • Conclusion
     • To sum up - does it refer back?
       • Give final image / view?
         • Leave reader with a question to ponder?

6. EXAM TIPS

   • Read blurb
   • Read titles for clues as to writers' stance
   • Focus on introduction:
     • What has been done to intrigue reader?
     • Have you got a clear idea of the writers' stance?
   • Annotate as you read
   • Topic sentences give a feel for main points
   • Focus on conclusion:
     • Were you satisfied with it?
     • Has the writer linked back to anything?

7. PUNCTUATION

   • Colon : used to introduce elaboration
   • semi-colon ; used to connect 2 sentences
   • Parenthesis () - - used to add information
   • Italics / bold used for emphasis
   • Inversion used for emphasis