Close Reading Formulas

Close Reading Formulas

1. Imagery Question

   • 1. Identify the image
     • 2. Give the literal meaning of the image
       • 3. Explain the connection between the two. (This suggests that…)

2. Context Question

   • 3. Explain how this word/phrase helps you understand the meaning of the original word
     • 2. Quote a word or phrase from the context
       • 1. Give the meaning of the word

3. Linking Sentence Question

   • 1. Quote the words that link back to the previous paragraph
     • 2. Explain what the argument in that paragraph is
       • 3. Quote the words that move the argument forward
         • 4. Explain what the author is now talking about

4. Word Choice Question

   • 1. Quote a word/ phrase
     • 2. Explain the connotations of the word/ phrase
       • 3. Explain what this suggests about what the writer is describing

5. Sentence Structure Question

   • 1. What type of sentences are being used?
     • Statement
       • Rhetorical Question
         • Exclamation
           • Command
             • Minor Sentence
     • 2. How is the punctuation used to divide up the sentence?
       • Colons
         • Semi - colons
           • Parenthesis
       • 3. Is there anything unusual about the structure of the sentence?
         • 4. Do the sentences form a pattern?
           • Repetitive or balanced structure
             • Contrast between complex and short sentences
         • Inversion
           • Repetition
             • Climax or anti-climax

6. Language Question

   • 1. Identify the language feature you will be dealing with
     • Word Choice
       • Imagery
         • Punctuation
           • Sentence structure
     • 2. Quote
       • 3. Follow the formula for that type of feature

7. Effective as a conclusion Question

   • 1. Does it sum up the main points?
     • 2. Does it restate the writers point of view? Quote and explain what it is, then quote from earlier in the passage and explain the link
       • 3. Does it use word choice/ imagery begun in the introduction or used throughout the passage? Q & E