Introduction
Close reading has become a buzzword in education, but what does it actually mean in practice? True close reading goes beyond underlining key phrases—it’s about equipping students with strategies to analyze, question, and uncover meaning within a text. Done well, it transforms reading from passive absorption into active exploration.
What Is Close Reading?
Close reading is the process of engaging deeply with a text—paying attention to word choice, structure, and subtle meaning. It requires students to go beyond surface comprehension and instead dig into how a text creates meaning.
Why It Matters
College and workplace reading often demands the ability to handle texts that are dense, complex, and layered with meaning. Students who master close reading are better equipped to analyze arguments, interpret evidence, and make informed decisions.
Effective Close Reading Strategies
The Role of Teachers
Modeling close reading is essential. When teachers “think aloud,” they demonstrate how to untangle tricky syntax, notice figurative language, or weigh an author’s choices. Over time, students internalize these strategies and apply them independently.
Conclusion
Close reading is not about making texts harder—it’s about giving students the tools to unlock meaning for themselves. With structured strategies, learners can approach any text with confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Inspired by insights from Reading Reconsidered: A Practical Guide to Rigorous Literacy Instruction (2016).
