This document introduces a unit on developing close reading skills. It will teach students to initially approach texts, use questions to examine topics and structures, analyze details and language to deepen understanding, and explain insights as a reader. Close reading is similar to a crime scene investigation, where important information is noted. Experts use guiding questions to focus on important details, and effective readers also use such questions to find evidence in texts.

2. In this unit, you will develop the skills
and habits of a close reader.
We will learn how to
• Initially approach and survey a text
• Use questions to examine the text’s topic, information, and structure
• Question further to investigate the text
• Analyze key details and language to deepen understanding
• Explain what you have come to understand as a reader

3. Introduction to the unit

4. The aspects of close reading are
similar to those of a crime scene
investigator.
Important information must be noted
either mentally or by taking notes.

5. Look at the following picture. Get out
a piece of paper and write down all the
important information. You only have
one minute, so look closely.
Answer the following questions
regarding the information you
obtained.

6. • What time was it?
• What was the cross street?
• In what city was it?
• What was the cab number?
• Was the crosswalk sign illuminated for “Walk” or “Don’t Walk”?
10:10
47th Street
New York City
2J33
“Don’t Walk”

7. Experts in various fields are able to analyze and
understand places, events or situations because
their training focuses them on details that most
people do not typically notice. This training often
involves a set of guiding questions that experts ask
themselves to direct their attention to key
elements.
Effective readers also use guiding questions to help
them look for evidence in texts.

8. Look at your Reading Closely
for Details: Guiding Questions
handout.
These are a general set of guiding
questions that can direct your
attention to key evidence in texts
as you read.

10. Now look at your Reading Closely
Checklist and the Text-Centered
Discussions (TCD) Checklist.
You will be completing these throughout the unit.