Steps to a Close Read
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1 Choose a short passage or selection from a mentor text. (Depending on the text and grade level)
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2 Write out the passage on a separate sheet of paper and distribute to students.
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3 Students read the text independently and respond to text. Students circle, underline, take notes, etc. about powerful words or confusing text.
*In this step, students will often paraphrase (written or oral) a specific section of the text and share with a partner to reinforce understanding.
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4 Teacher reads the text aloud while students follow along orally or silently.
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5 Questioning: Students re-read passage and answer teacher created guiding questions to self-assess understanding and look for repetition/patterns.
*(Questions are text based)
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6 Vocabulary: (context clues)
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7 Writing – Students create a written response to the text
Sample Question Prompts:
Use evidence from the text to support your analysis. Formulate an answer to these questions in a thoughtful brief essay.
How does this passage help you understand the whole story? How does this passage connect to the whole story?
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Close Read Template
12 3
Read __________ to yourself.
Re-read and paraphrase __________. Share your paraphrase with a partner.
Paraphrase:
4
Together, we will re-read __________ aloud.
Questioning
5
Reread the text and use the guiding questions below to self-assess your close reading and
understanding of _______.
Insert Text Based Questions ________________________?
______________________________________________?
______________________________________________?
Vocabulary
6
Record the contextual meaning of ________as it used in each instance and discuss your
meanings with a partner.
! Line____
! Line____
Writing
7
Write an essay.
(Include Essay or Question Prompt Here)
______________________________________________________________________
Use evidence from the text to support your analysis. Formulate an answer to these questions in a
thoughtful brief essay.
Close Read Additional Suggestions
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Text:
3
Read the text on your own. Underline something you need help
understanding. Circle something interesting.
(This question is always question 1. Students circle or underline
words/phrases. Teachers revisit what students circle or underline as they
read aloud or before beginning questions.)
4I will read the text aloud. Follow along as I read aloud.
(This steps always follows the independent read. Here teachers model
appropriate fluency and clarify student misunderstandings)
Questioning
5 Re-read the passage and answer the following questions.
(Create questions that require students to respond by citing the text and
inferring)
! Develop a question about the character that requires students to find
evidence in the text
! Develop a question about any patterns, symbols or themes in this
passage.
! How does this passage help you understand the whole story? How
does this passage connect to the whole story?
Vocabulary
6 Re-read the passage and answer the following questions.
What context clues help you determine the meaning of the word (give sample
word)?
Writing
7 Write your response to the following:
Students use evidence from the text to support their analysis of the given
prompt.