Close Reading Stratergies

UNCP

U-Underline

N-Number

C-Circle

P-Paraphrase

Underline (or highlight) the main idea of each paragraph.

Usually, main idea is in the first two sentences of each paragraph, may be few exceptions.

Point out key phrases- ‘for many reasons’, ‘various causes’, & ‘several factors’.

Number any series of items or sequence of events by looking for keywords & enumerations.

Circle words that are boldfaced or italicized.

Paraphrase write a word or phrase – in your words – that captures the essence of the paragraph. Helps in note taking.

Close Reading includes:

• Using short passages and excerpts
• Diving right into the text with limited pre-reading activities
• Focusing on the text itself
• Rereading deliberately
• Reading with a pencil
• Noticing things that are confusing
• Discussing the text with others
• Responding to text-dependent questions