Close Reading Structure and Writing Guidelines

Vocabulary terms and definitions detailing the required components, title styles, and structure of a close reading assignment.

Title (Close Reading)

An element of a close reading that should be attention-getting and relevant.

Write a lie about the close reading

A title style where an untrue statement about the close reading is used; requires the writer to explain the lie to the reader in the introduction.

Claim (Close Reading)

The first sentence or two of a close reading that introduces the title, author, quote, and why the quote is important to the development of the text.

Refining a Claim

Checking that the claim flows, is not a run-on sentence, and contains no unnecessary words or punctuation.

Body of Close Reading

The section that must accomplish four tasks: provide context and purpose, provide a literal interpretation, provide a figurative interpretation, and explain the significance of the quote.

Context & Purpose

One or two sentences providing a clear and brief background explaining how the quote fits into a story or poetic structure and what purpose it serves.

Literal Interpretation

One or two sentences explaining what the chosen quote means literally.

Figurative Interpretation

One or two sentences explaining how the chosen quote can be interpreted figuratively.

Significance (Close Reading)

One or two sentences explaining how the quote supports the development of a major theme, character, plot point, or setting, connecting its context and interpretation.

Concluding Statement

One or two sentences that summarize the claim, context, interpretation, and significance, functioning as a rephrasing of the quote's significance.