Close Reading Checklist

1. Scan text quickly and record gut, or immediate, reaction.
2. Consider author—gender, race, age, era, etc.
3. What is the significance of the title?
4. Analyze at word level for such things as:

a)      Words that insist on agreement with the writer’s viewpoint like naturally, surely, of course…

b)     Judgmental words like absurd, bizarre, talented…

c)      Inclusive words like we, us, ourselves…

d)     Words that are in bold type, underlined, or italicized

e)      Strange word choices like oxymorons

5. Analyze at sentence level to identify:

a)      Figures of speech such as similes, metaphors, maxims, and clichés

b)     Questions

c)      Imagery

6. Analyze at paragraph level to find the logic behind paragraph placement.
7. Analyze the introduction.

a)      How does the author grab your attention?

b)     How does the author take you along with his/her line of reasoning?

c)      What is the thesis?

8. Analyze the conclusion. Are you satisfied? In other words, does it answer the question “So What?”
9. Identify themes—it is likely there are several different themes.