Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone. Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text. Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development summarize the key supporting details and ideas. The next five ELA anchor standards make this clearer: we could not possibly analyze these varied aspects of the text simultaneously: The close = re-read + worthy assumption here is critical: we assume that a rich text simply cannot be understood and appreciated by a single read, no matter how skilled and motivated the reader.

As Tim Shanahan puts it, вЂњBecause challenging texts do not give up their meanings easily, it is essential that readers re-read such texts,вЂќ while noting that вЂњnot all texts are worth close reading.вЂќ Thus, what вЂњclose readingвЂќ really means in practice is disciplinedВ re-reading of inherently complex and worthy texts. Here is how Nancy Boyles in anВ excellent Educational LeadershipВ articleВ defines it: вЂњEssentially, close reading means reading to uncover layers of meaning that lead to deep comprehension.вЂќ Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text. 3) What Is The Meaning Of Close Reading?ДЎ. Students who meet the Standards readily undertake the close, attentive reading that is at the heart of understanding and enjoying complex works of literature. Here is what the Common Core ELA Standards say: What is close reading? As I said in my previous blog post, whatever it is it differs from a personal response to the text. So today and tomorrow weвЂ™re going to share two of his posts on literacy, starting with what it means to вЂclose read.вЂ™ Per his usual, Grant took a deep dive on the topic, with lots of great examples.

Occasionally, we are going to go back and re-share his most memorable posts. Grant was tremendously influential on TeachThoughtвЂ™s approach to education, and we were lucky enough for him to contribute his content to our site. On May 26, 2015, Grant Wiggins passed away.

By Grant Wiggins, Ed.D, Authentic Education

Definition of textual evidence