In the close reading analysis, students will select one brief passage of about 2

In the close reading analysis, students will select one brief passage of
about 2

In the close reading analysis, students will select one brief passage of
about 2-3 paragraphs (ONE passage means the paragraphs are TOGETHER
—not randomly selected from the whole work!) in any work covered in class to
date. Students will then compose a 3-page close reading (sometimes called an
explication) of that passage. In a close reading, you select a narrow topic and
CHOOSE A TEXT
SELECT A LITERARY
TEXT FROM CLASS
CHOOSE A PASSAGE
SELECT 1 PAGE OR
SHORT SECTION
EXPLICATE
HEAVILY ANNOTATE
THAT PASSAGE
Tight, narrow focus
on one short
passage!
No research!
CLOSE READING
ANALYSIS: 3-PAGE PAPER
FALL 2023 DR. LUTE ENGLISH 210
examine this topic deeply in your choice of a text we’ve covered in
class. Your findings will be expressed in a carefully constructed
thesis statement, and your points will be heavily and tightly
supported by textual evidence.
This essay will not use secondary sources (as in, no research
allowed!). The goal is to practice our own thinking and analytical
skills, rather than turning to “experts” to do the thinking for us.
Your voice, your thoughts, and your carefully selected evidence are
all you need.
The key to a solid close reading is to be careful, detailed, and
specific. Explain each and every point you make and tie it back to
your thesis statement; why select the passage you do? What makes
this line or phrase important? Why is your topic or angle a valid
and important one