From close reading to clear writing

Close reading begins with attention to what a passage actually says—and how it says it. Read once for the overall idea. On a second reading, notice repeated words, contrasts, striking descriptions, or changes in tone. These details can help you understand how a writer develops a point.

Consider this original practice passage: “The library was almost empty, but a desk lamp still cast a warm circle across the open notebook. Outside, rain blurred the streetlights. Mina read the same sentence again, then crossed out her first answer.” What can you infer about Mina? Start with what the passage shows: she rereads a sentence and revises her answer. Avoid claiming more than the details support.

Next, identify the writer’s choices. The warm circle of light contrasts with the blurred street outside, drawing attention to Mina’s focused work. The action of crossing out her first answer suggests she is reconsidering it, but it does not tell us exactly why. A thoughtful interpretation stays close to the evidence and distinguishes a reasonable inference from a guess.

Try a scaffolded response. First, state one interpretation: “Mina is working carefully on her answer.” Then select a detail: “She reads the same sentence again and crosses out her first answer.” Finally, explain its significance: “These actions suggest she is checking her understanding and is willing to revise her work.” The explanation connects evidence to the interpretation instead of leaving the quotation to speak for itself.

For independent practice, choose another interpretation of the passage and write three or four sentences: make a clear claim, include a precise detail, and explain how that detail supports your idea. Then review your response. Is the claim supported by the passage? Have you explained the evidence? Replace vague words such as “shows a lot” with a specific explanation of what the detail suggests.

Reading and writing strengthen one another. Careful reading gives you evidence to discuss; clear writing helps you communicate what that evidence means. As you practise, gradually rely less on the sentence starters and explanation steps until you can build a focused response independently.