Help students think critically to uncover layers of meaning within a text and deepen their
comprehension. Close Read Passages require multiple reads, each with a targeted purpose supported by
scaffolded questions for group discussion at four layers of depth. With Close Reading Packs, students
consider a Key Question as they read passages on a common topic, and then participate in small-group
and whole-class discussions.
Science Investigations
Help students dig deeper into science content with Investigation Packs
from Science A-Z. Students practice close reading and work in groups to answer text-dependent questions.
Close reading requires students to analyze, evaluate, and think critically about a given text.
Close Read Passages help students practice close reading skills through multiple readings of the
text. The accompanying Close Read Question Guides offer scaffolded questions to help you guide
students in using close reading skills to find layers of meaning in a text.
Close Reading Packs combine close reading skills with collaboration and communication skills to
help students answer a text-dependent Key Question, giving you a powerful tool to meet grade-level
standards.
How to Use Close Reading
Close Reading Packs
Student Passages
Passages enable students to practice close reading on cross-curricular topics in individual and group work settings.
Encourage students to apply their learning with the Connecting Passage.
Student Response Sheet
Guide students to record evidence needed to answer the Key Question.
Teaching Tips
Use the Teaching Tips to help lead discussion and address important skills such as comprehension, author’s craft, and critical thinking.
Guide student note-taking and teach re-reading skills and strategies to help students answer Key Questions and meet Common Core State Standards.
Close Read Passages
Passages
Encourage student practice using two- to four-page grade-appropriate passages engaging topics.
Print, project, or assign passages digitally for whole-class, small-group, or individual
instruction.
Differentiate instruction using mulitlevel passages. The three levels are indicated by dots on
the passage: one dot (•) for the lowest level; two dots (••) for the middle level; three dots
(•••) for the highest level.
Close Read Questions & Question Guide
Challenge students with scaffolded questions during each reading of the text. (You can project
the Close Read Questions for the whole class or print out and cut up individual questions for
discussion groups or independent responses.)
The guide also includes optional questions, an answer key, details about the passage text,
and information about cross-textual connections for passages connected to books.
