Close reading Quote by Terry Marselle
““Refrain from giving background context or substantial instructional guidance at the outset. It may make sense to notify students that the short text is thought to be difficult and they are not expected to understand it fully on a first reading – that they can expect to struggle. Some students may be frustrated, but all students need practice in doing their best to stay with something they do not initially understand. This close reading approach forces students to rely exclusively on the text instead of privileging background knowledge, and levels the playing field for all students as they seek to comprehend Lincoln’s address.” Valerie””
About This Quote
Encourages students to engage with difficult texts without prior explanations, fostering perseverance and independent analysis.
In simple terms: Students should read challenging texts without background help, building resilience.
Key Takeaway
Embrace struggle, focus on the text itself.
Themes
education
reading comprehension
resilience
equity
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
instructional
pedagogical
When to use this quote
- high school English class
- college literature seminar
- self‑study
- online learning
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
close reading
textual analysis
student agency
Questions to Reflect On
- How does removing background knowledge affect confidence?
- What strategies help maintain motivation during difficult readings?
A Different Perspective
Some learners may feel overwhelmed without context, potentially hindering comprehension.
