3.2: How to Read Like a Writer

Instructions:

Read the guide below that offers insights and practical tips for how to read "like a writer." Of course, we've all been reading a variety of texts for many years, but you may not be familiar with the ways reading closely and thoughtfully can dramatically improve your writing skills. As you read model essays and other texts for this course, try to practice the close reading process described here so that you get the maximum benefit from your reading time.

Why Reading Matters

Reading closely is essential for anyone aspiring to become a better writer. When we delve deep into the words on a page, we gain a profound understanding of the intricacies and nuances of the craft. Just as an artist studies every brushstroke of a masterpiece or a musician dissects each note of a symphony, close reading allows us to dissect the elements of a text, such as style, structure, and language. By immersing ourselves in the works of accomplished authors, we absorb their techniques and learn how to evoke emotions, create vivid imagery, and construct compelling narratives.

Reading closely enables us to identify effective storytelling devices, such as foreshadowing, character development, and symbolism, which we can then incorporate into our own writing. Much like a sculptor who studies the works of renowned sculptors to refine their own technique, a writer benefits from the meticulous examination of literary works to enhance their own artistry. Close reading helps us grasp the artistry behind great writing and inspires us to elevate our own work to new heights.

Annotating to Understand

Annotating and close reading are powerful techniques that help you engage with and comprehend complex texts more effectively. These strategies involve actively interacting with the text, marking it up, and making insightful observations. By following the steps below, you can enhance your reading skills and develop a deeper understanding of the material.

Steps for close reading:

1. Choose the right text: Select a text that is challenging and relevant to your studies and your interests. While you don't have to choose texts that reflect your individual experiences or interests (sometimes you won't have that option) it does help to have some connection to the text you're studying.
2. Set the stage: Find a quiet and comfortable place to read where you can focus without distractions. Have a pen, highlighter, sticky notes, or any other tools you prefer for annotating nearby.
3. Preview the text: Before diving into the reading, take a few minutes to preview the text. Skim through the headings, subheadings, and any visuals or illustrations. Read the introduction or the first and last paragraphs to get a sense of the main ideas and the author's purpose.
4. Read actively: As you read, engage with the text actively. Stay attentive and focus on comprehension. If you encounter unfamiliar words or phrases, use context clues or consult a dictionary to clarify their meaning.
5. Annotate: Annotation involves marking up the text to highlight important points, make notes, and ask questions. Use symbols, underlining, circling, or marginal notes to annotate key ideas, interesting details, confusing passages, or anything that stands out to you. This process helps you remember crucial information and promotes critical thinking.
6. Identify the main ideas: After reading a section or a chapter, take a moment to reflect and identify the main ideas. Summarize them in your own words either in the margins or in a separate notebook. This step helps solidify your understanding of the text's central concepts.
7. Analyze the author's techniques: Pay attention to the author's writing style, tone, and use of literary devices. Highlight examples of effective writing, metaphors, similes, or descriptive language that enhance the text. Reflect on how these techniques contribute to the author's message or purpose.
8. Consider the structure: Examine how the text is organized. Identify the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Notice transitions and how ideas are connected. Understanding the structure helps you grasp the author's thought process and arguments more effectively.
9. Look for patterns and themes: Observe recurring ideas, motifs, or symbols within the text. Consider how they contribute to the overall meaning or message. Look for patterns in the author's use of language, imagery, or rhetorical devices. These patterns often provide insights into the text's deeper layers of meaning.
10. Reflect on your reactions and questions: Take note of your own reactions and questions as you read. What emotions does the text evoke? What puzzles or confuses you? Jot down your thoughts, reactions, and queries. These personal reflections can help you engage with the text on a deeper level and form the basis for further discussions or analysis.
11. Review and revisit: Once you have completed the reading, review your annotations and notes. Reflect on the connections you made, the questions that arose, and the main ideas you identified. This step reinforces your comprehension and prepares you for discussions, essays, or exams related to the text.

Takeaways

Return to this process as we explore new texts in this course and beyond. Annotating and close reading are gradual, iterative processes that require practice and patience, so don't worry if this feels unfamiliar or challenging at first. With time, these techniques will become second nature, allowing you to engage more deeply with texts, extract meaning, and develop a more meaningful understanding of the material you encounter.