The Ethics of Close Reading

Summary:

Close reading is defined as reading what is actually in the page, not the ideas behind what is being presented. One should perform close reading instead of projecting. In other words, instead of concentrating on ideas that are not really there, one should focus on the details that are there. Close reading can help train to hear other people, making one become a better listener. Not only that, but it also helps improve your writing skills. One is able to do this because instead of focusing on the whole picture, their focus is on small details. Another benefit that close reading has, is that it helps us put stereotypes on the side, and to be more open-minded. For example, if I'm reading an article, i will only focus on what is written. I will not come to any conclusions based on the author/authors of the article. Close reading is an essential skill, because one will be able to read, write, and listen better.

Synthesis:

Throughout the years, I have been taught to read behind the lines. I still remember my teachers asking me, "what is the author trying to say?" Or, "what is the main idea?" All this time I had thought that this was the correct and only way of reading, but now I know that I have been wrong.

Today, I learned about close reading. Although I didn't know about this type of reading 12 hours ago, now i totally agree with it. At first, I thought it was hard to understand, but now I know what it means, and I know that it is helpful. I believe it is important because it will help us concentrate on small details rather than the whole picture. What I find interesting is that it will not only help us with reading, but also with listening and writing.

While reading the article, something that really caught my attention was that we don't only project what we read, but also what we write and hear. Although I never thought of this, this is so true, and I was able to relate with it. For example, the other day, a friend was telling me about her day with her boyfriend. Throughout the whole time, I was just smiling and telling her how they make a cute couple, and stuff like that. When she finished telling me about it, all I concluded from her story was that they had fun. Obviously that's not all that she said, but I wasn't really paying attention to what she actually said, and all the little details behind it. At the time, I didn't realize what I was doing, but now that I do, I believe that not focusing on the person is disrespectful, and it won't lead you anywhere.

I believe that being able to close read will help me a lot in the future. I think it will be very useful to me, because I tend not to pay attention to everything, and to come up with the conclusions by myself. Close reading might not be as easy as it seems, but I'm actually excited about learning how to appropriately use it.