Praxis Elementary Education: Teaching Reading (7002) Practice Exam

Close reading is a critical reading strategy that involves a detailed and careful analysis of a text in order to understand its deeper meanings, structure, language, and themes. The correct answer involves analyzing the text for specific language use and thematic elements, which exemplifies the essence of close reading. This strategy encourages readers to pay close attention to word choice, syntax, and literary devices that contribute to the overall effect and message of the text.

By engaging with the text at this level, students can uncover layers of meaning that might not be immediately apparent, enabling a more profound appreciation and comprehension of the material. This analytic approach facilitates critical thinking, comprehension, and interpretive skills, essential components of effective reading instruction.

In contrast, simply reading aloud or summarizing without an analytical lens fails to engage students in critical thinking about the text. Watching a video related to the text provides supplementary material but does not involve the deep textual analysis that defines close reading. Therefore, focusing on specific language use and thematic elements is what truly embodies a close reading strategy.