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State Reading Standards

Our class reading skills come from the Michigan Common Core State Standards. This year, we will be building our close reading skills by
  • identifying, describing, and evaluating major literary themes found in a variety of genres of world literature,
  • analyzing the use and effectiveness of literary and rhetorical elements,
  • demonstrating literary analysis by making and supporting assertions,
  • distinguishing between essential and nonessential information,
  • identifying the author's purpose and effectiveness, and
  • demonstrating evidence of critical thinking, ability to make connections, and insightful analysis of literature through class activities, discussions, and assignments.

What is Rhetoric?
The Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote the Rhetoric in which he defined rhetoric as discovering all available means of persuasion on a topic. Every time we use language--in speech or in writing--we engage in a rhetorical act. Another way of saying this would be to say that all communication is rhetorical. Whenever we use language, we have an intention--a message to communicate or a goal to achieve. A useful modern definition of rhetoric is simply the intentional use of language to influence an audience. We'll spend time this year analyzing the rhetorical choices or a wide variety of world authors.

What is Close Reading?
Close reading describes the careful, sustained interpretation of a brief passage of text. Close reading emphasizes the particular over the general, paying careful attention to individual words, syntax, and the order in which sentences and ideas unfold as they are read. English teachers and authors Chris Lehman and Kate Roberts state that close reading, "draws its roots from a passion for talking and writing about texts." It is about the relationship that the reader forms with the text. Close reading is focused on observing what is happening in the text and using those observations to help the reading make interpretations. 

Additional Reading Resources
Looking to build your critical reading skills?First, do a bit of self reflection. Review feedback you've received from your teachers and think about how you did on our reading benchmark assessments. Are there particular reading skills that you struggle with? Are your comprehension skills excellent, but you struggle with identifying literary devices? Do you understand the plot of a story, but struggle to remember the particulars? Once you've reflected on the particular skills that you would like to improve upon, use the links to the right to find some targeted practice exercises to help you. Here are some specific sites that will help you improve for specific reading tasks:
  • If you are interested in improving your reading skills for your upcoming SAT tests, you will want to look at the practice tests found on the College Board site.
  • Are you struggling to understand where you need help improving? Here's an online test to help you assess your reading skills.
  • Thinking about taking an Advanced Placement (AP) course next year? Here are some resources to help you become familiar with the reading expectations.
Click HERE to see the full collection of reading resources.