Course Synthesis 1 Close reading

Close Reading :

Close reading is a technique of using DIDLS to gleam deeper meaning from the text and explain that meaning. 

D - Diction:

Diction is the word choice by the author. It is not phrases or sentences, it is individual words. Different words evoke different emotions and feelings even though they may have the same meaning, the fact that an author chose a specific word may have great importance.

I- Imagery:

The image that you get from the text has a major impact on how you feel about it and whether or not it is successful in its goal. In an opinion piece aimed at swaying the reader towards a certain position, there will often be strong language that appeals to the senses that creates a negative image about the opposition. It can also be used in stories to exact a greater feel or excitement or dread.

D- Details: 

Details are the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the reading. They contain important diction and contribute heavily to images. Details are exceedingly important because without strong detail the reader cannot understand the text at a very high level.

L- Language:

Language can be displayed through regional dialects, and is used to establish the tone of a piece. Language is a constant effect and not shown through one single piece of diction.

S- Syntax:

Syntax is the structure and form of a piece. Form follows function so the way something put together can often have a major effect. Such as important parts of sentences being at the end instead of the beginning.