Close Reading Nonfiction - Structures, Features, Signpost

The author shows a difference between what you know about a topic and what happens in the text

• Extreme and absolute Language Signpost
• Numbers and Stats Signpost
• Contrast and Contradiction Signpost
• Word Gaps Signpost

The author uses language that leaves no doubt, exaggerates, or pushes the limit.

• Extreme and absolute Language Signpost
• Numbers and Stats Signpost
• Word Gaps Signpost
• Quoted Words Signpost

The author quotes a person of authority, a personal perspective, or cites other's words.

• Extreme and Absolute Language Signpost
• Word Gaps Signpost
• Citation Signpost
• Quoted Words Signpost

The author uses numbers, specific number words or amounts

• Word Gaps Signpost
• Quoted Words Signpost
• Numbers and Stats Signpost
• Contrast and Contradiction Signpost

The writer uses a word or phrase you don't understand.

• Word Gaps Signpost
• Quoted Words Signpost
• Numbers and Stats Signpost
• Contrast and Contradiction Signpost

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear," said Martin Luther King Jr. This is:

• Word Gaps Signpost
• Numbers and Stats Signpost
• Quoted Words Signpost
• Contrast and Contradiction Signpost

Astronauts' vision becomes entirely blurry after too much time in space.

• Word Gaps Signpost
• Numbers and Stats Signpost
• Quoted Words Signpost
• Extreme and Absolute Language

What did the Denisovans look like? The scientist examined DNA Methylation to determine this.

• Word Gaps Signpost
• Numbers and Stats Signpost
• Quoted Words Signpost
• Extreme and Absolute Language

Animal rights groups gathered 180,000 signatures for a petition.

• Word Gaps Signpost
• Numbers and Stats Signpost
• Extreme and Absolute Language Signpost
• Quoted Words Signpost

What questions should you ask yourself when you see extreme or absolute language?

• Why did the writer say it like that?
• What is the difference and why does it matter?
• Have I seen this word before?
• Why did the author quote this person?