In close reading, what should be the initial reading directive for a passage at the instructional level?

• A. "Read the passage to determine the general meaning."
• B. "Notice the features of the text and predict the genre."
• C. "Skim through the text and locate an interesting detail."
• D. "Scan the passage and underline any unfamiliar words or phrases."

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is that, when you begin a close reading, you first focus on forming a general, overall understanding of the passage. Reading to determine the general meaning helps you capture the main idea, purpose, and tone, which provides a solid foundation for later analysis of details, evidence, and word choices. If you jump straight to analyzing features, predicting genre, skimming for a detail, or scanning for unfamiliar words, you’re pulling attention away from grasping what the text is mainly saying, which can mislead subsequent interpretations. Starting with general meaning keeps your interpretation grounded in what the author conveys as the core message, and then you can layer in closer examination of how language and structure support that message.