8 Close-Reading Strategies... One of the biggest problems students face when learning about Social Studies is a lack of understanding of assigned readings. Whether it be from not being able to read on grade level, or the more likely culprit, a lack of background knowledge and analytical skills needed to digest the texts, students are suffering. The linked article discusses useful strategies to help students "get" what they are reading, and though it is primarily targeted toward Social Studies teachers, it can also be used in all other subjects in one way or another. The first strategy mentioned says to have students identify and write down vivid and/or expressive words used to describe what is being discussed and explain why those words help to emphasize the main point of the reading, helping students drill down to the most important part of the assigned text. Another strategy is to have students "wreck their text." In other words, assign a reading (best if on ...