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Activities that encourage close reading – DARTs
(Directed Activities Related to Texts)
Cloze
Filling the gap involves the reader in actively constructing meaning. Skills include:
- paying close attention to the meaning of the sentence;
- choosing a word that fits grammatically;
- using ones existing knowledge of the topic;
- working out what is likely from the rest of the text;
- working out what will fit with the style of the text;
- attending to the sense of the whole sentence by reading and rereading.
Sequencing
Sequencing activities involve reconstructing a text which has been cut into chunks. Skills include:
- reading and rereading;
- paying close attention to the structure of the genre;
- paying close attention to link words;
- hunting for the logic or organising principle of the text;
- using previous experience and earlier reading.
Text Marking
Text marking includes underlining, annotating or numbering the text to show sequence. Skills may well include:
- skimming or scanning to find specific information;
- differentiating between different categories of information;
- deciding what is relevant information;
- finding the main idea/s;
- questioning the information presented in the text.
Text Restructuring
Text restructuring involves reading then remodelling the information in another format. For example flow charts, diagrams, lists, maps, charts, or rewriting in a different genre. Depending on format, skills will include:
- identifying what is key and relevant in a text;
- applying what is known in a new context;
- remodelling the content and format of the genre;
- awareness of the characteristics of the different genres;
- critical reading;
- summary and prioritisation;
- writing as well as reading skills.
Page Last Updated: 22 October 2003
