Introduction
Close reading helps you move beyond understanding what a text says to discovering how and why it works. Today we’ll explore a three-step method: Observe, Interpret, and Argue. Each step builds naturally on the previous one—you gather evidence, explore what it means, then build a case for your interpretation.
Step 1: Observe
What is Observation?
Observation means noticing concrete, specific details you can point to in the text—word choice, sentence structure, repeated phrases, or structural elements. You’re gathering evidence without deciding what it means yet.
Example: Observing the U.S. Constitution
Let’s examine the Preamble:
Our observations:
- Opens with “We the People” rather than “The States” or “The Government”
- Uses “more perfect Union” (comparative form)
- Lists six specific purposes using parallel structure
- Single, complex sentence spanning the entire preamble
Step 2: Interpret
What is Interpretation?
Interpretation explores what your observations might mean. You ask “So what?” about the evidence, look for patterns, and consider the effects of the author’s choices.
Example: Interpreting Our Observations
“We the People” establishes the source of governmental authority as the citizens, not the states or existing institutions. This was revolutionary—previous governing documents typically derived authority from kings or legislative bodies.
“More perfect Union” acknowledges the Articles of Confederation were imperfect while promising improvement. The comparative form suggests ongoing progress rather than claiming perfection.
The parallel purposes create a sense of comprehensiveness and balance, suggesting a holistic vision of government’s role.
The single sentence structure creates unity and momentum, mirroring the “more perfect Union” it describes.
Step 3: Argue
What is Argument?
Argument organizes your observations and interpretations into a clear, supportable claim about what the text means or how it works, backed by evidence.
Example: Building Our Argument
Evidence and Reasoning:
The opening “We the People” establishes that this document derives authority from citizens rather than existing governmental structures. This was a radical assertion that legitimate government comes from popular consent, not inherited power.
The phrase “more perfect Union” acknowledges existing problems while promising improvement. By using the comparative rather than claiming perfection, the framers position themselves as practical problem-solvers rather than utopian theorists.
The parallel structure of the six purposes reinforces the idea that government must serve multiple interconnected functions, while the single-sentence format creates linguistic unity that mirrors the political unity being proposed.
Conclusion
The Observe, Interpret, and Argue method builds complexity gradually: careful observation grounds your interpretations in evidence, thoughtful interpretation prepares sophisticated arguments, and clear arguments demonstrate deep understanding.
Remember this process isn’t always linear—sometimes interpretation sends you back for more observations, or developing arguments reveals new patterns. The three steps strengthen each other.
Key Takeaways:
- Observe: Gather specific, concrete textual evidence
- Interpret: Explore what patterns and details might mean
- Argue: Organize insights into clear, supported claims
- Each step builds on and strengthens the others