Overview

Students interrogate a text from multiple angles using a three-layer concentric circle framework: the broad context (what was happening in the world when it was written), the author's context (who wrote it, their background, potential biases), and the issues, values and ideas present in the text itself. This encourages close reading through multiple readings and helps students understand that texts are produced by authors in specific contexts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Introduce the three layers of interrogation: (1) The broad context — what was happening in the world when this text was created? (2) The author's context — who wrote it, and what might their background and biases be? (3) Issues, values and ideas — what is the text really about?
2. Students read (or re-read) the text with the three layers in mind.
3. Starting with the outermost layer (broad context), students record their observations and questions.
4. Moving inward, students examine the author's context.
5. At the centre, students identify the key issues, values and ideas embedded in the text.
6. Discuss as a class: How does understanding context change the way we read the text?

Tips

• This activity develops critical literacy skills and is excellent preparation for analytical writing.
• Students may need some contextual information provided to them — consider pairing with a Context Walk.
• Encourage students to question the text, not just describe it.

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