What is the writing about? What is/are he/she/they concerned with? What is the aim of this writing? Or the purpose?

Part I: Meta or paratext (the “frame” around the work)

How do you imagine this text as a physical object?

What type of writing is the text? Who is the intended audience? Who can/can’t access it?

How is language used in this writing? Is it effective to its purpose?

Comment on the historical nature of the language. Does it make it difficult to read or understand?

Part 2: The “content” of the writing

What is the writing about? What is/are he/she/they concerned with?

What is the aim of this writing? Or the purpose?

What assumptions does the author hold?

What quotes can you pull from the writing that exemplify the author’s argument?

Why do you agree with? What do you want to argue with?

Has it changed your views in any way?