This is a close reading activity where students answer the question, "What were living conditions like for immigrants?" They first read the excerpt from "How the Other Half Lives" by Jacob Riis (modified text included). As students read, they complete the close reading activity where they use context clues to guess the meaning of difficult words, ask questions about the text, summarize the text, etc. Students then discuss in groups and choose three descriptive words they feel best summarize the experience for immigrants living in tenements. We then share the words as a class and participate in a discussion (directions included.) An exit ticket is also included to accompany the reading and lesson.