Which of the following actions would best describe analyzing text?

Analyzing text involves a deeper engagement with the material than just summarizing or retelling a narrative. It requires breaking down ideas into their component parts and examining those parts closely to understand how they contribute to the overall meaning or purpose of the text. This analysis might include evaluating the use of literary devices, the effectiveness of arguments, or the connections between different concepts within the text. By dissecting the ideas, one can uncover layers of meaning and gain insights that go beyond mere surface-level understanding.

The other actions listed—summarizing main points, telling a narrative in one's own words, and identifying themes—are all valuable skills, but they function more as foundational steps in reading comprehension rather than the deeper form of critical thinking that analysis entails. Summarizing captures essential ideas without necessarily investigating their intricacies, while retelling often focuses on maintaining the flow of the narrative rather than critiquing or assessing its components. Identifying themes does touch upon analysis but typically does not involve the same thorough breakdown of how those themes are constructed or supported within the text. Thus, breaking down ideas and evaluating their parts represents the essence of analyzing text effectively.