Non-Fiction Annotation: Strategies for Success! -Adapted from Chris Buczinsky

1. The Main Idea For each section of your reading, underline or highlight the MAIN IDEA. Usually, the main idea will be stated near the beginning or the end of the section. Sometimes, it will be stated in both places. The MAIN IDEA may also be implied (you have to figure it out based on text), in which case, you should make a note of it. Next to the MAIN IDEA, write MI.

2. Lead Words For each paragraph, underline or highlight 2-4 LEAD WORDS. LEAD WORDS are usually nouns, and they will be the topics of the important supporting evidence. By highlighting these words, you give your eyes an easy way to locate the main supporting points the writer makes.

3. Transition Words If you see TRANSITION WORDS, draw a box around them. TRANSITION WORDS often signal an important change in the argument, or they indicate an important conclusion.

4. Vocabulary Circle difficult VOCABULARY, words, or allusions, even if you think you know them. If you are unsure of the meaning of these words or allusions, Google them, and in the margin write a note to yourself about their meaning.

5. Notes After reading each paragraph, scribble a quick note or word in the margin to remind yourself about the focus of the paragraph. Sometimes you can get away with doing this for two paragraphs together.

6. So What? When you are done with the article or chapter, write one or two sentences describing the article’s reason for being. This is the “So what?” or the “Big Picture.” Ask yourself, why did the authors bother to write this? What effect do they hope to have on the reader? Why does this matter? Write one or two sentences answering these questions.

Mnemonic Devices To Try (Main idea, Lead words, Transition words, Vocabulary, Notes, So what?) My Last Teeth Veered North. So? My Lucky Turtle Vomited Nuts. So? Milt Van So

GROUP WORK Answer the below questions! This article is an example of a nonfiction text because… What does the word predicament mean in paragraph 12? What can you conclude about “The Magic of Books” from the following sentence in paragraph 2? “By going to your library, you can meet almost anyone in the world and travel to any land you wish-all through the magic of books!” Write a 3-5 line summary of this selection.