Annotations? How do they work? Very simply, Annotation means to make thoughtful comments and responses to different quotes, scenes, and moments within a novel or text.

Step 1: Select a quote or page that you feel is important to the novel Step 1: Select a quote or page that you feel is important to the novel. Choosing a quote with no substance behind it will result in a bad annotation and low grade. Book: Of Mice and Men “Say, you sure was right about him. Maybe he ain’t bright, but I never see such a worker… There ain’t nobody can keep up with him”(39).

Step 2: Respond to this comment. Remember, your response can touch on variety of topics including theme, plot development, foreshadowing, figurative language, characterizations, real world or personal connections, etc. Example Annotation: This shows that not only does George see the value of Lenny, but others as well. Lenny may not have intelligence going his way, but his work ethic and strength show that he is much more than a burden to those around him.

Step 3? There is no Step 3. This is all annotation is. Do not stress yourself out thinking the expectation is a paragraph for each annotation.

Good or Bad? Quotation Examples Quote: "Prim!" The strangled cry comes out of my throat, and my muscles begin to move again. "Prim!" I don't need to shove through the crowd. The other kids make way immediately allowing me a straight path to the stage. I reach her just as she is about to mount the steps. With one sweep of my arm, I push her behind me. "I volunteer!" I gasp. "I volunteer as tribute!“ Chosen because: Katniss volunteering on behalf of her sister lets the reader know right away that family, especially her sister, is very important to her. Important enough to even make, what seems like, a sacrifice of her own life.

Good or Bad? Quotation Examples Quote: “This could be it, I think.” Annotation: This shows that Katniss is in a difficult situation and that she must think things through before making decisions in order to stay alive. Quote: “You were worried about me? Have you looked at yourself lately?” Annotation: This shows that Katniss and Peeta think about each other, which means they are thoughtful characters.

Good or Bad? Quotation Examples Quote: “I spend night half-sitting, half-lying next to Peeta, refreshing the bandage, and trying not to dwell on the fact that by teaming up with him, I’ve made myself far more vulnerable when I was alone.” Annotation: This shows that while Katniss is in a dangerous situation, she cannot be self-serving, one of the main themes of this novel. She admits helping Peeta puts her at risk, but she feels the right thing to do is be loyal to her district and attempt to save Peeta.

Good or Bad? Quotation Examples Quote: I spread out my fingers, and the dark berries glisten in the sun. I give Peeta's hand one last squeeze as a signal, as a good-bye, and we begin counting. Chosen because: Katniss knows eating the berries is a dangerous plan and it could be the end of her life, but taking that risk is a better option than betraying a friend and her community. The berries are a symbol of government control and by eating them Katniss is rebelling against tyrannical regime.