Annotate Annotating Annotations What does that mean? How does it work? How can it help you?
What does it mean? Annotate/an·no·tate/ˈanəˌtāt/ Verb: To add notes to (a text or diagram) giving explanation or comment. …simple as that!
What to do: Use a highlighter to… Main points Keywords Important quotes Interesting facts Important evidence Sentences you may want to revisit or find quickly Part of the text that speaks to you Circle interesting or unfamiliar vocabulary
What to do: AND a pen to… Write notes in the margins Define vocabulary or slang Re-write, paraphrase, or summarize Describe perspectives, theme, character, etc... Explain the historical context or traditions/social customs that are used in the passage Offer an analysis or interpretation of what is happening in the text Point out and discuss literary techniques that the author is using Ask meaningful questions Make connections to Other parts of the text, books, stories, plays, songs, or poems Current or historical events Movies and/or documentaries Your own life experiences
Purpose As you work with your text, consider all of the ways that you can connect with and critically think about what you are reading. The process and outcomes are different for everyone This will help with: Comprehension Critical thinking skills Recall Evaluation