How to Annotate Text effectively Senior Seminar Honors

What does “annotate” mean? Definition: to supply with critical or explanatory notes; comment upon in notes In other words, Annotation is a method of interaction with text wherein you, the reader, trace your reading through note-taking directly on the text itself

Why annotate? To gain deeper meaning and a long-lasting understanding of the text To set a purpose for your reading To ask questions of the text through summary, inference and connection to other texts, historical events, or other “real world” issues To develop your understanding of literary analysis through close examination of plot, figurative language, theme, etc.

What Makes a Good Annotation? A good annotation balances the reader’s thoughts, connections and ideas with an understanding of the author’s ideas and intentions

DON’T Make a general comment about an entire line or a whole quotation Simply discuss “words” or “images” Mention only your own opinions on the text

DO Comment on a specific image Focus on segments of text Mention/apply specific literary devices or elements Mention/speculate on the author’s intent

Techniques that You Can Use to Annotate Text Underline important terms. Circle definitions and meanings. Write key words and definitions in the margin. Signal where important information can be found with key words or symbols in the margin.

Techniques that You Can Use to Annotate Text Write short summaries in the margin at the end of sub-units. Write the questions in the margin next to the section where the answer is found. Indicate steps in a process by using numbers in the margin.

Examples

Examples

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examples

examples

examples