1. Preparing the text 1. # each paragraph (18 total)
2. “Chunk” the text by drawing a horizontal line, separating the following sections:
Par 1 – 3
4-6
7-10
11-12
13-16

2. Today’s focus for annotation
For today’s reading of “The Stranger in the Photo is Me,” we will annotate for the following purposes:
1. Structurally, how Murray uses the photograph as a springboard for both reflection and argument.
2. How Murray builds the central themes of the text.
3. How Murray utilizes his reflections to reveal the powerful, yet negative influence of war on a person’s life.

3. Section 1: (Paragraphs 1-3) Make note of areas where Murray begins to establish the context for his writing, as well as the tone that he establishes at the start of the essay. Identify words or phrases that catch your attention and decide which themes are emerging.
Section 2: (Paragraphs 4-6) Make note of areas where Murray provides detail about who he is as a person and how he’s changed over time.
Section 3: (Paragraphs 7-10) Pay special attention to the shift in tone and atmosphere – how does his word choice indicate a change? Make a connection to the title of the work.

4. Section 4: (Paragraphs 11-12) Identify and summarize the central idea for the essay – this is Murray’s focus and purpose for writing.
Section 5: (Paragraphs ) Explore how Murray uses the photograph as a jumping off point to reflect on how war has changed him and the implications of these changes. Make note of the varied attitudes he has concerning these changes and summarize in your own words.
Section 6: (Paragraphs 17-18) Establish what Murray’s final thoughts are on the photograph. Follow up with making note of the tone in this section and the parts of the text that establish that attitude.