1. CIDES: A guide to annotation
English I Honors

2. Definition
Annotate—to add critical or explanatory notes to a written work
Active annotations are written connections, questions, and observations. They require readers to think and express their ideas.

3. Connect Identify & Interact Define Explain Summarize
Connect your reading to other works of literature (or)
Connect your reading to your own personal experiences
Identify
&
Interact
Patterns in the text (reoccurring symbols, phrases, ideas)
Figurative language/literary devices (imagery, similes, etc.)
Words/passages that convey author’s tone or mood
Interact with the text (have a conversation with it)
Write down any questions you have
Write down any other thoughts you had while reading
Define
Difficult or unfamiliar words
Key terms or phrases
Explain
A character’s behavior or motivations
Historical or cultural traditions relevant to text (What do you need to know about the time period or setting to understand the text? What is the context?)
Summarize
Difficult passages
Key events
Your predictions