1. How to Annotate Text effectively
Senior Seminar Honors

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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.

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