Annotating a Text
How to Annotate a Text
- Read the text twice. The first reading is quick, getting the gist of the article/chapter. The second is a careful reading where you interact with the text and mark parts that are confusing, interesting, surprising or important.
- Begin to annotate. Circle, underline or highlight important ideas. In the margin explain the significance or the connection. Without margin commentary, the marked text is not helpful.
- Mark confusing/interesting words. Define new or confusing words in the margin.
- Note passages that generate a strong positive OR negative reaction from you. Where possible explain in the margin why you think you reacted the way you did.
- Ask questions. If you read something that doesn’t make sense, what would you ask the author if they were sitting next to you? Do you want more examples? Do you want more information? Ask the author. You can also ask your instructor questions or write questions you would like to discuss as a class.
- Make connections. One of the most powerful reading tools is for the reader to connect with what they read. For example, when I read Richard Wright’s literacy narrative, it reminds me of an experience I had at the Murray Public library as a 3rd grader. Because I’ve made that connection, I remember his piece better. In the margin, by that section of the text, I write in the margin: Murray Library 3rd grade to help me remember the experience. You can also make connections to other parts of the reading, other books/movies/TV shows you’ve experience or news events. If you’re a visual person, draw a picture.
- Identify rhetorical choices. When we write, we make rhetorical choices about words we use, the order we put words in, the examples we share, etc. How do professional writers do that? When you see some writing that you think is particularly good (or bad) highlight that and explain what is significant. When Richard Rodriguez uses Spanish in his literacy narrative, how does strengthen or weaken the text?
- Statement of main idea. Mark the passage and identify with a margin note that restates the thesis statement in your own words.