Annotating a Text (Having a Conversation with the Text)
Annotation (writing notes to yourself about the text) is a key component of active reading.
Effective annotating is both economical and consistent. The techniques are many. Use any combination of the following:
1) Make brief comments in the margins.
2) Make brief comments between or within lines of the text. Or use sticky notes; however, this is more cumbersome, and the “notes” don’t always stick.
3) Circle or draw boxes, triangles, or clouds around words or phrases.
4) Use abbreviations or symbols - brackets, stars, exclamation points, question marks, numbers, etc. { } [ ] *** !!!!!! ????
5) Connect words, phrases, ideas, circles, boxes, etc. with lines or arrows.
6) Underline – CAUTION: Use this method sparingly. Underline only a few words. Always combine with
7) another method such as comments. Never underline an entire passage. Doing so takes too much time and loses effectiveness. If you wish to mark an entire paragraph or passage, draw a line down the margin or use brackets.
8) Highlight – See underline. You cannot write with a highlighter anyway.
9) Create your own code.
10) Use colors to help you distinguish your annotations at a glance.
Effective annotating shows evidence of thoughtful thinking. The possibilities are limitless; here are some examples.
a) In fiction, comment on the actions or development of a character. Does the character change? Why? How? The result?
b) Comment on something that intrigues, impresses, amuses, shocks, puzzles, disturbs, repulses, aggravates, etc. you.
c) Comment on quotations you think are especially significant, powerful, or meaningful.
d) Express agreement or disagreement.
e) Summarize key ideas or events. Make predictions.
f) Connect ideas to each other or to other texts.
g) Note if you experience some insight or epiphany.
h) Note anything you would like to discuss or do not understand.
i) Note vocabulary you’re unfamiliar with.
Effective annotating is usually done on the text itself, but you can use sticky notes if you don’t want to write in your text book.