Annotating Texts
description
Transcript of Annotating Texts
Annotating TextsAn essential skill for active readers
Before Reading
0Examine the front and back covers (books)0Read the title and any subtitles0Examine the illustrations0Examine the print (bold, italics, etc.)0Examine the way the text is set up (book, short story,
diary, dialogue, article, etc.)0As you examine and read these, write questions, and
make predictions and/or connections near these parts of the text.
During Reading
Mark in the text:
0Characters – descriptions, conflict, changes, thoughts0Setting – imagery, description, relation to mood0Unknown/unfamiliar vocabulary0 Important information/quotes0Big ideas (themes)0Symbols, trends, motifs0Similes, metaphors, allusions
Write in the margins
0Summarize0Make predictions0Formulate opinions0Make connections0Ask questions0Analyze the author’s craft0Write reflections/reactions/comments0Look for patterns/repetition
After Reading
0Reread annotations—draw conclusions0 Reread introduction and conclusion—try to figure
out something new0Examine patterns/repetitions—determine possible
meanings0Determine what the title might mean
Basic Annotation Symbols
? – This is confusing! – This is a surprise This is important This is an example of … characterization, literary
device, theme (must label what it is an example of) Box character names and write the name in the
margin
YOU MUST ALSO ADD NOTES to your symbols. Symbols aren’t enough on their own.