Annotation

Quick tips for annotation

1. Have a pencil, highlighter, and post it notes. 2. Read slowly, and take time to think. 3. Write thoughts, questions, observations, and anything noteworthy. 4. Use shorthand. For example, don't write, "This is funny." Just draw :).

How to get better at annotation

1. Practice. Annotate everything you read. 2. When borrowing books, note how others annotate, and borrow good practices.

Where to annotate

In the text or in the margins.

Benefits of annotation

It kills passive reading, fosters thinking/interaction, aids memory, enables review of material.

Obstacles to annotation

It requires patience, thoughtfulness, and hard work.

Types of things to annotate

Location of story, observations about characters, questions you have as you read, personal thoughts/feelings/impressions, turning points in the story, major themes, things you may quote or cite, etc.

Annotation (defined)

To explain, to comment upon, to note. To interact, to talk back, to go beyond.