Text Annotation A Close Reading Strategy for Better

Text Annotation A Close Reading Strategy for Better Comprehension

Active vs. Passive Reading What are Passive activities? What are Active activities? Active Reading: q Interact q Evaluate q Apply

What is Text Annotation? While reading, students mark the pages for Important information Text meaning or key details Ideas and questions

What is Annotation? Annotation is the process of marking a piece of text (whether it be a book, essay, or article) while reading. A good annotation process includes two basic elements: 1) Intratextual marking – highlighting, underlining, & symbols • help to zero in on what within the text is important (key words, ideas, phrases) 2) Marginal notes • Provide the why the intratextual marking is important • Asks questions

Two Types of Annotation Remember to Use Both! Intratextual Markings Marginal Notes • • • Underlining Highlighting Circling Numbering Sign/Symbols • • • Definitions Examples Signs/Symbols Numbering Paraphrasing Asking Questions

Developing an Annotation Code You can create whatever system you like. There are many examples out there, but really its about finding something that works for you. Annotation Code Main Idea: underline and * in margin Supporting Ideas : squiggly line with in margin Other important ideas: underlined Vocabulary : circled Here is an example Definitions: square around the words to the right to get you Interesting ideas: underlined with ! In the started, and while margin this may seem Questions: ? In the margin complicated at first, it will become automatic in no time!

What About Highlighters? Students often think text annotation simply involves highlighting almost every word in a text. It’s important to note that highlighting may be part of student’s system for annotation but it is NOT effective if it’s the only system.

Selective Highlighting Use three or four different colors and establish a code to help you differentiate between ideas. For example: 1. Use one color to highlight key vocabulary and provide definitions and/or explanations in margin 2. Use different colors to highlight main ideas and supporting details 3. Use another color to highlight key facts and concepts 4. Review your highlighted information, and create marginal notes. Create lists, add comments, and questions To make this a useful strategy, remember to use pencil to underline the first tie you read a section or paragraph; otherwise you could highlight too much information. Then go back over the underlines to pick out key words and phrases to highlight as suggested above.

e ffective! 5 Steps to Annotation 1. Survey 2. Determine Purpose 3. Plan Annotation Strategy: • Intratextual Markings • Margin Notes 4. Annotate text and graphics 5. Ask questions

Annotating and Note-taking 1. During the first reading: Use pencil only to underline key ideas during the first reading 2. After finishing a paragraph or section: Review the pencil underlines and then highlight only key ideas and key words (you still feel are important). Avoid highlighting more than 5 consecutive words. 3. When finished highlighting a paragraph: Make annotation in the margin Consider the purpose of the paragraph. These annotations may include: key ideas to remember, questions, lists, reactions, and notes to think about the content more. 4. After annotating: Finally, transfer your annotations to a word document or notebook dedicated to the course. This helps to consolidate understanding and is a great tool for studying for exams.

Annotation Styles and Strategies Bracket [important] passages

Annotation Styles and Strategies Connect related ideas with lines Underline important ideas/details

Annotation Styles and Strategies Outline main ideas in margin and/or Write margin notes (comments and questions)

Annotation Styles and Strategies Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis Circle unfamiliar vocabulary

Annotation Styles and Strategies * * Place asterisks or exclamation points next to unusual or surprising details

Annotation Styles and Strategies Use symbols, drawings, and small drawings(text coding) to highlight important details When using text coding, consistency is important. Students need to understand the key.

Annotation Styles and Strategies Can’t write in books? Label with sticky notes— Students can use all the same strategies by placing their annotations on different colors of sticky notes on the pages of their books. Copy important sections from text (doesn’t break copyright if used for educational purposes)

Annotation & Memory Quick Memory Tips: q Memory is formed with constant review q Review more frequently at first; less frequently later q Annotation, vocab, maps, grids, recitation, and notes will only work if you REVIEW them.

Quick Memory Tips Memory is formed by constant review of information. When you learn something new you cannot (and should not) expect to remember it if you don`t take the time to review it. The best way to learn information and be able to remember it, is to review more frequently at the beginning, and less frequently later Things like maps, grids, vocabulary lists, and good note-taking strategies are GREAT, but don`t work unless you continue to review them frequently.

Examples of Annotation

Example of Annotation

Surviving your Sophomore year Now that you’ve survived your freshman year, what will you do differently to make this year more successful? In your reading assignment, you will find 5 suggestions for a more successful sophomore year.

Practice Makes Perfect 1. Quickly review the annotation codes and suggestions from today’s lesson. As you review these, decide on a coding system you want to try. As you practice this skill, your coding system is likely to evolve. 2. Using your chosen coding system, read annotate the assigned article. 3. While you read, be conscious of how well the coding system is working for you and adapt as needed. 4. Please read annotate the entire article.

Practice Makes Perfect 5. After completing the reading, discuss with your partner two important details you learned from the article. 6. Next, discuss the annotation strategies you selected. 7. Reflect on the process with your partner—did annotating the article improve or impede your comprehension? How will you change your strategy/system the next time you read?