A Guide to Annotating Texts

Summary

In this video, the speaker introduces annotation as a close reading strategy, emphasizing its importance in understanding texts. Annotation involves adding notes, comments, or explanations to a text or diagram. The speaker highlights the importance of having a purpose while reading and understanding the assignment. Key annotation techniques are shared, such as underlining supporting ideas, starring the main idea, circling vocabulary words, and using symbols like triangles for unfamiliar words. The video also provides tips for effective annotation and encourages viewers to ask questions and leave comments for a deeper connection with the material.

Takeaways

• 😀 Annotation is the process of adding notes or comments to a text to engage more deeply with the material.
• 😀 The purpose of annotation is to help you connect with the text and better understand or retain the information.
• 😀 To start annotating, all you need is a writing utensil, an understanding of the assignment, and a clear purpose for your reading.
• 😀 Use symbols to mark key elements of the text, like underlining, starring, and circling important ideas and vocabulary.
• 😀 Underline supporting ideas, aiming for about three main points to focus on in each text.
• 😀 Star the main idea of the text to identify its central message.
• 😀 Circle unfamiliar or important vocabulary words to review or learn more about them.
• 😀 Use triangles to mark words you don’t understand or want to explore further.
• 😀 Leave questions and comments in the margins to clarify understanding and engage critically with the content.
• 😀 If unsure what to comment, consider summarizing points, reflecting on connections, or identifying unclear sections.
• 😀 Regular annotation practice will enhance your reading comprehension and make future readings easier and more intuitive.

Q & A

What is the purpose of annotation in reading?

The purpose of annotation is to engage with the text by adding notes, comments, or symbols to clarify and interact with the material, helping readers understand and retain information.

What are the basic tools needed for annotation?

To annotate a text, you need a writing utensil (pen, pencil, or highlighter), a clear understanding of the assignment, and a purpose while reading.

Why is it important to have a purpose when reading?

Having a purpose when reading helps guide your focus and ensures that your annotations align with the goal of the reading, whether it's to understand a concept, analyze a text, or answer a specific question.

What is the recommended number of supporting ideas to underline when annotating?

It is recommended to underline three supporting ideas, as this allows you to focus on key points without overwhelming yourself with too much information.

How do you identify the main idea when annotating?

You should star the main idea in the text. This helps you easily locate the core concept or argument that the text revolves around.

What should you do with unfamiliar vocabulary words when annotating?

You should circle vocabulary words you don't know or find important, so you can look them up later and enhance your understanding of the text.

What is the purpose of using a triangle symbol in annotation?

The triangle symbol is used to highlight words or phrases that you don't understand, allowing you to come back to them later for clarification.

How can asking questions during annotation help your understanding?

Asking questions during annotation helps clarify points of confusion, encourages deeper thinking, and creates an interactive dialogue with the text, aiding in comprehension.

What are some options for leaving comments when annotating?

If you're struggling with comments, try summarizing sections, asking 'why' or 'how' questions, making connections to other texts or personal experiences, highlighting confusing terms, or writing a reflection on what you've learned.

How does annotation help with future use of the text?

Annotation helps with future use by providing easy-to-reference notes and highlights that allow you to quickly locate important information, concepts, or questions when you revisit the text.