Background on the author Themes throughout the text The author’s purpose for writing the text The author’s thesis Points of confusion How the text compares to other texts you are analyzing on the same topic Questions to ask your teacher or questions to bring up in class discussions
Later on, you can gather all of these citations together to form a bibliography or works cited page, if required. If you are working with a source that frequently changes, such as a newspaper or website, make sure to mark down the accession date or number (the year the piece was acquired and/or where it came from).
If you were given an assignment sheet with listed objectives, you might look over your completed annotation and check off each objective when finished. This will ensure that you’ve met all of the requirements.
You can also write down questions that you plan to bring up during a class discussion. For example, you might write, “What does everyone think about this sentence?” Or, if your reading connects to a future writing assignment, you can ask questions that connect to that work.
You could write, “Connects to the theme of hope and redemption discussed in class. ”
Use whatever symbol marking system works for you. Just make sure that you are consistent in your use of certain symbols. As you review your notes, you can create a list of all of the particular words that are circled. This may make it easier to look them up. For example, if the tone of the work changes mid-paragraph, you might write a question mark next to that section.
To increase your reading comprehension even more, you might want to write down the thesis statement in the margins in your own words. The thesis sentence might start with a statement, such as, “I argue…”
For example, reading online reviews can help you to determine whether or not the work is controversial or has been received without much fanfare. If there are multiple authors for the work, start by researching the first name listed.
You might write, “This may contradict any earlier section. ” Or, “I don’t agree with this. ”
You can also file away this paper copy for future reference as you continue your research.
If you are visual learner, you might consider developing a notation system involving various colors of highlighters and flags.
Depending on how you’ve taken your notes, you could also remove these Post-its to create an outline prior to writing.
This rough annotation can then be used to create a larger annotated bibliography. This will help you to see any gaps in your research as well. [13] X Research source
You could also use a program, such as Evernote, MarkUp. io, Bounce, Shared Copy, WebKlipper, or Springnote. Be aware that some of these programs may require a payment for access.
Depending on your program, you may be able to respond to other people’s comments. You can also designate your notes as private or public.
