Annotation Strategies

Marking in the Text:

• Using boxes or circles for words to be defined.

• Underlining or highlighting key words, phrases, or sentences.

  • Transitions

  • Repetitions

  • Topic Sentences

  • Thesis Statements

  • Forecast Statements

• [ Bracketing ] important sentences, passages, or sections of the text.

  • Important Explanations

  • Significant Details

  • Memorable Language

• Connecting related ideas with lines ---------- or arrows ---> <---.

• Using question marks ( ? ) to note any confusion or disagreement.

Writing in the Margins:

• Using numbers (1, 2, 3) or letters (A, B, C) for points / ideas in sequence.

• Outlining the main ideas.

• Summarizing each paragraph.

• Defining unfamiliar words.

• Noting responses, reactions, questions, agreements, disagreements, memories, connections, etc.

• Identifying interesting writing strategies.

• Pointing out patterns or connections.

• Making note of anything that strikes you as interesting, important, or questionable.