Annotating+Texts

Annotating Texts
When I read a given text, I have a difficult time just reading it; I tend to more fully interact with the text by writing all over it. In a sense, I am establishing a relationship, or a written conversation with the words I read. In order to do this, I need to pay close attention to what is written. I not only need to understand what is being conveyed, but why and how as well. I record questions that come to my mind, impressions, realizations, disagreements, and concurrences—I underline, star, and circle important words or phrases…in other words, I make a piece of visual art out of text. In this course (or any other time you read) I’d like you to try to engage with your text in this way. Here are some guidelines for annotating what you read:

1) As you read, take the position of a conversational partner. Your first obligation to the author of the text is to try and understand it and, if possible, appreciate it.

2) Read the text with a pen in hand, prepared to mark it for the discussion we will have concerning the reading. Highlighting and underlining is good, but also write notes in the margin. Be prepared to articulate what you have noted in class. The following questions may help you to decide how you want to interact with the author….

a. The ‘Me too’ response: “This reminds me of… (something from your own experience or observation).”

b. The ‘I don’t get it’ response: “What does this mean?” or “Why do you say x, when it contradicts with z?” or “Where is the evidence for this?”

c. The ‘Tell me more’ response: “I’d like to know more about…”

d. The ‘Yes, I agree’ or ‘No, I disagree’ response: Try follow up with a brief explanation of why you agree or disagree.

e. The ‘attention to style and structure’ response: Circle or underline and attempt to identify in the margins any elements of structure or style that seem effective or ineffective. What about the language works for you? For example, “This attention to sensory detail helps me visualize the event”, or “By withholding this information, the author creates a sense of suspense.”

f. The ‘comparison with other texts’ response: If you’ve seen these ideas before, try to compare the position or the stylistic or rhetorical strategies used with those that you have encountered before.

3) Finally, follow up with an “end comment” entry in your reading log. This entry should attempt to address the following:
 * Summarize the general message you took from reading the text.
 * Capture your strongest impression of the text. Be as precise as possible. Avoid vague terms like “good, bad, effective, weak, interesting, and boring”. If you must use them, justify them with evidence from the text.
 * Copy at least one sentence that was meaningful to you. Explain why and how it holds meaning for you.