How To Annotate -Close Reading

Close ReadingIs the process of slowing down and think about what we are reading.

AnnotationAllows for greater focus and attention to detail.

Keep reading to learn how to annotate when you are practicing the art of close reading.

1.Comprehension of Key Ideas and Details

Unfamiliar Vocabulary

Circle Unfamiliar Vocabulary

▫ Use context clues to help determine the meaning of the unknown words.

▫ If necessary use a dictionary.

Main Ideas

Star Main Ideas ▫ Central themes

▫ Clues

▫ Details that back up the main idea

Confusing Parts

Mark Confusing parts

▫ Clarify unfamiliar details through:

▫ Re-reading▫ Summarizing▫ Discussion ▫ Research

Questions to AskWho are the main characters?

What is the setting?

What is the main conflict?

2.Cra t and Structure

Repeated Themes or Ideas

BracketRepeated Themes or Ideas

▫ Think about:

▫ Genre of the works▫ Use of language▫ Lesson or morals

Character or Author’s Feelings

Note Character or Author’s Feelings

▫ For fiction, take note of how the author uses dialogue, descriptions, or things the character says or does to develop character.

▫ For non-fiction, pay attention to how the author talks about the subject to determine his or her feelings about the topic.

Narrator’s Point of View

Annotate the Narrator’s Point of View

▫ Determine how the point of view contributes to the story.

Questions to AskWhy do characters behave as they do?

How do their actions advance the plot?

How does the author’s word choice affect the story’s tone?

3.Integrate your Knowledge

Connections

Highlight Connections ▫ Compare and contrast

this work with:

▫ Other works you have read

▫ Information you already know

▫ Ways in which you can relate to the story

Deeper Meaning

UnderlineThe Deeper Meaning

▫ Find the important:

▫ Images▫ Symbols

Effective Writing

IdentifyEffective Writing

▫ Look for:

▫ Literary devices▫ Figurative language▫ Powerful sentences

Questions to AskHow has this work increased my knowledge of the subject or author?

What is surprising about the story’s outcome?

What did I appreciate about the author’s style?

“ Make your annotation system your own - use colored pens, highlighters, or symbols to annotate the previous list of items.

Annotating

This process will help you read more closely and allow you to dig deeper to find more significance in the texts you are reading.

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