Annotating & Underlining

Techniques for Reading Actively and with a

Purpose

Today’s Objectives:

Students will be able to…

Take precise notes during a teacher-led discussion;

Understand what it means to annotate a text meaningfully;

Learn how to examine and analyze a text closely, critically, and carefully using annotation and underlining

Noun: annotationVerb: annotate

Refers to the act of noting important ideas, examples, terms, concepts, etc. in the margins of a text

“Here’s a note to remind me of…”

What is annotation?

Is annotation and underling the same thing?

No. Annotation refers

specifically to recording ideas in the margins

Underlining is a support to annotation and should be done after annotating a text

How will annotating a text help me?

The annotation strategy serves a dual function:

1. Helps isolate key ideas during initial reading>>deeper level of processing ideas;

2. Helps you study for key ideas for tests >> self-testing device

1. Read the text once to get a general idea of the reading passage.

2. Read the text a second time and record initial annotations in the margins of the text.

3. Go back and underline any important key terms, concepts, ideas--be selective.

4. Revise or add information to your margin annotations.

Steps for annotating a text

Margin annotations might:

define unfamiliar words/terms paraphrase information summarize information list steps/reasons/literary devices---- make a connection to another text relate to a personal experience react to an idea identify an opposing view analyze/evaluate information

What exactly am I supposed to annotate when I read a text?

Annotation Assignment:

Re-read “Raymond’s Run” and annotate for Squeaky’s character traits.

Follow these steps:

1. Re-read the story.2. As you read, pay particular attention to places

in the text that reveal information about Squeaky’s character.

4. Identify and comment on any methods of characterization you come across. Note what the example shows.

5.Finally, review the annotations and underline key phrases/sentences.

Example from “Raymond’s Run”

And a lot of smart mouths got lots to say about that too, especially when George was minding him. But now, if anybody has anything to say to Raymond, anything to say about his big head, they have to come by me.

Speech:“smart mouths” and “got lots” are slang. Make her sound tough - a city kid.

Thoughts:She is protective of her brother.

Example from “Raymond’s Run”

And I don’t play the dozens or believe in standing around with somebody in my face doing a lot of talking. I much rather just knock you down and take my chances even if I am a little girl with skinny arms and a squeaky voice…

Thoughts:She’ll fight people who give her or her brother a hard time. Aggressive!

Looks:She’s a small girl. Maybe she feels like she needs to make up for her size?

Do now.

With a partner, re-read “Raymond’s Run” and annotate.

Remember: – First, annotate (identify and comment in

the margins.)– Then go back and underline key

phrases, sentences and passages.

This Weekend’s Homework

Finish annotating, if necessary. I will be checking your annotations on Monday!

Write a character analysis for Squeaky. (Hint: it might help to consider motivation.)

Write your analysis in your writing journal. You will turn in your journals on Wednesday.