How to Annotate
How to Annotate
Create a color code list of items to annotate. This is especially helpful if your instructor has given suggestions or a list of expectations. A successful format is to use an index card with the “Color Key” as the bookmark.
Suggestions for Annotations:
Follow the SCASI method:
What is the IDEA that the author wants the audience to 'get' from the text? There could be more than one IDEA. When thinking of IDEA, put the theme into a sentence format.
How does the author use SETTING, CHARACTER, ACTION and STYLE to support the IDEA presented int he text?
Look for words or groups of words:
unfamiliar | from another language | related to an interesting occupation or activity |
made-up words | examples of onomatopoeia | familiar but used in a new way |
critical to the story |
Find out the history of the word(s) (etymology)
Define the word(s)
Choose a passage that is significant/key for some reason:
puzzling | fascinating | funny | surprising |
disturbing | maddening | touching | memorable |
agree with | disagree with | reminds of something | a turning point |
Answer the question: “Why is it key?” meaning, what is author's purpose?
Where is the story/poem/play set?
How does the setting(s) influence conflict, character(s), events and/or outcomes?
If a character takes a journey, trace it on a map.
Setting includes: climate, who lives there, physical features (rivers, mountains, plains)
Summarize each chapter, act or scene.
Look for figurative language: metaphor, simile, personification, etc.
Look for imagery.
Look for character revelation