

Themes: Themes are the major ideas expressed in a story.Recognizing which point of view is being used is another helpful tool in annotating. The Plot: Many stories follow a predictable plot formula, which involves exposition (setting the stage), a conflict that causes action leading up to a climax, then falling action and resolution.įigure 2.The setting may be current, historical, or invented. Setting: The setting is a place and time where the story unfolds.There may also be an antagonist, someone who is opposed to the main character.

They may be the hero, or anti-hero, someone who is flawed but still fulfills the role of the hero.

Explain the historical context or traditions/social customs used in the passage.Draw a picture when a visual connection is appropriate.Summarize things that intrigue, impress, surprise, disturb, etc.Comment on the actions or development of characters.Write questions that you might have for later discussion in class.Mark passages that you find confusing with question marks.Add examples from real life, other books, TV, movies, and so forth.Summarize important ideas in your own words.While annotating, look for opportunities to: As you annotate, you’ll also want to add keywords, phrases, or questions, and make connections to the content. Highlighting tells you that you thought something was important in the moment you read it, but when you go back later, you won’t know why you thought it was important. The simplest ways to annotate include marking up the text by highlighting, underlining, bracketing, or placing symbols in the text or the margins, but simply highlighting is insufficient. It can increase comprehension, help you remember what you’ve read, and save you time by not requiring you to re-read as often. To annotate is to actively engage a text by pausing to reflect, mark up, and add notes as you read. Explain strategies for annotating texts.
