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How to Annotate Texts

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Annotation Fundamentals

How to start annotating , how to annotate digital texts, how to annotate a textbook, how to annotate a scholarly article or book, how to annotate literature, how to annotate images, videos, and performances, additional resources for teachers.

Writing in your books can make you smarter. Or, at least (according to education experts), annotation–an umbrella term for underlining, highlighting, circling, and, most importantly, leaving comments in the margins–helps students to remember and comprehend what they read. Annotation is like a conversation between reader and text. Proper annotation allows students to record their own opinions and reactions, which can serve as the inspiration for research questions and theses. So, whether you're reading a novel, poem, news article, or science textbook, taking notes along the way can give you an advantage in preparing for tests or writing essays. This guide contains resources that explain the benefits of annotating texts, provide annotation tools, and suggest approaches for diverse kinds of texts; the last section includes lesson plans and exercises for teachers.

Why annotate? As the resources below explain, annotation allows students to emphasize connections to material covered elsewhere in the text (or in other texts), material covered previously in the course, or material covered in lectures and discussion. In other words, proper annotation is an organizing tool and a time saver. The links in this section will introduce you to the theory, practice, and purpose of annotation.

How to Mark a Book, by Mortimer Adler

This famous, charming essay lays out the case for marking up books, and provides practical suggestions at the end including underlining, highlighting, circling key words, using vertical lines to mark shifts in tone/subject, numbering points in an argument, and keeping track of questions that occur to you as you read.

How Annotation Reshapes Student Thinking (TeacherHUB)

In this article, a high school teacher discusses the importance of annotation and how annotation encourages more effective critical thinking.

The Future of Annotation (Journal of Business and Technical Communication)

This scholarly article summarizes research on the benefits of annotation in the classroom and in business. It also discusses how technology and digital texts might affect the future of annotation.

Annotating to Deepen Understanding (Texas Education Agency)

This website provides another introduction to annotation (designed for 11th graders). It includes a helpful section that teaches students how to annotate reading comprehension passages on tests.

Once you understand what annotation is, you're ready to begin. But what tools do you need? How do you prepare? The resources linked in this section list strategies and techniques you can use to start annotating.

What is Annotating? (Charleston County School District)

This resource gives an overview of annotation styles, including useful shorthands and symbols. This is a good place for a student who has never annotated before to begin.

How to Annotate Text While Reading (YouTube)

This video tutorial (appropriate for grades 6–10) explains the basic ins and outs of annotation and gives examples of the type of information students should be looking for.

Annotation Practices: Reading a Play-text vs. Watching Film (U Calgary)

This blog post, written by a student, talks about how the goals and approaches of annotation might change depending on the type of text or performance being observed.

Annotating Texts with Sticky Notes (Lyndhurst Schools)

Sometimes students are asked to annotate books they don't own or can't write in for other reasons. This resource provides some strategies for using sticky notes instead.

Teaching Students to Close Read...When You Can't Mark the Text (Performing in Education)

Here, a sixth grade teacher demonstrates the strategies she uses for getting her students to annotate with sticky notes. This resource includes a link to the teacher's free Annotation Bookmark (via Teachers Pay Teachers).

Digital texts can present a special challenge when it comes to annotation; emerging research suggests that many students struggle to critically read and retain information from digital texts. However, proper annotation can solve the problem. This section contains links to the most highly-utilized platforms for electronic annotation.

Evernote is one of the two big players in the "digital annotation apps" game. In addition to allowing users to annotate digital documents, the service (for a fee) allows users to group multiple formats (PDF, webpages, scanned hand-written notes) into separate notebooks, create voice recordings, and sync across all sorts of devices.

OneNote is Evernote's main competitor. Reviews suggest that OneNote allows for more freedom for digital note-taking than Evernote, but that it is slightly more awkward to import and annotate a PDF, especially on certain platforms. However, OneNote's free version is slightly more feature-filled, and OneNote allows you to link your notes to time stamps on an audio recording.

Diigo is a basic browser extension that allows a user to annotate webpages. Diigo also offers a Screenshot app that allows for direct saving to Google Drive.

While the creators of Hypothesis like to focus on their app's social dimension, students are more likely to be interested in the private highlighting and annotating functions of this program.

Foxit PDF Reader

Foxit is one of the leading PDF readers. Though the full suite must be purchased, Foxit offers a number of annotation and highlighting tools for free.

Nitro PDF Reader

This is another well-reviewed, free PDF reader that includes annotation and highlighting. Annotation, text editing, and other tools are included in the free version.

Goodreader is a very popular Mac-only app that includes annotation and editing tools for PDFs, Word documents, Powerpoint, and other formats.

Although textbooks have vocabulary lists, summaries, and other features to emphasize important material, annotation can allow students to process information and discover their own connections. This section links to guides and video tutorials that introduce you to textbook annotation.

Annotating Textbooks (Niagara University)

This PDF provides a basic introduction as well as strategies including focusing on main ideas, working by section or chapter, annotating in your own words, and turning section headings into questions.

A Simple Guide to Text Annotation (Catawba College)

The simple, practical strategies laid out in this step-by-step guide will help students learn how to break down chapters in their textbooks using main ideas, definitions, lists, summaries, and potential test questions.

Annotating (Mercer Community College)

This packet, an excerpt from a literature textbook, provides a short exercise and some examples of how to do textbook annotation, including using shorthand and symbols.

Reading Your Healthcare Textbook: Annotation (Saddleback College)

This powerpoint contains a number of helpful suggestions, especially for students who are new to annotation. It emphasizes limited highlighting, lots of student writing, and using key words to find the most important information in a textbook. Despite the title, it is useful to a student in any discipline.

Annotating a Textbook (Excelsior College OWL)

This video (with included transcript) discusses how to use textbook features like boxes and sidebars to help guide annotation. It's an extremely helpful, detailed discussion of how textbooks are organized.

Because scholarly articles and books have complex arguments and often depend on technical vocabulary, they present particular challenges for an annotating student. The resources in this section help students get to the heart of scholarly texts in order to annotate and, by extension, understand the reading.

Annotating a Text (Hunter College)

This resource is designed for college students and shows how to annotate a scholarly article using highlighting, paraphrase, a descriptive outline, and a two-margin approach. It ends with a sample passage marked up using the strategies provided.

Guide to Annotating the Scholarly Article (ReadWriteThink.org)

This is an effective introduction to annotating scholarly articles across all disciplines. This resource encourages students to break down how the article uses primary and secondary sources and to annotate the types of arguments and persuasive strategies (synthesis, analysis, compare/contrast).

How to Highlight and Annotate Your Research Articles (CHHS Media Center)

This video, developed by a high school media specialist, provides an effective beginner-level introduction to annotating research articles.

How to Read a Scholarly Book (AndrewJacobs.org)

In this essay, a college professor lets readers in on the secrets of scholarly monographs. Though he does not discuss annotation, he explains how to find a scholarly book's thesis, methodology, and often even a brief literature review in the introduction. This is a key place for students to focus when creating annotations.

A 5-step Approach to Reading Scholarly Literature and Taking Notes (Heather Young Leslie)

This resource, written by a professor of anthropology, is an even more comprehensive and detailed guide to reading scholarly literature. Combining the annotation techniques above with the reading strategy here allows students to process scholarly book efficiently.

Annotation is also an important part of close reading works of literature. Annotating helps students recognize symbolism, double meanings, and other literary devices. These resources provide additional guidelines on annotating literature.

AP English Language Annotation Guide (YouTube)

In this ~10 minute video, an AP Language teacher provides tips and suggestions for using annotations to point out rhetorical strategies and other important information.

Annotating Text Lesson (YouTube)

In this video tutorial, an English teacher shows how she uses the white board to guide students through annotation and close reading. This resource uses an in-depth example to model annotation step-by-step.

Close Reading a Text and Avoiding Pitfalls (Purdue OWL)

This resources demonstrates how annotation is a central part of a solid close reading strategy; it also lists common mistakes to avoid in the annotation process.

AP Literature Assignment: Annotating Literature (Mount Notre Dame H.S.)

This brief assignment sheet contains suggestions for what to annotate in a novel, including building connections between parts of the book, among multiple books you are reading/have read, and between the book and your own experience. It also includes samples of quality annotations.

AP Handout: Annotation Guide (Covington Catholic H.S.)

This annotation guide shows how to keep track of symbolism, figurative language, and other devices in a novel using a highlighter, a pencil, and every part of a book (including the front and back covers).

In addition to written resources, it's possible to annotate visual "texts" like theatrical performances, movies, sculptures, and paintings. Taking notes on visual texts allows students to recall details after viewing a resource which, unlike a book, can't be re-read or re-visited ( for example, a play that has finished its run, or an art exhibition that is far away). These resources draw attention to the special questions and techniques that students should use when dealing with visual texts.

How to Take Notes on Videos (U of Southern California)

This resource is a good place to start for a student who has never had to take notes on film before. It briefly outlines three general approaches to note-taking on a film.

How to Analyze a Movie, Step-by-Step (San Diego Film Festival)

This detailed guide provides lots of tips for film criticism and analysis. It contains a list of specific questions to ask with respect to plot, character development, direction, musical score, cinematography, special effects, and more.

How to "Read" a Film (UPenn)

This resource provides an academic perspective on the art of annotating and analyzing a film. Like other resources, it provides students a checklist of things to watch out for as they watch the film.

Art Annotation Guide (Gosford Hill School)

This resource focuses on how to annotate a piece of art with respect to its formal elements like line, tone, mood, and composition. It contains a number of helpful questions and relevant examples.

Photography Annotation (Arts at Trinity)

This resource is designed specifically for photography students. Like some of the other resources on this list, it primarily focuses on formal elements, but also shows students how to integrate the specific technical vocabulary of modern photography. This resource also contains a number of helpful sample annotations.

How to Review a Play (U of Wisconsin)

This resource from the University of Wisconsin Writing Center is designed to help students write a review of a play. It contains suggested questions for students to keep in mind as they watch a given production. This resource helps students think about staging, props, script alterations, and many other key elements of a performance.

This section contains links to lessons plans and exercises suitable for high school and college instructors.

Beyond the Yellow Highlighter: Teaching Annotation Skills to Improve Reading Comprehension (English Journal)

In this journal article, a high school teacher talks about her approach to teaching annotation. This article makes a clear distinction between annotation and mere highlighting.

Lesson Plan for Teaching Annotation, Grades 9–12 (readwritethink.org)

This lesson plan, published by the National Council of Teachers of English, contains four complete lessons that help introduce high school students to annotation.

Teaching Theme Using Close Reading (Performing in Education)

This lesson plan was developed by a middle school teacher, and is aligned to Common Core. The teacher presents her strategies and resources in comprehensive fashion.

Analyzing a Speech Using Annotation (UNC-TV/PBS Learning Media)

This complete lesson plan, which includes a guide for the teacher and relevant handouts for students, will prepare students to analyze both the written and presentation components of a speech. This lesson plan is best for students in 6th–10th grade.

Writing to Learn History: Annotation and Mini-Writes (teachinghistory.org)

This teaching guide, developed for high school History classes, provides handouts and suggested exercises that can help students become more comfortable with annotating historical sources.

Writing About Art (The College Board)

This Prezi presentation is useful to any teacher introducing students to the basics of annotating art. The presentation covers annotating for both formal elements and historical/cultural significance.

Film Study Worksheets (TeachWithMovies.org)

This resource contains links to a general film study worksheet, as well as specific worksheets for novel adaptations, historical films, documentaries, and more. These resources are appropriate for advanced middle school students and some high school students.

Annotation Practice Worksheet (La Guardia Community College)

This worksheet has a sample text and instructions for students to annotate it. It is a useful resource for teachers who want to give their students a chance to practice, but don't have the time to select an appropriate piece of text.

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Annotating Texts

What is annotation.

Annotation can be:

A systematic summary of the text that you create within the document
A key tool for close reading that helps you uncover patterns, notice important words, and identify main points
An active learning strategy that improves comprehension and retention of information

Why annotate?

Isolate and organize important material
Identify key concepts
Monitor your learning as you read
Make exam prep effective and streamlined
Can be more efficient than creating a separate set of reading notes

How do you annotate?

Summarize key points in your own words .

Use headers and words in bold to guide you
Look for main ideas, arguments, and points of evidence
Notice how the text organizes itself. Chronological order? Idea trees? Etc.

Circle key concepts and phrases

What words would it be helpful to look-up at the end?
What terms show up in lecture? When are different words used for similar concepts? Why?

Write brief comments and questions in the margins

Be as specific or broad as you would like—use these questions to activate your thinking about the content
See our handout on reading comprehension tips for some examples

Use abbreviations and symbols

Try ? when you have a question or something you need to explore further
Try ! When something is interesting, a connection, or otherwise worthy of note
Try * For anything that you might use as an example or evidence when you use this information.
Ask yourself what other system of symbols would make sense to you.

Highlight/underline

Highlight or underline, but mindfully. Check out our resource on strategic highlighting for tips on when and how to highlight.

Use comment and highlight features built into pdfs, online/digital textbooks, or other apps and browser add-ons

Are you using a pdf? Explore its highlight, edit, and comment functions to support your annotations
Some browsers have add-ons or extensions that allow you to annotate web pages or web-based documents
Does your digital or online textbook come with an annotation feature?
Can your digital text be imported into a note-taking tool like OneNote, EverNote, or Google Keep? If so, you might be able to annotate texts in those apps

What are the most important takeaways?

Annotation is about increasing your engagement with a text
Increased engagement, where you think about and process the material then expand on your learning, is how you achieve mastery in a subject
As you annotate a text, ask yourself: how would I explain this to a friend?
Put things in your own words and draw connections to what you know and wonder

The table below demonstrates this process using a geography textbook excerpt (Press 2004):

A chart featuring a passage from a text in the left column and then columns that illustrate annotations that include too much writing, not enough writing, and a good balance of writing.

A common concern about annotating texts: It takes time!

Yes, it can, but that time isn’t lost—it’s invested.

Spending the time to annotate on the front end does two important things:

It saves you time later when you’re studying. Your annotated notes will help speed up exam prep, because you can review critical concepts quickly and efficiently.
It increases the likelihood that you will retain the information after the course is completed. This is especially important when you are supplying the building blocks of your mind and future career.

One last tip: Try separating the reading and annotating processes! Quickly read through a section of the text first, then go back and annotate.

Works consulted:

Nist, S., & Holschuh, J. (2000). Active learning: strategies for college success. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. 202-218.

Simpson, M., & Nist, S. (1990). Textbook annotation: An effective and efficient study strategy for college students. Journal of Reading, 34: 122-129.

Press, F. (2004). Understanding earth (4th ed). New York: W.H. Freeman. 208-210.

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What is Annotating?

Annotating is any action that deliberately interacts with a text to enhance the reader's understanding of, recall of, and reaction to the text. Sometimes called "close reading," annotating usually involves highlighting or underlining key pieces of text and making notes in the margins of the text. This page will introduce you to several effective strategies for annotating a text that will help you get the most out of your reading.

Why Annotate?

By annotating a text, you will ensure that you understand what is happening in a text after you've read it. As you annotate, you should note the author's main points, shifts in the message or perspective of the text, key areas of focus, and your own thoughts as you read. However, annotating isn't just for people who feel challenged when reading academic texts. Even if you regularly understand and remember what you read, annotating will help you summarize a text, highlight important pieces of information, and ultimately prepare yourself for discussion and writing prompts that your instructor may give you. Annotating means you are doing the hard work while you read, allowing you to reference your previous work and have a clear jumping-off point for future work.

1. Survey : This is your first time through the reading

You can annotate by hand or by using document software. You can also annotate on post-its if you have a text you do not want to mark up. As you annotate, use these strategies to make the most of your efforts:

Include a key or legend on your paper that indicates what each marking is for, and use a different marking for each type of information. Example: Underline for key points, highlight for vocabulary, and circle for transition points.
If you use highlighters, consider using different colors for different types of reactions to the text. Example: Yellow for definitions, orange for questions, and blue for disagreement/confusion.
Dedicate different tasks to each margin: Use one margin to make an outline of the text (thesis statement, description, definition #1, counter argument, etc.) and summarize main ideas, and use the other margin to note your thoughts, questions, and reactions to the text.

Lastly, as you annotate, make sure you are including descriptions of the text as well as your own reactions to the text. This will allow you to skim your notations at a later date to locate key information and quotations, and to recall your thought processes more easily and quickly.

Next: Using a Dictionary >>
Last Updated: Apr 25, 2024 2:50 PM
URL: https://research.ewu.edu/writers_c_read_study_strategies

Module 2: Reading Strategies

Learning objectives.

Explain strategies for annotating texts

To annotate is to actively engage a text by pausing to reflect, mark up, and add notes as you read. It can increase comprehension, help you remember what you’ve read, and save you time by not requiring you to re-read as often. 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. 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. As you annotate, you’ll also want to add keywords, phrases, or questions, and make connections to the content.

While annotating, look for opportunities to:

Summarize important ideas in your own words.
Add examples from real life, other books, TV, movies, and so forth.
Define words that are new to you.
Mark passages that you find confusing with question marks.
Write questions that you might have for later discussion in class.
Comment on the actions or development of characters.
Summarize things that intrigue, impress, surprise, disturb, etc.
Note how the author uses language.
Draw a picture when a visual connection is appropriate.
Explain the historical context or traditions/social customs used in the passage.

Watch this video lesson to learn about the value of annotation and how to do it.

You can view the transcript for “Creating an Annotation System” here (opens in new window) .

Annotating a Textbook

Most textbooks are organized in similar ways, with chapters, sections, headings, visuals, and activities. Use this structure to help you break down the content in manageable chunks and to look for important concepts, facts, key terms, and theories contained within the text. Look for any sidebars and special features, and be sure to complete any practice questions or activities.

One great way to annotate a textbook is to create your own study questions based on the reading. After reviewing your notes, create study questions about important theories, facts, people, dates, and terms, then use the questions to quiz yourself.

Note-Taking strategies

There are several recommended note-taking strategies for textbook reading such as SQ3R or Cornell Notes.

SQ3R stands for:

In this method, you first survey the text by glancing over the headers and major points. Then you turn the headings or the main ideas from the summary into questions about the reading. So if a header says, “Annotating a Textbook,” you could write, “What are methods for annotating a textbook?” Next, you read to find the answer. Then you try to recite your answer out loud in your own words, without looking at your notes. Then you can continue on, but remember to review your notes when you are done with your reading. [1]

Cornell Notes

Cornell notes are often used during a lecture but can also be used while reading a text. You begin by creating two columns on your paper—draw a vertical line about 1/3 of the way across a paper. On the right-hand side, you write down notes as you listen or read. In the left-side column, you add in questions and elaborate on the things you wrote on the other side. It follows this general structure:

Record: write down notes from the reading or lecture on the right side of the paper
Question: write down questions or keywords on the left side of the paper that connect to the notes on the other side.
Recite: Cover the detailed notes on the right side of the paper and ask yourself the questions from the left side, or use the keywords to see how much you can recite from the reading or notes.
Reflect: Think deeply about the notes and try to make connections between what you already know and what you learned.
Review: Review your notes frequently—before class, after class, before an exam, etc. [2]

Annotating a Work of Fiction

When annotating a work of fiction, such as a novel or short story, look for key elements, such as:

Characters: The protagonist is the main character and the focus of the story. They may be the hero, or anti-hero, someone who is flawed but still fulfills the role of the hero. There may also be an antagonist , someone who is opposed to the main character.
Setting: The setting is a place and time where the story unfolds. The setting may be current, historical, or invented.
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.

Icons showing the plot of a story, with five common stages of: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

Figure 1 . Identifying the 5 stages of a plot will help you as you annotate works of fiction.

The Point of View: The point of view is the teller of the story.

The Point of View: as stories, works of fiction have a narrator who tells the story from a particular point of view: First person (I or We), second person (you), or third person (he, she, they).

Figure 2 . Recognizing which point of view is being used is another helpful tool in annotating.

Themes: Themes are the major ideas expressed in a story. Every story has one or more themes that it develops, such as “human endeavor is ultimately futile” or “working-class unity leads to successful resistance to oppression.”

Annotating an Essay or Nonfiction Book

Reading (and writing!) essays is an essential part of your college experience. Essays and books are usually organized around a central idea or argument, known as a thesis statement. And even though a book is longer with more room to develop ideas, both books and essays share a similar structure that has an introduction, body, and conclusion.

When annotating an essay or nonfiction book, try these strategies:

Find the stated or implied thesis statement, also referred to as the author’s central argument. A thesis consists of a specific topic and a position statement on the topic. All of the other ideas in the text support and develop the thesis, so it’s really important to identify the thesis as you read. You’ll get lots of practice identifying and writing thesis statements and topic sentences throughout this course.
Identify topic sentences. Topic sentences are the main ideas of a paragraph.
Identify key supporting details. Supporting details help develop and explain the topic sentences.
Example (e.g. for example, for instance)
Time or Sequence (e.g. first, second)
Comparison (e.g. however, on the other hand)
Concession (e.g. admittedly, granted)
Addition (e.g. furthermore, in addition)
Cause and Effect (e.g. as a result, consequently)
Conclusion (e.g. therefore, in conclusion)
Summary (e.g. in summary, in other words)
Textbook Reading Systems. Cornell University . http://lsc.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Textbook-Reading-Systems.pdf ↵
The Cornell Note-taking System. The Learning Strategies Center. Cornell University. http://lsc.cornell.edu/study-skills/cornell-note-taking-system/ ↵
Modification, adaptation, and original content. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
Annotating. Provided by : Excelsior Online Reading Lab. Located at : https://owl.excelsior.edu/orc/what-to-do-while-reading/annotating/annotating-creating-an-annotation-system/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
Annotating Fiction. Provided by : Excelsior College Online Reading Lab. Located at : https://owl.excelsior.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/03/AnnotatingWorkFiction2019.pdf . License : CC BY: Attribution
A Readers Guide to Annotation. Provided by : Wikiversity. Located at : https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/A_Reader%27s_Guide_to_Annotation . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike

Productivity
Thoughtful learning

How to annotate: 5 strategies for success

Have you ever written inside of a book?

It can feel a little mischievous to write on the pages of a book, as if we're breaking some rule. As children, we were taught not to write in our school books or library books, so annotations seemed taboo.

But what if writing in a book was not only OK but also encouraged?

Annotation is a practical and valuable way to engage with text, whether it’s a novel, textbook, or article. When done correctly, annotation can help you engage with the text, identify key points and themes, and even improve your comprehension.

In this article, we'll discuss what it means to annotate and how it can benefit your learning and comprehension. Get ready to learn how to annotate effectively with this five-step guide.

What is annotation?

Annotating is the act of adding notes, comments, or highlighting to a text as we read through it. These notes can be about anything — our thoughts, reactions, questions — and they can be written in any way we want, from symbols to complete sentences. This form of note-taking can help us remember key information in any text, whether it's a textbook for school or a novel we enjoy.

Although writing inside books has generally been discouraged and frowned upon in recent decades, the practice of annotation dates back centuries. The word “annote” from Latin “ad” meaning "to" + “notare” meaning "to mark or note," was first recorded in the mid-15th century.

Annotation has traditionally been used for scholars, researchers, and students to engage with texts. But it's also widely used by many others, from business professionals to authors like Mark Twain. His humorous marginalia is now collected and exhibited in libraries.

There are many ways to annotate a document, from underlining and highlighting to writing notes in the margins. Regardless of their form, annotations serve the same purpose — to help us better engage with and understand the text.

Why annotate?

Annotating is an active reading strategy that facilitates the critical understanding of information in a text. As we note our thoughts and reflections, we can better engage with the material, identify main points and themes, and even improve our comprehension.

There are many benefits to annotating, whether we're reading for school or pleasure. Among the most significant are the following:

Encourages active reading. Annotation helps us move beyond passive reading and enables us to engage more with the text. Those who skim or scan when reading can benefit significantly, as it's easier to stay engaged and pay attention when we use annotation and focus on note-taking .
It helps the brain process information. Annotating means actively engaging with the text as we read through it. As a result, we can immerse ourselves in learning and engage our information processing system . The brain can encode and store information more effectively for long-term storage by processing information.
Annotating helps identify key points. As part of the annotation process, we perform an initial skim, highlighting or underlining the most important information and main points. This allows us to quickly identify and review key points later when we re-read, which is especially helpful when reading a long or complicated text.
A well-annotated text improves comprehension. When we thoroughly process and engage with the text, annotation can enhance our comprehension. In addition, social annotation, the practice of sharing and discussing annotations with others, can also increase understanding. Research has found that reading peer annotations helped students confirm their ideas, examine different viewpoints, and better understand course content.
It sparks creativity and critical thinking. As we annotate, we have to think about what we're reading and how it relates to what we already know. This process can help us see the text in new ways and use annotations to make connections we may not have otherwise made. This can lead to more creative and critical thinking about the content.
Annotation encourages further exploration. As we read, we may have questions about the text. Taking notes opens a dialogue with the text and encourages further learning. Research shows that annotation can lead to increased engagement and thus increased performance. In one study, student engagement and performance on equation- or procedural-based questions improved when instructors and students shared homework annotations on tablets .

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Highlight, annotate or take notes from anywhere, and it's easily linked to a selected topic in your Knowledge Base.

How to annotate in 5 easy steps

Knowing how to annotate is a valuable skill for anyone, whether you're a student, professional, or lifelong self-learner. If you'd like to use annotation to discover and recall key information from your reading, here are a handful of steps to get started.

1. Choose your annotation tools

The first step is to choose your annotation tools. The tools that you choose will depend on the format of your text. If you’re annotating the pages of a book or printed text on a piece of paper, you will need different tools than if you’re annotating an electronic document on a computer or tablet.

Some standard annotation tools for paper texts include:

Pens and pencils
Highlighters in different colors
Sticky notes, tabs, or Post-it Notes

If you're using a physical book, choose materials that won't damage the pages. This means avoiding pens and markers with bleed-through ink and opting for pencils instead. Highlighters are also a good option, as long as they don't bleed through the pages.

For electronic texts, you can use digital versions of many of the same tools as you would for paper texts. However, some annotation-specific tools may come in handy. These include:

A digital pen or stylus
Note-taking software or apps like Evernote or Diigo
A bookmarking tool like Pocket
A tool that incorporates a native annotation process and records it automatically into your knowledge base, like ABLE .

If you're reading on a Kindle or other e-reader, you may be limited in the tools you can use. Check your device's documentation to see what options are available. No matter what format you're using, choosing tools you're comfortable with is key. This will make annotation more enjoyable and effective.

2. Select an annotation strategy

Now that you've selected tools, it's time to choose an annotation strategy. There are many ways to annotate, so experiment to find what works best for you. There are several common annotation strategies to try:

Descriptive: This strategy aims to summarize the most important points of the text. Briefly paraphrase the main points and state the essential information in your annotations. The exact format is flexible to your preferences. For example, you may link topics with their chapter titles or page numbers to make it easier to reference them, or write a brief summary of each section.
Evaluative: This version of annotation encourages critical thinking . In addition to summarizing the text, you'll analyze the work using this method. Evaluate the author's qualifications, the accuracy of the information, and any blatant bias in the text. In addition, you should also assess the research source's relevance to your overall research purpose and how it compares with others on your topic.
Informative: This method is similar to evaluation but focuses on the author's point of view rather than your own. In your summary of the source, you will take a neutral stance rather than express personal feelings about its relevance or quality. Provide only the facts the author provides, noting their main points, arguments, proof, and conclusions.
Combination: This is the most common form of annotation that uses a combination of two or more of the systems above. You can choose which elements of the other methods are most beneficial for your purposes. Take note of anything in the text that is new to you, such as unfamiliar words, concepts, places, or people. You could also highlight key information that confirms ideas or fills gaps in your understanding.

Once you choose a strategy that fits your reading intent, you're ready to start annotating.

3. Scan the text

Armed with your tools and strategy, you're ready to annotate For your first read, you will simply scan the text. During this initial read-through, there are a few key things to look for:

Title, headings, and subheadings. These will help you identify the topic and main ideas you'll focus on when you complete a close read.
Author or publisher attribution. This is the first step in analyzing the research source and evaluating reliability.
The abstract, and words and phrases in bold or italics. Further clues about the intended audience and purpose of the text can be revealed in these details.

As you scan, note anything that confuses you or doesn't make sense. When you do a close reading, you'll want to pay attention to these areas.

4. Skim for major ideas

After a quick scan of the text, it's time for a closer look. Read the text again, focusing on the bigger picture to identify the author's main points. This step doesn't include close reading of the text, but you'll want to take a little more time and skim the text more closely than in your initial scan.

During this read-through, your goal is to discover the thesis or central argument of the text. Take some time to note the format of the text, how the information is structured, and how the author supports their claims. Underline or highlight the major ideas of each section as you skim. Lastly, paraphrase the article in your own words near the header or at the end of the text.

5. Complete a close read

Once you understand the main points, you're ready to do a close reading. This is where you'll finally slow down, focus on the details, and do some note-taking.

Start at the beginning and slowly re-read the text. Keep your annotation strategy in mind as you read. Knowing whether you want to take a descriptive approach, use the evaluative method, or try another strategy will help you look for the areas you should annotate.

Whichever strategy you use, there are a few helpful things to keep in mind:

Be consistent with how you mark the text. Pick one color and use it throughout the text, or assign specific colors to specific points. For instance, yellow for key points, green for supporting information, red for questions, etc. Being consistent will ensure you can understand your annotations when you review them later.
Include a key or legend. If you use symbols — stars, arrows, question marks, or underlining — in your note-taking, it's helpful to create a key. It can be a simple list or chart; just explain what each marking means. For example, a star could mean further research is required while an underline indicates an important point. A key will help you (or any peers reading your annotations) identify and access relevant content.
Don't be afraid to use marginalia. If something confuses you, make a note of it. If you disagree with the author, jot down why. The insights found in marginalia are helpful in many ways, whether they encourage you to further research or offer your peers a different perspective.
Avoid over- or under-annotating. It can be tempting to highlight everything as you read, but this isn't helpful and can make it challenging to identify the most important information. Similarly, if you don't annotate enough, you might miss important details. Try to find a happy medium so you're not overwhelmed when reviewing your annotations later.

Adding annotations to a text is an individual process, so there’s no right or wrong way. However, you can use these tips to maximize your annotations and ensure they're helpful.

Enhance your learning with effective annotation

Whether reading for leisure or learning, knowing how to annotate can benefit your experience. Using annotations effectively improves your understanding of a text and enhances your memory and comprehension. Annotating allows you to take a more active role in your self-learning so you're not just passively reading but critically engaging with the material.

If you're new to annotation, start small. Pick one article or chapter and experiment with different annotation strategies. As you become more comfortable, you can try different approaches and find the one(s) that work best for you. With time and practice, annotating will become second nature — and you'll be able to reap all the benefits of this powerful learning tool.

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Annotating texts - AQA Annotating texts

Annotating is when you add notes or comments to a text; this could also include underlining or circling individual words or phrases.

Part of English Language Analysing fiction

Annotating texts

Annotating is a useful way to keep a track of what you notice whilst you’re reading – the notes and marks you make can focus on particular details in the text. For example, if you were focusing on setting, you could circle all the words and phrases used to describe that place.

There are many ways to annotate texts. Try out different approaches to see what works best for you. Examples of common techniques include:

circling or underlining words or phrases that are interesting or important and writing notes in the margin
using different coloured highlighters to pick out different ideas, techniques or details
using one margin to make a note of literary devices close literary device Any method an author uses to add meaning or interest to a text, such as metaphors, similes or alliteration. and the other margin to add your own responses

Closely annotating texts is an effective way to practise analysing a piece of fiction.

However, in exam conditions, annotations need to be brief and a quick way of responding to a new text. You can use your annotations to pick out details from the text and then develop your analysis of these details in your written response.

Tips for annotating quickly in exams

Use abbreviations for longer words (eg allit for alliteration).
Don’t worry about making it look pretty - make your marks and notes functional.
Use marks that you understand, for example arrows or question marks to focus your attention on certain details.
Don’t worry about annotating everything: be selective.

Teaching Student Annotation: Constructing Meaning Through Connections

Resources & Preparation
Instructional Plan
Related Resources

Students learn about the purposes and techniques of annotation by examining text closely and critically. They study sample annotations and identify the purposes annotation can serve. Students then practice annotation through a careful reading of a story excerpt, using specific guidelines and writing as many annotations as possible. Students then work in pairs to peer review their annotations, practice using footnotes and PowerPoint to present annotations, and reflect on how creating annotations can change a reader's perspective through personal connection with text.

Featured Resources

Making Annotations: A User's Guide : Use this resource guide to help students make connections with text through definition, analysis of author purpose, paraphrasing, personal identification, explaining historical context, and more.

From Theory to Practice

In his English Journal article " I'll Have Mine Annotated, Please: Helping Students Make Connections with Text" Matthew D. Brown expresses a basic truth in English Language Arts instruction: "Reading is one thing, but getting something of value from what we read is another" (73). Brown uses the avenue of personal connection to facilitate the valuable outcomes that can result from reading and interacting with text. He begins with student-centered questions such as, "What were they thinking about as they read? What connections were they making? What questions did they have, and could they find answers to those questions?" (73). Brown's questions lead to providing students with instruction and opportunities that align with the NCTE Principles of Adolescent Literacy Reform: A Policy Research Brief by "link[ing] their personal experiences and their texts, making connections between the students' existing literacy resources and the ones necessary for various disciplines" (5). Further Reading

Common Core Standards

This resource has been aligned to the Common Core State Standards for states in which they have been adopted. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, CCSS alignments are forthcoming.

State Standards

This lesson has been aligned to standards in the following states. If a state does not appear in the drop-down, standard alignments are not currently available for that state.

NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

1. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
2. Students read a wide range of literature from many periods in many genres to build an understanding of the many dimensions (e.g., philosophical, ethical, aesthetic) of human experience.
3. Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features (e.g., sound-letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
4. Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
6. Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.
7. Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.

Materials and Technology

Copies of "Eleven" by Sandra Cisceros or other text appropriate for the activities in this lesson
Colored Pencils
Sample Annotation PowerPoint on The Pearl
Making Annotations: A User's Guide or one students create after discussion
Annotation Sheet
Student Sample Annotations from "Eleven"
Annotation Peer Review Guide
Example Student Brainstorming for Annotation
Sample Revised and Published Annotations Using Footnotes

Preparation

Find sample annotated texts to share with your students. Shakespeare's plays work well since many of his texts are annotated. Red Reader editions published by Discovery Teacher have great user-friendly annotations geared toward young adult readers. Look for selections that are engaging—ones that offer more than vocabulary definitions and give a variety of annotations beyond explanation and analysis.
Alternatively, search Google Books for any text with annotations. A search for Romeo and Juliet , for example, will bring up numerous versions that can be viewed directly online.
While much of the work will be done by students, it is useful to take some time to think about the role of annotations in a text. You will have students identify the functions of annotations, but it is always helpful if you have your own list of uses of annotations so that you can help guide students in this area of instruction if necessary.
Make copies of all necessary handouts.
Arrange for students to have access to Internet-connected computers if they will be doing their annotations in an online interactive.
Test the Literary Graffiti and Webbing Tool interactives on your computers to familiarize yourself with the tools and ensure that you have the Flash plug-in installed. You can download the plug-in from the technical support page.

Student Objectives

Students will:

examine and analyze text closely, critically, and carefully.
make personal, meaningful connections with text.
clearly communicate their ideas about a piece of text through writing, revision, and publication.

Session One

Begin the session by asking students if they are familar with the word annotation . Point out the words note and notation as clues to the word's meaning. If students know the word, proceed with the next step. If students are unfamiliar, ask them to determine what the word means by seeing what the texts you pass out in the next step have in common.
Pass out a variety of sample texts that use annotations. If you are using Google Books , direct students to texts online to have them examine the annotations that are used.
Have the students skim the texts and carefully examine the annotations. Encourage students to begin to see the variety of ways that an editor of a text uses annotations.
Working with a small group of their peers, students should create a list that shows what effective annotations might do.
give definitions to difficult and unfamiliar words.
give background information, especially explaining customs, traditions, and ways of living that may be unfamiliar to the reader.
help explain what is going on in the text.
make connections to other texts.
point out the use of literary techniques and how they add meaning to the text.
can use humor (or other styles that might be quite different from the main text).
reveal that the writer of these annotations knows his or her reader well.
The process of generating this list should move into a discussion about where these annotations came from—who wrote them and why. Guide students to think about the person who wrote these ideas, who looked at the text and did more than just read it, and who made a connection with the text. It is important here that students begin to realize that their understanding of what they have read comes from their interaction with what is on the page. You may wish to jumpstart the conversation by telling students about connections you make with watching films, as students may be more aware of doing so themselves.
touch them emotionally, making them feel happiness as well as sadness.
remind them of childhood experiences.
teach them something new.
change their perspective on an issue.
help them see how they can better relate to others around them.
help them see the world through someone else's experiences.
Before beginning the next lesson, create your Annotation Guide reflecting the different functions of annotation the class discussed today (or use the Sample Annotation Guide ).

Session Two

Pass out "Eleven" by Sandra Cisneros or any other text appropriate for your students and this activity.
Read and discuss the story as needed, but resist spending too much time with the story since the goal of annotation is to get the students to connect with the text in their own ways.
Pass out the Sample Annotation Guide or the one the class created and review the various ideas that were generated during the previous session, helping students to begin to think of the various ways that they can begin to connect to the story "Eleven."
Pass out the Annotation Sheet and ask the students to choose a particularly memorable section of the story, a section large enough to fill up the lines given to them on the Annotation Sheet . (NOTE: While you could have the students create annotations in the margins of the entire text, isolating a small portion of the text will make the students' first attempt at annotations less daunting and more manageable. You can also use ReadWriteThink interactives Literary Graffiti or Webbing Tool at this point in the instructional process, replacing or supplementing the Annotation Sheet handout.)
Share with students the Student Sample Annotations from "Eleven" and use the opportunity to review the various purposes of annotating and preview directions for the activity.
Pass out the colored pencils. Make sure that students can each use a variety of colors in their annotating. Sharing pencils among members of a small group works best.
Have the students find a word, phrase, or sentence on their Annotation Sheet that is meaningful or significant to them. Have them lightly color over that word, phrase, or sentence with one of their colored pencils.
Students should then draw a line out toward the margin from what they just highlighted on their Annotation Sheet .
Now students annotate their selected text. Using the Sample Annotation Guide , students should write an annotation for the highlighted text. They can talk about how they feel or discuss what images come to mind or share experiences that they have had. Any connection with that part of the text should be encouraged at this entry-level stage.
Repeat this process several times. Encourage students to use a variety of annotations from the Sample Annotation Guide . But, most importantly, encourage them to make as many annotations as possible.
What did they get out of writing annotations?
What did they learn about the text that they didn't see before?
How might this make them better readers?
Students should take the time to share these reflections with each other and with the whole class. Collect responses to evaluate levels of engagement and to find any questions or concerns you may need to address.

Session Three

Return annotations from the previous session and address any questions or concerns.
Explain that, working in pairs, the students will examine each other's annotations and look for ideas that have the potential for further development and revision.
Distribute copies the Annotation Peer Review Guide and explain how it will help them work together to select the best ideas that they have presented in their annotations. Peer review partners should label each annotation, comment on it, and look for several annotations that would benefit from revision and continued thinking.
Have each pair narrow down their ideas to the four or five most significant annotations per student.
Once this is done, give the students time to start revising and developing their ideas. Encourage them to elaborate on their ideas by explaining connections more fully, doing basic research to answer questions or find necessary information, or providing whatever other development would be appropriate.
Circulate the room to look at what the students have chosen so that you can guide them with their development and writing. If you see the need to offer more guiding feedback, collecting the annotation revisions during this process may be helpful.

Session Four

Once students have revised and developed a few of their annotations on their own, students should begin work toward a final draft.
The students exchange their revised annotations.
What is one thing that I really liked in this set of annotations?
What is one thing that I found confusing, needed more explanation, etc.?
If this were my set of annotations, what is one thing that I would change?
Encourage students to rely heavily on the Sample Annotation Guide and the Annotation Peer Review Guide to make these comments during the peer review process. They should be looking to see that there are a variety of annotations and that the annotations dig deeper than just surface comments (e.g., definitions) and move toward meaningful personal connections and even literary analysis.
Take the original format of the annotation sheet and have the students type up their work using colored text.
Teach the students how to footnote, and then have them use this footnoting technique for the final draft of their annotations. See the Sample Student Brainstorming for Annotation and Sample Revised and Published Annotations Using Footnotes on The Great Gatsby . If using Microsoft Word, visit the resource Insert a Footnote or Endnote for information on how to use this feature in Word.
Create a PowerPoint in which the first slide is the original text. The phrases are then highlighted in different colors and hyperlinked to other slides in the presentation which contain the annotations. See the Sample Annotation PowerPoint on The Pearl, and visit PowerPoint in the Classroom for tutorials on how to make the best use of PowerPoint functions.
What did they learn by doing this activity?
How did these annotations change their perspective on the text?
In what ways did their thinking change as they worked through the drafting, rewriting, and revising of their annotations?
Make sure that students are given time to share these reflections with each other and with the whole class.
annotate a whole text, using the margins for annotating
use sticky notes in textbooks or novels as a way to annotate larger works
use annotations as part of a formal essay to provide personal comments to supplement the analysis they have written.
Assessing Cultural Relevance: Exploring Personal Connections to a Text
Graffiti Wall: Discussing and Responding to Literature Using Graphics
In Literature, Interpretation Is the Thing
Literary Scrapbooks Online: An Electronic Reader-Response Project
Reader Response in Hypertext: Making Personal Connections to Literature
Creative Outlining—From Freewriting to Formalizing

Student Assessment / Reflections

Review and comment on student reflections after each step of the annotation drafting and revision process.
If you use this lesson as an introduction to the idea of annotation, the focus of the assessment should be on the variety of annotations a student makes. Even so, teachers should be able to observe if students were able to move beyond surface connections (defining words, summarizing the story, and so forth) to deeper connections with the text (personal feelings, relating evens to past experiences, and so forth). Use an adaptation of the Annotation Peer Review Guide in this process.
For those who take this lesson to its completion by having students generate a final published draft, the focus should move from just looking for a variety of annotations to focusing on the quality of the annotations. By working through the writing process with these annotations, students should have been able to comment meaningfully beyond what they began with in their “rough draft.” This should be most evident in the reflections students write in response to the process of creating annotations. Again, a modified version of the Annotation Peer Review Guide would be suitable for this evaluative purpose.
Student Interactives
Strategy Guides
Professional Library
Calendar Activities

The Webbing Tool provides a free-form graphic organizer for activities that ask students to pursue hypertextual thinking and writing.

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[ an- uh - tey -sh uh n ]

a critical or explanatory note or body of notes added to a text.
the act of annotating .
note ( def 1 ) . : annot.

/ ˌænə-; ˌænəʊˈteɪʃən /

the act of annotating
a note added in explanation, etc, esp of some literary work

Discover More

Other words from.

rean·no·tation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of annotation 1

Example Sentences

Announced in July, along with new Smart Shopping display ad formats and shipping annotations, the new customer acquisition goal allows marketers to set a separate conversion value on new customers to inform Google’s automated bidding.

They can now go from the simplified viewing and remote collaboration to this bigger file sharing and increased preview mode and annotations.

Ordinary website users do this annotation too, when they complete a reCAPTCHA.

A few early versions of what became the final design, with placeholder data and annotations.

Make an annotation in your analytics noting that organic search reporting should be ignored for that whole time period.

The term Abernaquis, is also a French mode of annotation for the same word, but is rather applied at this time to a specific band.

Modern editors of what they call the "Roman Elegies" bring abundant annotation, and often detail Goethe's own emendations.

Footnote tags that were missing in the original are underlined without further annotation.

In olden times the place was unknown, but can be doubtfully identified with A-nok-ta-shan in the annotation of Shui-ching.

Sippi, agreeably to the early French annotation of the word, signifies a river.

Related Words

More about annotation, what does annotation mean.

An annotation is a note or comment added to a text to provide explanation or criticism about a particular part of it.

Annotation can also refer to the act of annotating —adding annotations.

Annotations are often added to scholarly articles or to literary works that are being analyzed. But the term can be used in a more general way to refer to a note added to any text. For example, a note that you scribble in the margin of your textbook is an annotation , as is an explanatory comment that you add to a list of tasks at work.

Something that has had such notes added to it can be described as annotated .

The word annotation is sometimes abbreviated as annot . (which can also mean annotated or annotator ).

Example: The annotations in this edition of the book really helped me to understand the historical context and the meanings of some obscure words.

Where does annotation come from?

The first records of the word annotation come from the 1400s. It derives from the Latin annotātus, meaning “noted down,” from the Latin nota , which means “mark” and is also the basis of the English word note.

Typically, annotations are used to comment on a text, such as by adding an explanation, criticism, analysis, or historical perspective. The word can be used in more specific ways in different contexts. In an annotated bibliography , an annotation is added to each citation. In computer programming, annotations are explanatory notes added to strings of code. In genomics , annotations involve interpretations of genes and their possible functions. In all cases, the word refers to some kind of extra information added to an existing thing.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to annotation ?

reannotation (noun)
annotate (verb)

What are some synonyms for annotation ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with annotation ?

What are some words that often get used in discussing annotation ?

explanation

How is annotation used in real life?

Annotation is most commonly used in the context of academic and literary works.

Just a pet peeve. In particular Ulysses fans who are like “I can’t even begin to understand this genius text”. I’m like… well, have you tried getting an edition with annotations? The Jeri Johnson one is great. You could also re-read the Odyssey and Hamlet. Or keep a journal. — Ms. Lola, Moon Girl 🌙✨ (@mslola1904) July 27, 2020

This 1935 edition of Richard III features copious annotations by actor Sir Laurence Olivier. Olivier was born #otd … https://t.co/7kBroX7bDM pic.twitter.com/zX5s3XAODz — Folger Shakespeare Library (@FolgerLibrary) May 22, 2017

Most common & least helpful annotation I make in books: “interesting!” In the words of me, tell me more. — Dahlia Seroussi (@DahliaSeroussi) July 13, 2020

Try using annotation !

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of annotation ?

A. comment B. title C. note D. notation

The English Classroom

A GUIDE FOR PRESERVICE AND GRADUATE TEACHERS

Teaching.. How to Annotate a Short Story

The situation.

Your students need to learn how to annotate a short story.

The Solution

There is nothing like annotating a story to generate ideas and a great discussion. Annotating is the process of highlighting and making notes on a written text (For example, short story). Check out this annotation of Examination Day , by Henry Selsar.

What I communicate to students is that if it is important enough to highlight, then it is important enough to make an note about.

Before explaining the process of annotation and close readings, give students an outline of the notation that they should use to make notes. For example, you might use a criteria such as the following:

Colour Coding

Students can use a colour-coding system to highlight different aspects of narrative conventions and language features. Make it clear to students what they need to look for before reading commences.

Use the colour BLUE for character (focusing on the main characters).
Use GREEN for any conflict (internal or external) that arises during the story.

You may like to use a variety of different colours, but remember to use a key at the top of the page to keep track.

Communicate to students the types of notation that they might use. Again, this can be a little communication overload. When modelling to students the process of annotation, make it clear when you are using certain notation – do not throw all of these symbols to students and expect them to pick it up instantly. It will take time.

? – Use a question mark (?) for questions that you have during the reading. Write the question on the page.
↵ – Draw an arrow (↵) when you make a connection to another text. Make note of this connection on your story.

You may like to generate your own symbols for different things you are looking for. Again, use a key to keep track.

Here is the process of annotation with a class:

First and foremost, you need to explain what you are doing and how you are thinking when reading (For example, when highlighting a word, explain why you have chosen the word)
Read the story aloud. As you read, the students should follow and make the same notes.
When necessary, pause and talk yourself and the importance of the keyword. For example, “hmmm…I wonder why the author has chosen to mention the characters name in the first sentence. This is important. I am going to highlight this with blue highlighter as it indicates something about character. “
Read on. If you come across words that you do not know the meaning of, highlight this to the students and encourage them to make a note on their page.
Cyclically, get students to show their annotations to you as you read along.
Get students to jump ahead and read for themselves (Or in pairs). They should annotates as they go along.
Stop and reflect and discover what they have inferred about the character and central conflicts of the story.

This process can continue until the story is finished and you are ready to do something with the notes (For example, response writing).

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The Secret is in the Pen

One of the ways proficient readers read is with a pen in hand. They know their purpose is to keep their attention on the material by:

Predicting what the material will be about
Questioning the material to further understanding
Determining what’s important
Identifying key vocabulary
Summarizing the material in their own words, and
Monitoring their comprehension (understanding) during and after engaging with the material

The same applies for mindfully viewing a film, video, image or other media.

Annotating a Text

Review the video, “How to Annotate a Text.” Pay attention to both how to make annotations and what types of thoughts and ideas may be part of your annotations as you actively read a written text.

Example Assignment Format: Annotating a Written Text

For the annotation of reading assignments in this class, you will cite and comment on a minimum of FIVE (5) phrases, sentences or passages from notes you take on the selected readings.

Here is an example format for an assignment to annotate a written text:

Example Assignment Format: Annotating Media

In addition to annotating written text, at times you will have assignments to annotate media (e.g., videos, images or other media). For the annotation of media assignments in this class, you will cite and comment on a minimum of THREE (3) statements, facts, examples, research or any combination of those from the notes you take about selected media.

Here is an example format for an assignment to annotate media:

Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : http://www.lumenlearning.com/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
Authored by : Paul Powell . Provided by : Central Community College. Project : Kaleidoscope Open Course Initiative. License : CC BY: Attribution
Authored by : Elisabeth Ellington and Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer . Provided by : Chadron State College. Project : Kaleidoscope Open Course Initiative. License : CC BY: Attribution
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Overview of Instructor Resources

An Overview of the Writing Process

Introduction to the Writing Process
Introduction to Writing
Your Role as a Learner
What is an Essay?
Reading to Write
Defining the Writing Process
Videos: Prewriting Techniques
Thesis Statements
Organizing an Essay
Creating Paragraphs
Conclusions
Editing and Proofreading
Matters of Grammar, Mechanics, and Style
Peer Review Checklist
Comparative Chart of Writing Strategies

Using Sources

Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Avoiding Plagiarism
Formatting the Works Cited Page (MLA)
Citing Paraphrases and Summaries (APA)
APA Citation Style, 6th edition: General Style Guidelines

Definition Essay

Definitional Argument Essay
How to Write a Definition Essay
Critical Thinking
Video: Thesis Explained
Effective Thesis Statements
Student Sample: Definition Essay

Narrative Essay

Introduction to Narrative Essay
Student Sample: Narrative Essay
"Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell
"Sixty-nine Cents" by Gary Shteyngart
Video: The Danger of a Single Story
How to Write a Summary
Writing for Success: Narration

Illustration/Example Essay

Introduction to Illustration/Example Essay
"She's Your Basic L.O.L. in N.A.D" by Perri Klass
"April & Paris" by David Sedaris
Writing for Success: Illustration/Example
Student Sample: Illustration/Example Essay

Compare/Contrast Essay

Introduction to Compare/Contrast Essay
"Disability" by Nancy Mairs
"Friending, Ancient or Otherwise" by Alex Wright
"A South African Storm" by Allison Howard
Writing for Success: Compare/Contrast
Student Sample: Compare/Contrast Essay

Cause-and-Effect Essay

Introduction to Cause-and-Effect Essay
"Cultural Baggage" by Barbara Ehrenreich
"Women in Science" by K.C. Cole
Writing for Success: Cause and Effect
Student Sample: Cause-and-Effect Essay

Argument Essay

Introduction to Argument Essay
Rogerian Argument
"The Case Against Torture," by Alisa Soloman
"The Case for Torture" by Michael Levin
How to Write a Summary by Paraphrasing Source Material
Writing for Success: Argument
Student Sample: Argument Essay
Grammar/Mechanics Mini-lessons
Mini-lesson: Subjects and Verbs, Irregular Verbs, Subject Verb Agreement
Mini-lesson: Sentence Types
Mini-lesson: Fragments I
Mini-lesson: Run-ons and Comma Splices I
Mini-lesson: Comma Usage
Mini-lesson: Parallelism
Mini-lesson: The Apostrophe
Mini-lesson: Capital Letters
Grammar Practice - Interactive Quizzes
De Copia - Demonstration of the Variety of Language
Style Exercise: Voice

English Resource Guide: Annotated Bibliographies

Books & eBooks
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English Composition
Streaming Media
Finding Scholarly Sources
Evaluating Sources
MLA-9 Citation Style

Annotated Bibliographies

Video Tutorials This link opens in a new window

Annotated Bibliography Examples

Examples of an Annotated Bibliography Use this document as an example of how to create an annotated bibliography for MLA, APA or Chicago styles.

Annotations vs. Abstract

Annotation vs. abstract.

At first glance, it may seem like a resource abstract and an annotation are the same thing. However, they serve different purposes

Abstracts are specifically descriptive summaries located at the beginning of scholarly journal articles or indexes.

Annotation:

Annotations are often contextual to the research project. They are meant to assist in writing research papers by including not only a brief summary, but also one or more sentences that (a) evaluate the author's authority, (b) comment on the intended audience, (c) explain how this work ties in with your thesis or (d) compare or contrast this work with another you have cited.

What is an Annotated Bibliography?

An annotated bibliography is a combination of two parts: the citation (in your chosen style) and a brief description of the source and how it is useful to your research. They can be used with any citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.).

Annotated bibliographies are a great way to collect your sources and determine how and why you have chosen to include them for your assignment. They help you think about the quality of the source you have chosen.

The annotation, or description, part of the annotated bibliography is normally between 3-5 sentences, but may vary depending on what your instructor requires. Typically included in the annotation:

A short summary of the source and its information.
An assessment of the quality of information in the source. (Is the information reliable? What is the goal of the source? How does it compare to other resources you have collected? etc.)
An evaluation of how this source will be useful for your assignment. (Has it changed your thinking of your topic? How will it help shape your argument?)

**Keep in mind your instructor may have different guidelines for your annotation than the three listed here. Always be sure to follow the requirements given by your instructor. **

Annotated Bibliographies are structured the same way as any other Works Cited or References page. Each citation is placed in alphabetical order and has a hanging indent. The annotation directly follows the citation it is describing.

Visuals MLA

The Process

Finding and selecting sources.

The quality and usefulness of your bibliography will depend on your selection of sources. Define the scope of your research carefully so that you can make good judgments about what to include and exclude. By understanding the requirements and focus of your research it will make the search process more streamlined. Refer to the Finding Scholarly Sources guide for searching tips. Consider these questions to help you find appropriate limits for your research:

What topic do I want to write about? What question(s) am I trying to answer? If your bibliography is part of a research project, this project will probably be governed by a research question/thesis. If your bibliography is a project on a general topic (e.g. incarceration and economic status), try formulating your topic as a question or a series of questions in order to define your search more precisely( ie. How does economic status effect incarceration sentences?)
What kind of material am I looking for? (scholarly academic books and journal articles? government reports or policy statements? articles from the popular press? primary historical sources? etc.)
Do my sources fit the requirements of the assignment?

Summarizing

Your annotation should identify the main argument of the source. This is often the source's thesis or hypothesis. Include a brief description of the source's main points and the author's final conclusion.

The following reading strategies can help you identify the argument of your source:

Identify the author’s thesis (central claim or purpose), research question, or hypothesis. Both the introduction and the conclusion can help you with this task.
Look for repetition of key terms or ideas. Follow them through the text and see what the author does with them. Note especially the key terms that occur in the thesis or research question that governs the text.
Notice how the text is laid out and organized. What are the main divisions or sections? What is emphasized? Why? Accounting for why will help you to move beyond listing contents and toward giving an account of the argument.
Notice whether and how a theory is used to interpret evidence or data. Identify the method used to investigate the problem/s addressed in the text.
Pay attention to the opening sentence(s) of each paragraph, where authors often state concisely their main point in the paragraph.
Look for paragraphs that summarize the argument. A section may sometimes begin or conclude with such a paragraph.

This section will be specific to your overall research. How does the source fit into the argument you are making in your paper? If your annotated bibliography is not part of a larger assignment, how does the source contribute to your larger selection of sources? Some thoughts to consider:

Are you interested in the way the source frames its research question or in the way it goes about answering it (its method)? Does it make new connections or open up new ways of seeing a problem?
Are you interested in the way the source uses a theoretical framework or a key concept?
Does the source gather and draw from other ideas and sources that you want to use?
How do the source’s conclusions bear on your own thoughts?

In order to determine how you will use the source or define its contribution, you will need to assess the quality of the argument: why is it of value? what are its limitations? how well defined is its research problem? how effective is its method of investigation? how good is the evidence? would you draw the same conclusions from the evidence?

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Deborah Knott, New College Writing Centre University of Toronto http://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/types-of-writing/annotated-bibliography/

Olin Library Reference Research & Learning Services Cornell University Library Ithaca, NY, USA https://guides.library.cornell.edu/annotatedbibliography/home

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The #1 Text Annotation Generator

Sarah Matlack

Oct 12th, 2023

The Go-to Online Annotator and Article Annotation Tool

Are you drowning in a sea of information? Whether you're a student or a professional, you know how tough it can be to wade through endless piles of data. Articles, lecture slides, research papers—you name it! But what if you had a tool that could make this task easier? Enter Mindgrasp, a remarkable online annotator and text annotation generator designed to simplify your life. Forget the tedious work of scanning through documents. With Mindgrasp, you get quick, precise, and insightful annotations at the click of a button.

As a cutting-edge article annotation tool, Mindgrasp takes any content you feed it and turns it into valuable insights. From textbooks and YouTube videos to audio recordings and more, Mindgrasp does the heavy lifting for you. It sifts through all the data to create short summaries and detailed notes that get straight to the point. Don't waste time rereading the same lines over and over. Mindgrasp delivers clear information from your text that's remarkable by professional standards .

What sets Mindgrasp apart? It's not just an online annotator; it's an all-in-one solution for your learning and understanding needs. Imagine having your very own study guide and flashcards based on the material you're reviewing. Or how about a question-answer feature that tackles your document-specific queries? Mindgrasp offers all of these features, making it a game-changer in how you approach your work or study materials.

So, why settle for less when you can have it all? Make Mindgrasp your go-to resource for annotating, summarizing, and understanding your important documents. Say goodbye to the struggle of sorting through information and hello to the ease of smart, efficient annotation. Trust us, your brain will thank you!

The Ultimate Text Annotation Generator for Summaries and Notes

We all know the struggle of scanning through lengthy articles, research papers, or website content just to grasp the essential points. But what if there was a simpler way to get the gist without the hassle? Meet Mindgrasp, your new text annotation generator that takes care of this for you. Just upload your document—be it a web article, lecture slide, or even a YouTube video—and let Mindgrasp work its magic. Within moments, you'll have concise summaries and in-depth notes that make it easier to understand what you're reading.

Think of it as annotating on steroids. Mindgrasp acts as a high-powered annotator, taking the core elements of your uploaded materials and distilling them into easy-to-read summaries and detailed notes. Need to know how to annotate a website for a research project or work presentation? Mindgrasp is your answer. It pulls out the key facts, figures, and concepts, presenting them in a digestible format that saves you time and effort. Its able to do this for articles to videos

But the benefits don't stop at summaries and notes. The platform adds an extra layer of utility by allowing you to ask document-specific questions. That's right, if you're unclear about something, Mindgrasp will clarify it for you based on the uploaded content. So the next time you're struggling to sift through a mountain of data, remember: Mindgrasp is here to streamline the process with a free annotation tool from the trial that you've never experienced before. Say goodbye to manual highlighters and tedious note-taking, and say hello to the future of efficient, smart annotation.

Boost Your Grades and Writing Skills with Mindgrasp: The Premier Free Annotation Tool and Annotator

Are you aiming for better grades? Do you want to refine your writing but don't know where to start? Look no further than Mindgrasp, your free annotation tool that does more than just annotate—it transforms how you engage with information. By offering short summaries and detailed notes of the uploaded content, this online annotator acts as a versatile tool that helps you grasp the essentials fast. This way, you're not just consuming information; you're actually understanding it, which is a critical step in enhancing your writing and academic performance.

When you have a clear, summarized vision of your study materials, writing assignments become less daunting. Mindgrasp helps you focus on the key themes, concepts, and details you need to include in your papers. No more aimless wandering through paragraphs trying to decipher the main points. The tool serves you the essence on a silver platter, making it easier to construct well-argued and coherent essays that impress your teachers and earn you better grades.

But it's not just about academics. Professionals can also reap the benefits of using Mindgrasp as their go-to annotator. Think of how much more effective your reports, presentations, or articles could be with the precise information Mindgrasp offers. Because let's face it, clarity and accuracy are crucial in any field, and Mindgrasp excels in delivering both. Not only this but it also serves as a great note taking organizer!

So why spend another minute lost in a maze of complex information? Make Mindgrasp your secret weapon for improved writing and top-notch grades. With Mindgrasp's free annotation tools, you're not just surviving the information overload—you're conquering it.

Embrace Your Ultimate Annotator for Success

In this digital age, the need for efficient information management and annotation is more vital than ever. Mindgrasp, as an online annotator and free annotation tool, offers a complete solution for students and professionals alike. With its remarkable ability to generate concise summaries and detailed notes, Mindgrasp empowers you to make sense of the avalanche of information we face daily. It's not just about simplifying data; it's about enhancing your understanding and, in turn, your writing.

From how to annotate a website to annotating articles, Mindgrasp streamlines the process, improving your academic and professional pursuits. Writing becomes a breeze as you have the core content at your fingertips. With the power of Mindgrasp, you'll not only save time but also pave the way for better grades and more effective communication.

So, don't struggle through the chaos of information overload. Embrace Mindgrasp and revolutionize your approach to learning, research, and professional work. Whether you're in need of an annotator or a text annotation generator, Mindgrasp is your all-in-one, go-to solution for success. Try it today and experience the transformative power of efficient, intelligent annotation.

Research Writing and Analysis

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Step 1: Seek Out Evidence
Step 2: Explain
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Annotated Bibliography
Literature Review This link opens in a new window
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How to Synthesize and Analyze
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Problem Statement
Purpose Statement
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Trustworthiness of Qualitative Data
Analysis and Coding Example- Qualitative Data
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International Journal of Online Graduate Education (IJOGE) This link opens in a new window
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What is an Annotated Bibliography?

An annotated bibliography is a summary and evaluation of a resource. According to Merriam-Webster, a bibliography is “the works or a list of the works referred to in a text or consulted by the author in its production.” Your references (APA) or Works Cited (MLA) can be considered a bibliography. A bibliography follows a documentation style and usually includes bibliographic information (i.e., the author(s), title, publication date, place of publication, publisher, etc.). An annotation refers to explanatory notes or comments on a source.

An annotated bibliography, therefore, typically consists of:

Documentation for each source you have used, following the required documentation style.

For each entry, one to three paragraphs that:

Begins with a summary ,

Evaluates the reliability of the information,

Demonstrates how the information relates to previous and future research.

Entries in an annotated bibliography should be in alphabetical order.

** Please note: This may vary depending on your professor’s requirements.

Why Write an Annotated Bibliography?

Why Write an Annotated Bibliography

Writing an annotated bibliography will help you understand your topics in-depth.

An annotated bibliography is useful for organizing and cataloging resources when developing an argument.

Formatting an Annotated Bibliography

Formatting Annotated Bibliographies

Use 1-inch margins all around
Indent annotations ½ inch from the left margin.
Use double spacing.
Entries should be in alphabetical order.

Structure of an Annotated Bibliography

This table provides a high-level outline of the structure of a research article and how each section relates to important information for developing an annotated bibliography.

Annotated Bibliography Sample Outline

Author, S. A. (date of publication). Title of the article. Title of Periodical, vol. (issue), page-page. https://doi.org/XXXXXX

Write one or two paragraphs that focus on the study and its findings.

Two or more sentences that outline the thesis, hypothesis, and population of the study.
Two or more sentences that discuss the methodology.
Two or more sentences that discuss the study findings.
One or more sentences evaluating the study and its relationship to other studies.

Sample Annotated Bibliographies

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Synonyms of annotation

as in commentary
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Thesaurus Definition of annotation

Synonyms & Similar Words

obiter dictum

Thesaurus Entries Near annotation

annotations

Cite this Entry

“Annotation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/annotation. Accessed 19 May. 2024.

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Nglish: Translation of annotation for Spanish Speakers

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Meaning of annotation in English

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The new translation of the Latin work includes extensive annotation by scholars .
It's a book that cries out for annotation.
The program is designed for annotation of images .
There is an easy-to-use facility in the program for adding annotations to your document .
creative writing
intertextual
intertextuality
intertextually
self-portrait
uncaptioned
versification

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a computer program designed to have a conversation with a human being, usually over the internet

Searching out and tracking down: talking about finding or discovering things

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IMAGES

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COMMENTS

How to Annotate Texts
Analyzing a Speech Using Annotation (UNC-TV/PBS Learning Media) This complete lesson plan, which includes a guide for the teacher and relevant handouts for students, will prepare students to analyze both the written and presentation components of a speech. This lesson plan is best for students in 6th-10th grade.
Annotating Texts
Annotation can be: A systematic summary of the text that you create within the document. A key tool for close reading that helps you uncover patterns, notice important words, and identify main points. An active learning strategy that improves comprehension and retention of information.
Annotating text: The complete guide to close reading
Learning to effectively annotate text is a powerful tool that can improve your reading, self-learning, and study strategies. Using an annotating system that includes text annotations and note-taking during close reading helps you actively engage with the text, leading to a deeper understanding of the material.
Annotate
Annotate Definition. To annotate is to make notes on or mark up a text with one's thoughts, questions, or realizations while reading. The term annotation refers to the actual notes one has written ...
How to Annotate
These could be words you are not familiar with or will need to review later. Define those words in the margins. To summarize how you will annotate text: 1. Identify the BIG IDEA. 2. Underline topic sentences or main ideas. 3. Connect ideas with arrows.
Annotation Definition & Meaning
annotation: [noun] a note added by way of comment or explanation.
How to Write an Annotation
For the annotation of reading assignments in this class, you will cite and comment on a minimum of FIVE (5) phrases, sentences or passages from notes you take on the selected readings. Here is an example format for an assignment to annotate a written text: Passage #. Quotation and Location. My Comments / Ideas.
Research Guides: Reading and Study Strategies: Annotating a Text
You can annotate by hand or by using document software. You can also annotate on post-its if you have a text you do not want to mark up. As you annotate, use these strategies to make the most of your efforts: Include a key or legend on your paper that indicates what each marking is for, and use a different marking for each type of information ...
Annotating
Figure 1. Identifying the 5 stages of a plot will help you as you annotate works of fiction. The Point of View: The point of view is the teller of the story. Figure 2. Recognizing which point of view is being used is another helpful tool in annotating. Themes: Themes are the major ideas expressed in a story.
Annotating a Text
Annotating a text, or marking the pages with notes, is an excellent, if not essential, way to make the most out of the reading you do for college courses. Annotations make it easy to find important information quickly when you look back and review a text. They help you familiarize yourself with both the content and organization of what you read ...
ANNOTATION
ANNOTATION meaning: 1. a short explanation or note added to a text or image, or the act of adding short explanations or…. Learn more.
How to annotate text while reading
These 11 annotation techniques will bring your reading comp to the next level!Another helpful annotation strategy: https://youtu.be/tEMNDdfLWDA D E T A I L S...
How to annotate: 5 strategies for success
You could also highlight key information that confirms ideas or fills gaps in your understanding. Once you choose a strategy that fits your reading intent, you're ready to start annotating. 3. Scan the text. Armed with your tools and strategy, you're ready to annotate For your first read, you will simply scan the text.
Annotating texts
Learn how to annotate language, structure, quotations and literary techniques in texts with this BBC Bitesize GCSE English Language (AQA) study guide.
Teaching Student Annotation: Constructing Meaning Through Connections
In his English Journal article " I'll Have Mine Annotated, Please: Helping Students Make Connections with Text" Matthew D. Brown expresses a basic truth in English Language Arts instruction: "Reading is one thing, but getting something of value from what we read is another" (73). Brown uses the avenue of personal connection to facilitate the ...
ANNOTATION Definition & Meaning
Annotation definition: a critical or explanatory note or body of notes added to a text.. See examples of ANNOTATION used in a sentence.
Annotation Examples Simply Explained
The inclusion of annotations can bring additional value and information to your work. Understand how to properly include these with annotation examples.
Teaching.. How to Annotate a Short Story
Here is the process of annotation with a class: Read the story aloud. As you read, the students should follow and make the same notes. When necessary, pause and talk yourself and the importance of the keyword. For example, "hmmm…I wonder why the author has chosen to mention the characters name in the first sentence.
How to Write an Annotation
For the annotation of media assignments in this class, you will cite and comment on a minimum of THREE (3) statements, facts, examples, research or any combination of those from the notes you take about selected media. Here is an example format for an assignment to annotate media: Passage #. Describe Passage. My Comments / Ideas.
Annotate Definition & Meaning
annotate: [verb] to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.
LibGuides: English Resource Guide: Annotated Bibliographies
The annotation, or description, part of the annotated bibliography is normally between 3-5 sentences, but may vary depending on what your instructor requires. Typically included in the annotation: A short summary of the source and its information. An assessment of the quality of information in the source. (Is the information reliable?
The #1 Text Annotation Generator Annotater
Enter Mindgrasp, a remarkable online annotator and text annotation generator designed to simplify your life. Forget the tedious work of scanning through documents. With Mindgrasp, you get quick, precise, and insightful annotations at the click of a button. As a cutting-edge article annotation tool, Mindgrasp takes any content you feed it and ...
Annotated Bibliography
An annotated bibliography is a summary and evaluation of a resource. According to Merriam-Webster, a bibliography is "the works or a list of the works referred to in a text or consulted by the author in its production." Your references (APA) or Works Cited (MLA) can be considered a bibliography. A bibliography follows a documentation style ...
ANNOTATION Synonyms: 23 Similar Words
Synonyms for ANNOTATION: commentary, analysis, remark, comment, note, reflection, input, exposition, view, aside
The ultimate guide to screen annotation magic
Annotate is a highly useful tool for people in tech, financial services, media, and marketing. One of the unique features of Annotate is its integration with Microsoft Office. Key features: Document and PDF annotation — You can create in-document notes to resolve issues more quickly and accurately.
ANNOTATION
ANNOTATION definition: 1. a short explanation or note added to a text or image, or the act of adding short explanations or…. Learn more.
Identifying John Milton's copy of Holinshed's Chronicles
In 1942 the real estate magnate and philanthropist Alfred Knight purchased a copy of Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles in its second, expanded edition (1587). He was building a collection of rare books with a particular focus on Shakespeareana. The acquisition made sense: Holinshed's sweeping account of English, Irish and Scottish history from antiquity to the reign […]
[.WATCH.] THE IDEA OF YOU (2024) (+FullMovie!) Free Online On Streamings
Watch THE IDEA OF YOU 2024 (Free) Full Movie Online English/Dub/Sub Streaming Those looking to watch THE IDEA OF YOU 2024 at home without the need for a streaming service will be able to do so when the film releases digitally. Paramount will eventually offer the option to buy or rent THE IDEA OF YOU 2024 through most major PVOD services. No

How to Annotate Texts

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Annotating Texts

Why annotate?

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A common concern about annotating texts: It takes time!

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Annotating a Textbook

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Annotating a Work of Fiction

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How to annotate: 5 strategies for success

What is annotation?

Why annotate?

Boost your productivity with ABLE

How to annotate in 5 easy steps

1. Choose your annotation tools

2. Select an annotation strategy

3. Scan the text

4. Skim for major ideas

5. Complete a close read

Enhance your learning with effective annotation

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Teaching.. How to Annotate a Short Story

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The Secret is in the Pen

Annotating a Text

Example Assignment Format: Annotating a Written Text

Example Assignment Format: Annotating Media

Instructor Resources (Access Requires Login)

An Overview of the Writing Process

Using Sources

Definition Essay

Narrative Essay

Illustration/Example Essay

Compare/Contrast Essay