ENG 112 Online: Varieties of Writing

Essay 1 Lecture 1: Annotation

December 18th, 2007

Reading Critically and Annotating
Use pencil and write in the margins of the text

1.) Preview the text
a. Genre—book, essay, news article, web site, poem, etc.
b. Title—what does it tell you about content and purpose?
c. Organization—headings, subheadings, major sections?
d. Sources—what sources are listed in bib or index? What do these sources tell us about the info the writer will draw on?

Note all of these preview on the first page of the text.

2.) Look up unfamiliar terms and concepts in a dictionary, encyclopedia, in the article’s works cited or reference page.
3.) SLOW DOWN—read and reread BEFORE annotating.
4.) Annotate the text to clarify and respond to its content.
a. Content: Explain concepts, main points, argument, etc. in your own words.
b. Context: Look at the organization of the text: thesis, counterargument, use of sources, etc.
c. Response notes: What is your response? Does it tick you off? Do you agree? Does the text raise any questions? Write them down.

Notes on annotation: Practice makes perfect. The more you read critically the more annotation will become a natural reaction. Homework is important practice, so it is essential you annotate the articles you will be asked to read in this course. Practice annotation in texts for other classes too because it will help you retain information. In fact, almost all of what you learn in this class you can apply in other classes—in terms of reading critically AND writing academically!

Hot tip: Afraid you won’t get your money back if you write in books you buy for courses? Use PENCIL! Then you can go back and erase your notes before selling them. Also, consider making your annotations in a notebook. Or use Post-it Notes that you can write on and then “stick” to the appropriate page.

 

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