INSTRUCTIONS FOR ANNOTATING

NON-FICTION

 

1.    FOR EVERY PARAGRAPH

Right next to each paragraph, write a brief phrase or two summarizing what happens in it. 

This paragraph says É

 

2.    Underline 5 passages that seem crucial to the point of the paragraph or to the larger thesis of the piece.

 

3.    Put a star next to 3 sections that seem to be very important: passages that make a crucial point or that might be the main point of the piece

 

4.    Ask 5 questions.  "What is he saying here?" "What does this mean?" "Doesn't this contradict her earlier argument?"

 

5.    Respond to the article in 5 places. Do you agree with what is being said? Do you find a certain section funny, stupid, etc.?

 

6.    Make 5 connections to the article.  Note parts that remind you of things you've read or seen or even said yourself. You might say, "reminds me of movie about" or "that's what I always say".