I don't like annotating, but it's required. What do I do?

Answer 1

You are not alone! Many students find annotating challenging. It's not just underlining and highlighting, there's a purpose! Here are a few tips & tricks to consider.

1.) COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS- Read the chapter questions first and then highlight the answers as you find them in the novel. Whether your teacher assigns comprehension questions or you Google some on your own, this is an excellent way to make sure you're staying on track with the novel. 

2.) CHARACTER LIST - Add a post-it note to the inside cover of your novel and add the main character names as they are introduced. Give yourself a little room so you can add character traits and important information as presented. Highlight that as you read.

3.) NEW, INTERESTING WORDS - Highlight or circle new words, look up the meaning, and jot it down in the novel. If you think a word is interesting, do the same!

4.) LITERARY DEVICES - Highlight literary devices you recognize. Alliteration, personification, hyperbole. 

5.) YOUR THOUGHTS - Did a character say or do something odd? Write that on the page. Are you unsure what's happening? Write it down!. Later, when it becomes clear, you can also write that on the page. Do you disagree or agree with something that's happening...you go it- write it down!

 There are many ways to annotate, and I'd love to help students feel more confident about this process! 

Answer 2

I like to think of annotating as having a conversation with the text, but in order to maximize the benefits, you have to take it slow. Skimming is fine if you want a quick overview, but if you're annotating to extract a deeper meaning, you need to think of reading as a two-way conversation. For example:

1. If you read something that's confusing, don't just blow past it. Stop, reread it, and see if you can figure out the meaning through the context. Make an inference and write it down. You may also find that it becomes clear later in the text. However, if it's still confusing, you can literally write, "I don't understand" in the margin. Teachers appreciate questions, so ask your instructor at the next available opportunity.
2. If something jumps out at you--a pattern of repeated ideas, something that prompts a question, an idea that you can relate to through personal experience--make note of it (highlight, underline, whatever works best for you). Those connections you make to the text are the beginnings of critical thinking.
3. This applies specifically to non-fiction texts, but don't assume the author is infallible. If he/she states something that you don't agree with, make a note of it and ask yourself, "Why?" Even if you find yourself eventually agreeing with the author, reflecting on how the text challenges your belief system is always a valuable exercise.

Remember, when you annotate, you are entering a conversation with the author. You may have questions, thoughts, and opinions about the argument they're making. Always make a note. As I say, it takes longer, but it will result in a much deeper understanding of the text.

Good luck!

Answer 3

If you don’t like annotating, try to make it as simple and useful as possible instead of something that feels like busywork. Annotating is just like taking notes, but you're making the notes within the text!

Start by choosing just one or two things to mark, like interesting quotes, confusing parts, or big ideas. You don’t have to write long notes — short comments, circles, or quick questions in the margins are enough. Think of annotating as a way to help you understand the story better, not as something you have to do perfectly.

Over time, you might even find that it makes reading easier because you’re keeping track of your thoughts as you go.

A simple strategy to help you annotate as you read:

One thing you notice

(a cool detail, a quote you like, a character moment, etc.)

One thing you wonder

(a question, a prediction, something confusing)

One thing you think is important

(a theme, a symbol, a problem the character faces)

Answer 4

Totally understandable! There are several strategies that I have found effective.

1. Are there 1-2 literary devices, like symbolism or metaphors, that come easy to you in terms of finding in a text? If so, these could make great annotations.
2. Make a character list – note what main characters are doing throughout several chapters. Are you noticing any patterns regarding their decisions or personalities? Character notes also make for good evidence of close reading.
3. The theme! Is there a consistent message or idea that you keep seeing throughout the book – within specific text passages? Finding consistency in an overall message or theme is an important reading skill and demonstrates a deeper engagement with the text.