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.
What are the rules of annotating?
- Pick up a pencil, a pen, or a post-it.
- Read everything at least twice.
- The first time, read quickly to get a sense of what the text is about.
- The second and subsequent times read carefully.
- Begin to annotate.
What should you not do when annotating?
Sure, you can underline, but you really should never underline something without making a notation, even if it's just a quick symbol like a question mark. Annotation should also occur throughout the text and not just in the form of a summary at the end of each chapter.
