How to Annotate Text While Reading

Introduction

• Lecturer: Katie Azevedo from schoolhabits.com
• Topic: Annotating text during reading
• Importance: Fundamental skill for deeper understanding of material
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Reasons to Annotate Text

1. Deeper Understanding
   • Helps in comprehending the material
2. Keeps Engagement
   • Prevents "fake reading syndrome"
3. Processes Information
   • Active engagement with the text
4. Slows Down Reading
   • Increases comprehension and retention
5. Quick Retrieval
   • Easy to find information later

How to Annotate

• Many techniques; find a system that works for you
• Annotation is subjective; should reflect personal interaction with the text

Annotation Techniques

1. Circle Unfamiliar Words

   • Look them up and write definitions
   • Use dictionary apps for quick lookup

2. Use Question Marks

   • Mark uncertain areas

3. Use Stars

   • Indicate important themes, symbols, or foreshadowing

4. Exclamation Points

   • Highlight dramatic moments or key turning points

5. Mark Characters

   • Use shapes to mark character introductions
   • Keep a character trait list

6. Write Notes in Margins

   • Use sticky notes or notebooks if margin writing is not possible

7. Paraphrase Chapters

   • Summarize each chapter in a few sentences

8. Write Down Questions

   • Note questions for class discussions or self-reflection

9. Color-Coding System

   • Use if it appeals to your organization style

10. Title Each Chapter

    • Give chapters a meaningful title summarizing the main idea

Annotating Digital Text

• Use annotation apps for tablets or e-readers
• iAnnotate PDF is a suggested app

General Tips

• Annotations should reflect true thoughts and interactions
• Avoid writing what just "sounds smart"
• Let natural reactions guide your annotations

Cautions

• Over-annotating:
  • Avoid underlining/highlighting everything
  • It should help, not overwhelm
• Annotating for Pleasure:
  • Don’t overdo it on leisure reading

Conclusion

• Annotation enhances reading comprehension
• Encouraged to try it and see its benefits
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