How and Why toAnnotate a Book

Notes derived from article published by AP Central and the College Board.

Note-Taking vs. Annotating

• Many serious readers take notes.• Many readers too casual to take notes.• Then, panic sets in, resulting in:– Starting over– “Re-notating”– Cramming; “better-than-nothing”

What are annotations?

• First, understand that they are not merely:– Highlights– Notes

• Annotations are a conversation– “…deeper initial reading and understanding that

lasts.”– Includes questions, arguments, compliments,

clarifications / definitions, etc.

Example 1

• How would you rate this on a 1-6 scale?

• Why?

• MY ANSWER:• This is a 1 at best.• No meaning to the

marks; no notes.

Example 2

• How would you rate this on a 1-6 scale?

• Why?

• MY ANSWER:• This is a 2.• Why is this paragraph

highlighted?

Example 3

• How would you rate this on a 1-6 scale?

• Why?

• MY ANSWER:• This is a 2, 3 at best.• Classic re-notating,

scrambling student.

Example 4• How would you rate this on a

1-6 scale?

• Why?

• MY ANSWER:• This is a 4, maybe 5.• I can see why phrases are

highlighted. There seems to be a conversation with the reader and author.

Example 5

• How would you rate this on a 1-6 scale?

• Why?

• MY ANSWER:• This is a 6. No brainer.