Steps for Annotating

Steps for Annotating

1. Read the title and questions. Make a prediction to the right of the title stating your first impression.

“I think this story is about…”

2. Skim over the passage you are reading and circle or highlight any unknown or unfamiliar words in any color ink EXCEPT black ink.

3. Draw lines to block paragraphs all the way across the page, left side all the way to the right side. Any color ink EXCEPT black ink.

4. Read the entire passage.

5. Read the each paragraph, look for the main idea and highlight or underline it. Ask yourself who, what, where, when, and why. You should have a main idea for every paragraph.

6. Write the main idea in your own words to the right side of the blocked paragraphs. You should put these in your own words.

7. Write the main idea of the story above the title.

“The main idea of this story is…”