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Appendix B Instructions on Annotation “To annotate” means to write on something as you read it. I will construe “write” broadly: in other words, annotation may or may not mean physically placing pen to page. If you would like to use an alternative method, such as tape-recording your thoughts as you read, please let me know so we can set up a way for me to access your annotations. The purpose of annotating is to record your own ideas, questions, and interpretations as you read. That way, you won’t look at something a few weeks after reading it and wonder, “What was this about again? What did I think of it?” Annotation is one of the best strategies you can use as a student—or a reader of any text—to get the maximum possible “bang for your buck.” You’ll develop your own method as you get more experienced in annotation. If you would like a step-by-step method, try this one: • What is my response to each paragraph? Responses can be paraphrases , comments, or questions. Record your thoughts as you read—at least a few lines per paragraph. It’s ‹ne if a “thought” is somewhat unformed, such as “I don’t get this.” (Try to include some information about exactly what you don’t get, or why you don’t get it. Is the language getting in the way? Is the author referring to other works, people, or ideas you aren’t familiar with? Do you disagree with what’s being said, and/or have an alternate interpretation?) • What are the author’s sources of evidence? Note them as you go along. 237 • How does the author structure this article? Note structural cues as you go along. (For example, “The analysis of this topic can be divided into two parts.” Or, “First I discuss . . . then I discuss . . .”) • When you’ve ‹nished, write a two- or three-sentence summary of the article. My personal preference is to write this somewhere on the ‹rst page, so I can easily see it when I look back at the article . • What is the thesis or major argument of this article? Write a paraphrase (not a quote!). • Finally, if you haven’t already written down some questions, list two or three questions the article inspires you to ask. 238 Appendix B ...

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