Reading Annotation Assignment
Reading Annotation Assignment
First Year Writing Bryant-Richards
Purpose of the assignment: Annotating is an important skill to employ if you want to read critically. Successful critical readers read with a pencil in their hand, making notes in the text as they read. Instead of reading passively, they create an active relationship with what they are reading by "talking back" to the text in its margins. The concept of discourse means that readers, writers, thinkers, speakers, and audiences engage in a dialogue to make meaning, to communicate, to argue, and to persuade. Reading is a foundation of life-long learning and a passionate endeavor for many. I designed this assignment to encourage engaged reading throughout the quarter.
Assignment: Use the three-step strategy we discussed in class. Print out the reading and engage the author. I recommend using a dark pen for this assignment, even though when you annotate most reading, you will do so in pencil or with highlighter. On the reading itself:
-jot a note about the author.
-notate the thesis and main points of the reading.
-underline key terms and unfamiliar words (and look them up and jot down the definitions!).
-underline important ideas and memorable images.
-write questions or comments in the margin.
-jot any notes about personal experiences related to the reading.
-mark confusing or unclear passages or parts that warrant rereading.
-make a note of any sources used.
Due: The reading annotations are due at the beginning of class on the dates indicated on the syllabus.
Happy Reading!