AP English Language

and Composition

Annotations

Annotations

• How and why to annotate?• Make a key

• Three purposes

Make A Key

• Use a key that works for you!!

• MUST INCLUDE: • At least three

different “things” (underline, highlight, star, asterisk, question mark, exclamation…)

• Margin notes

3 Purposes

1. Helps you understand what you are readinga) Interact with the text. Ask questions and make

connections.

b) Mark important information (words, literary devices, punctuation, etc.)

2. Creates a study tool for you to usea) Can review for a future test/project/essay

b) It’s better to read something thoroughly ONCE and then skim it the 2nd/3rd/etc… time!

3. Shows evidence of your work (skills & knowledge)a) I can only grade that which you submit!!

Ideas of What to Write

Okay Ms. B., I understand that I need to annotate. But how do I do it, and how do I do it well!?

• Identify rhetorical devices AND their effects (what is it and what does it do?)

• Mark words that you don’t know AND find and write the definition

• Write about the author’s thesis, audience, purpose, tone, and historical context, and also ideas that you like/dislike!

*** Remember, reading and annotating should take you about 5 minutes per page of text!! If it’s taking longer, scale down the amount of annotating that you are doing. If it’s taking less time, add to your annotations!