2 answers
Mackenzi
Student
Sellersburg, Indiana
1
Question
Updated
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What are some helpful annotating tips for literary terms, devices, etc.?
I'm a senior in high school, looking to go into teaching English and I tend to skip over anything that needs to be annotated/highlighted. Tips?
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2 answers
Latarshia Wooten
Learning Development Tools Analyst
3
Answers
Richmond, Virginia
Updated
Latarshia’s Answer
Hi Mackenzi,
I hope this advice is helpful. Think of annotating as the premise of a lesson plan. It is the most important points, and it is meant to be a clear overview of what you are reading. Some tips are to have a goal of what you are trying to achieve by reading the book, passage, etc. Use a pencil if you find yourself debating on what you are highlighting. If you use a pencil, you will be able to erase. Also, if your teacher provides reading questions to go along with the reading, use those to help guide you on what to annotate. I hope this is helpful.
I hope this advice is helpful. Think of annotating as the premise of a lesson plan. It is the most important points, and it is meant to be a clear overview of what you are reading. Some tips are to have a goal of what you are trying to achieve by reading the book, passage, etc. Use a pencil if you find yourself debating on what you are highlighting. If you use a pencil, you will be able to erase. Also, if your teacher provides reading questions to go along with the reading, use those to help guide you on what to annotate. I hope this is helpful.
Diana Rodriguez Velasquez
Psychologist
54
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Mackenzi!
It’s great that you’re thinking ahead about teaching English — annotating well is one of the best skills you can build.
Here are some practical tips that make literary annotation much easier and more meaningful:
1. Use a simple color-coding system
Instead of highlighting everything, assign each color a purpose. For example:
-Yellow: Key plot points
-Pink: Literary devices (metaphor, imagery, symbolism, etc.)
-Blue: Character development or motivation
-Green: Themes or big ideas
This helps you visually organize the text without getting overwhelmed.
2. Look for patterns, not just individual lines
Most literary devices matter because they repeat or connect to something else.
Ask yourself:
-Does the author use the same image or symbol more than once?
-Is a character’s behavior shifting in a meaningful way?
-Is a theme appearing again with new meaning?
Pattern noticing is what great annotation is built on.
3. Write quick margin notes that answer “why”
Instead of summarizing the story, annotate why something matters.
Examples:
-“This metaphor shows her anxiety growing.”
-“Symbol of freedom → connected to Chapter 3.”
-“Foreshadowing of conflict with John.”
These short notes help you understand the author’s choices, not just the plot.
4. Ask mini-questions as you read
Teachers and writers do this constantly. Try questions like:
-Why did the author describe it this way?
-What emotion is this meant to evoke?
-How does this connect to the theme?
Annotation becomes easier when you’re curious.
5. Use sticky tabs for big ideas
If you’re reading a long novel, use tabs for:
-Important scenes
-Major turning points
-Quotes you might use in essays
-Character arcs
This makes review so much easier.
6. Don’t aim for “perfect” annotations — aim for useful ones
Your annotations should help you understand structure, meaning, and literary choices. Over-annotating can actually make reading harder.
Think: Does this help me understand the text better?
Final Tip
The more you practice, the more natural this becomes. Since you’re planning to teach English, these habits will be incredibly valuable for helping future students learn close reading and critical thinking.
If you want, I can also share a sample annotated passage to show how this looks in action!
It’s great that you’re thinking ahead about teaching English — annotating well is one of the best skills you can build.
Here are some practical tips that make literary annotation much easier and more meaningful:
1. Use a simple color-coding system
Instead of highlighting everything, assign each color a purpose. For example:
-Yellow: Key plot points
-Pink: Literary devices (metaphor, imagery, symbolism, etc.)
-Blue: Character development or motivation
-Green: Themes or big ideas
This helps you visually organize the text without getting overwhelmed.
2. Look for patterns, not just individual lines
Most literary devices matter because they repeat or connect to something else.
Ask yourself:
-Does the author use the same image or symbol more than once?
-Is a character’s behavior shifting in a meaningful way?
-Is a theme appearing again with new meaning?
Pattern noticing is what great annotation is built on.
3. Write quick margin notes that answer “why”
Instead of summarizing the story, annotate why something matters.
Examples:
-“This metaphor shows her anxiety growing.”
-“Symbol of freedom → connected to Chapter 3.”
-“Foreshadowing of conflict with John.”
These short notes help you understand the author’s choices, not just the plot.
4. Ask mini-questions as you read
Teachers and writers do this constantly. Try questions like:
-Why did the author describe it this way?
-What emotion is this meant to evoke?
-How does this connect to the theme?
Annotation becomes easier when you’re curious.
5. Use sticky tabs for big ideas
If you’re reading a long novel, use tabs for:
-Important scenes
-Major turning points
-Quotes you might use in essays
-Character arcs
This makes review so much easier.
6. Don’t aim for “perfect” annotations — aim for useful ones
Your annotations should help you understand structure, meaning, and literary choices. Over-annotating can actually make reading harder.
Think: Does this help me understand the text better?
Final Tip
The more you practice, the more natural this becomes. Since you’re planning to teach English, these habits will be incredibly valuable for helping future students learn close reading and critical thinking.
If you want, I can also share a sample annotated passage to show how this looks in action!