To annotate an article effectively, follow these steps:
- Preview the article by surveying the title, subheadings, and main topics to get an overview. Color-code these topics for organization. For example, use different colors for different themes or arguments in the text.
- Read the article actively, highlighting the main argument, important points, key vocabulary, and any confusing or interesting parts. Use symbols or color codes to mark different types of annotations such as questions, reactions, key terms, or main ideas.
- Write notes in the margins or on a separate document. Summarize sections, note the author's purpose, your reactions, and connections to other readings. Label sections alphabetically or by main topic to keep the structure clear.
- Keep track of source information by creating a citation at the top of your notes, including URL and retrieval date for online articles, to aid in referencing later.
- Use annotations to engage deeply with the text and prepare for discussions or writing assignments. Different methods work for different people—some prefer handwritten notes, others use digital tools.
In summary, annotation is an active reading process that helps retain and understand the material by highlighting, labeling, summarizing, and reacting to key elements in the article.
