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Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing: Annotate

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Make short and useful annotations in the text’s margins. You can use these later for studying or researching without having to reread the entire text. 

Annotate

Annotations should be shaped by questions, such as the ones below: 

  • What is the writer’s purpose or main idea? 

  • Whom is the author Addressing?

  • How does the writer respond to other ideas? 

  • How does the writer support his/her main idea? 

Annotate your opinions of or reactions to the text. 

Use symbols to indicate important points, connections, questions, keywords, or transitions 

Double Entry Journal

The Double Entry Journal is an organized way of charting important ideas, keywords, quotes and information from a text with your corresponding reactions, questions, and responses.  

© 2016 by English Department, The University of Texas at Austin

Video by The Learning Center, Skyline Community College, 2017.