Nonfiction Annotation Techniques

So, you chosen a nonfiction book (begrudgingly), had to have parents sign their acknowledgement (Why? Mrs. Ordway--I'm an adult!) and now you have to (gulp) read this dreaded nonfiction book and *gasp* annotate in it. What does that mean? What is Mrs. Ordway even looking for? Doesn't she know that writing in books is paramount to committing the worst of the worst literary crimes?

To ease fears and worries I am going to give you a 'cheat sheet' of sorts, or a list that if you reach dire straights (confusion about where to go from here) you can look here for a way to get you through the rough patches. 

1. For each section (or chapter) highlight main idea. Don't forget to label it in the margins as the main idea to keep your reading free of confusion.

2. For each paragraph or section underline four lead words. Theses will usually be nouns, and they will be the topics of the important supporting evidence. By underlining these words, you give your eyes and easy way to locate  the supporting points that the author is making. 

3. Box transition words. These words will often signal an important change in the argument, or they indicate an important conclusion about a specific thought or statement made by the author or argument. 

4. Circle and define above/below or in the margins unfamiliar terms, acronyms, organizations or phrases. Why? If it confused you once, you will be confused by it in the second and third read by defining it you aren't concentrating on what something means you are open to understand the argument as a whole. 

5. Ask and argue. If a passage confuses you--put a "?" above the passage and write out your question(s) in the margins so we can discuss it in class or in groups.  If you disagree with the author write it down. Want to questing the validity of the author--write the question down. You don't have to agree with everything that the author states.

6. After reading each paragraph, write down a quick note or word in the margin to remind yourself about the focus of the paragraph --you may get away with combing 1-3 paragraph or even a whole chapter, but note to yourself when ideas, concepts or arguments change.

7. When you are done with the chapter (or article) , write one or two sentences describing the: chapter's (or article's)  reason for being. this is the "So What?" of the "Big Picture". It is the author's purpose for writing. Ask yourself: Why did the author bother to even write this? What's the purpose? What effect did the author hope to have on the reader? Why does this matter?  Write one or two sentences answering these questions at the end of the chapter (or article).

See, easy peasy lemon squeezy! It isn't that difficult to understand what nonfiction texts are saying, you just have to think about how to put your thoughts into words.