Text Annotation
What is annotation?
Annotation is noting key ideas in your textbook by inserting markings and summary notes in your own words.
Unlike highlighting, annotating requires you to deeply process your reading and will lead to better
comprehension and recall. Typically annotation is done in the text and the margins of a textbook, but can also
be done using post-it notes.
Why annotate?
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Annotating helps you process large amounts of information, selecting key ideas and condensing what
you need to study.
Annotating requires you to use your own words and serves as a comprehension check. If you can’t
restate what you have read, you know you need to reread or seek additional sources.
How do you annotate?
Read a paragraph or section first, then decide how to rephrase the key ideas and select items to mark. Always
use your own words. What you annotate will depend on your text, but typical items include:
 Key definitions – Most textbooks have already marked definitions in bold and given you the meaning
within the text; your job is to restate the definition to make sure you understand it.
 Examples – After reading an example, mark it with “ex” and note what it is an example of.
 Lists – Many textbooks contain lists of causes, effects, features or factors. Note these lists by
numbering them and add a summary note explaining the list.
 Graphs, charts and diagrams – Read and analyze graphic materials and add a summary note explaining.
 Summary notes – After reading a paragraph or section summarize the key ideas in the margin. Hold
yourself accountable for writing a short summary for every section.
 Comments – Agree, disagree, question or comment on sections of text. Connecting text to class
discussions or your own experience is particularly valuable.
Adapted from:
Holschuh, Jodi and Nist, Sherrie, Effective College Learning, New York: Pearson Longman, 2007
On the back of this idea sheet is an example of a page from a business communication
textbook that has been annotated.
For assistance with this and other study strategies contact:
Learning Place/Reading Lab B-176
262-691-7837