Annotating Fiction Texts

Annotating texts is a valuable technique for actively engaging with the material you're reading. It involves making notes and markings to highlight important details and aid in comprehension. Here are some tips and techniques for effective annotation:

Purpose of Annotation

Annotation helps you track and remember key details while reading.

It allows you to focus on specific aspects of the text, such as setting, language, literary devices, characterisation, and themes.

Annotation Techniques

Circling or Underlining: Highlight words or phrases that are interesting or significant. Write notes in the margin to explain their importance.

Colour Coding: Use different coloured highlighters to differentiate between ideas, techniques, or details.

Margin Notes: Use one margin to note literary devices and the other for your personal responses.

Effective Annotation Strategies

Be selective in your annotations. Focus on details that are relevant to your analysis.

Use abbreviations to save time, such as "allit" for alliteration.

Make functional marks and notes. Don't worry about aesthetics.

Use symbols like arrows or question marks to draw attention to specific details.

Annotating Language and Literary Techniques

Highlight interesting language features and literary devices in the text.

Look for examples that stand out due to their uniqueness or relevance to characters, themes, or settings.

Focus on individual words with connotations or thematic significance.

Annotating Characterisation and Voice

Identify key elements that show character development throughout the text.

Highlight phrases that reveal important details about characters, such as appearance linked to themes.

Note the narrative voice (first, second, or third-person) and how it influences the story.

Identify instances where the author's voice is used for a specific effect.

Annotating for Themes and Ideas

Highlight words or phrases that connect to the main themes or recurring ideas in the text.

Pay attention to semantic fields that suggest underlying themes or motifs.

Remember, annotation is a flexible tool, and you should experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you. In exam conditions, prioritise brief annotations that help you quickly identify and analyse key details for your written responses.