The Importance of Annotation

While reading a passage or article, many people will use a skill called “annotating” to help them improve reading comprehension. Writing an annotation helps the reader get a deeper understanding of the reading because he or she is engaging in conversation with the author. Writing an annotation allows you to ask questions, make arguments, point out important details, find the thesis statement, and identify writing which requires further research. It also pushes the reader to think critically, focus on key points, and read with a purpose. There is a difference between annotating and taking notes. Unlike notes, the information is composed of fewer pieces in order to keep it organized. Annotations are more specific and directly to the point opposed to searching through pages of notes. Through annotations the reader gains a deeper understanding of the text. There are many benefits of annotation. For one, it makes the reader an active participant in the context. It also helps the reader understand the flow of the writing. It helps the reader compare their own ideas with the ideas of the writer. You are challenging, connecting, appreciating, and amending the context. Most importantly, you’re taking the authors context and transforming it into your own text and thoughts because annotations can be a guide or a pathway to your own writing. Writing an annotation can be more beneficial than reading a review, or using SparkNotes, CliffNotes, etc. A high level of critical engagement with the context is expected of college students, but for any level of reader, annotation aids in comprehension and analysis. Annotations make an excellent study tool and will be beneficial to students in the future.

Reference:

Thoreau, Henry David. Walden. New York: The New American Library of World Literature, Inc., 1960.