On this page you will find the two main annotations methods which will be used in this class along with instructions on how to do them. Additionally, you will find notes on how to use text features to annotate and study. Generally speaking, double entry journal (DEJ) notes are better for fiction, and marginalia 1-2-3 (M3) is better for expository (nonfiction) texts.

Double Entry Journal Annotation (DEJ)

The double entry journal consists of two entries: one, the mark you put in the text representing the categories below, and two, an entry on the text or in your notes providing detail about the meaning of the mark. In other words, why did you put that mark in that place? When we annotate with double entry journal, you will annotate with two of each mark unless otherwise instructed.

* (Star) - Important ideas or information.

! (Exclamation Point) - Surprise, plot twist, shocker, high interest.

O (Circle)  - Unfamiliar words.

? (Question Mark) - Uncertainy or questions for the author/text/character.

@ (At sign) - Important character.

# (Hashtag) - Recurring word, idea, or theme.

+ (Plus Sign) - Something interest you'd like to know more about.

Marginalia 1-2-3 (M3)

For this method, you will be taking one sentence notes in the margins for each paragraph. For the first paragraph, a one sentence note summarizing that paragraph. For the second paragraph, a one sentence note summarizing that paragraph and the first paragraph (or first annotation). For the third paragraph, a one sentence note summarizing the third, second, and first paragraphs (or first and second annotations and third paragraph). 

This method repeats in series of threes, so that the fourth paragraph becomes the first paragraph of the next set of annotations: 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3, etc. In reality, it's 1, 1+2, 1+2+3; 1, 1+2, 1+2+3.

Helpful Text Features to Guide Annotation and Note Taking

I. Text Features

A. Title—the title of a text will provide expectations, analyze individual words to hep identify the following:

a. Central ideas

b. Themes

c. Purpose—what is the author's purpose and intended outcome in

the audience?

d. Bias, beliefs, favoritism.

B. First and last paragraph or sentence. Read the first and last sentence or 

paragraph of a text to make predictions and see the overall course of the text.

C. Topic sentences of each paragraph. Read the topic sentences of each

paragraph to quickly form an outline of the text either in writing

or in your mind.