Annotating Analytical Writing

Annotate the text following the instructions below. As you proceed through each writing element, be ready to
discuss the identified claims, reasons and evidence, and citations.
The following are the essential steps in annotating and understanding reading selections that you come across
in any subject matter, or class.
1. Read _______________ by ________________. The first time, simply read the text. The second time,
pay greater attention to the writing elements and also to what type of text it is or what types of text it
combines.
2. Identify the type of writing and write it at the top of the reading.

The Three Types of Writing

Argument
In an argument, the writer argues a claim that they support
with one or more convincing reasons.
Informative/Explana This is nonfiction writing that gives information about a topic
tory
including who, what, where, when, why, and how.
Narrative
A narrative is a story about a real or fictional experience.

A
I/
E
N

3. Use the following instructions to annotate the text as you analyze it.

Annotating Chart
Symbol

#
____
_

Meaning

A
x

I/E
x

Underline the writers claim, thesis statement, main idea. Why

is the author writing this piece? What is the point of the entire
reading? What is the problem asking?
Place Arrows next to the reasons for the claim. Why does the
author think this way?
Place stars next to the evidence that supports the reason for
the claim. Evidence = Facts, Proof
Put a box around the counterclaim or counterclaims. The other
side of the argument.
Place checkmarks next to the quotations and citations.

Circle the recommendation or call to action. What the author

wants the reader to do.
Triangle transition words or key terms that help make the
authors point. What are the words that make the authors point?
Question Mark next to confusing information or difficult words,
anything that you do not understand.

Number the paragraphs

4. Complete your minute paper organizer and write your response.

N
x

x
x
x

Writing the Minute Paper

My Minute Paper Organizer

Directions: Follow these directions to write a Minute Paper. Remember, you will only have five
minutes. The purpose is not to produce finished writing, but to focus on your understanding of the
reading selection. Your Minute Paper should address key terms and main ideas, as well as bringing
up any questions that the reading suggested to but did not answer.
1. Read the text provided, remembering to use the annotation strategies that you have been
taught.
2. Use your Minute Paper organizer to focus on the following areas as you read
Main Ideas What is the main idea of the assigned reading? What are the key
supporting details?
Unanswered Questions Now that youve read the selection, what questions
do you still have? What new questions do you have?
Application How does the text apply to the real world, and your own
experiences?
3. When your teacher says Go, take the information from the chart and write three
paragraphs using the information from the chart.
4. When your teacher says Stop, finish your last thought and put your pencil down.
Name of Reading Selection
Paragraph 1
Main Ideas:
Thesis, Claims, Evidence, Facts

Author
Paragraph 2
Unanswered Questions:
Stuff you dont understand
(Concepts or Ideas)

Date Written
Paragraph 3
Application of Knowledge (Ah-has):
How does this relate to the world
around our lives and us now?

Minute Paper Final Draft (INK ONLY)

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Criteria 1 Score

Criteria 2 Score

Criteria 3 Score

TOTAL