Annotating for language and structure
Annotating structure
Look at the overall text to begin your annotation. Can you spot patterns in the structure? Look out for:
- paragraph lengths
- repeated words introducing paragraphs
- signpost sentences introducing paragraphs (like 'Firstly...', 'Secondly...', 'In addition...')
- headings and subheadings
- time and place
Once you have spotted structural features of the text, make a note of the feature used. Then, to develop your idea, add a note to briefly consider the effect of that feature - why has it been used? What is the writer emphasising or highlighting by using it?
Annotating language
ٴDz’t highlight all the language features you spot – you’ll end up highlighting the whole text. Pick out the first example of each Any method an author uses to add meaning or interest to a text, such as metaphors, similes or alliteration. you see, and after that, only the more interesting ones. They might be interesting because they’re unusual, or because they’re doing a particularly good job of creating an effect linked to purpose or audience.
Do pick out individual words which you can explore closely – ones with particular An idea or image which is suggested by a word, which is not its dictionary meaning, eg the connotation of 'desk' might be school., for example, or ones which seem especially significant. These are usually adjectives, or phrases that have used particular techniques to conjure up a specific image.