Annotate a Textbook

November 14, 2025

Posted by STLCC in Tutoring Resources 

To read critically, you must think like a reporter and look for the who, what, where, when, why and how in the chapter. In other words, think about the main point and supporting evidence. To do that, you need to read carefully and pay attention to sub-headings, evidence used, and relevant vocabulary.

Reading Critically Means You Must Comprehend the Text

Thoroughly read each assigned chapter and answer the following questions.

• What is the author’s purpose or main point of this chapter?
• What evidence supports the main point?
• What can you learn from the sub-headings and highlighted information?
• Identify important vocabulary and ensure you understand the meaning.
• Most textbooks include review sections. These are important opportunities to review the material and apply what you have learned.

Annotating Means to Add Notes

• Take notes in margins.
• Underline important points, such as the purpose/main idea, sources/evidence or supporting ideas, and important vocabulary.
• Use sticky notes to make comments next to the paragraphs.
• Circle words you do not understand—then look them up.

Reading to Write Means Using Your Notes

Summarize this chapter and think about how to use it in your writing, such as summary writing, note taking, and test preparation.

Use the examples below to practice these skills.

Examples:

Chapter Title (pg. #__)

______________________________________________

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Heading / Sub-Heading (pg. #__)

Supporting evidence or details:

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

 

Heading / Sub-Heading (pg. #__)

Supporting evidence or details:

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

 

Heading / Sub-Heading (pg. #__)

Supporting evidence or details:

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

 

Heading / Sub-Heading (pg. #__)

Supporting evidence or details:

______________________________________________

______________________________________________

______________________________________________