Discussion Board Articles & Annotations

Objectives:
1. Demonstrate evidence of a close reading.
2. Use textual evidence in a Discussion Board Post
1. Read the title, blurb, and source.
In the top margin, write what you know of the topic (your prior knowledge).
2. Number the paragraphs
You will need to be able to cite and refer to the text. One simple way to do this is by numbering each paragraph, section or
stanza in the left hand margin. When you write/talk about the text, I will require you to state which paragraph you are
referring to. The rest of the class will be able to quickly find the line.
3. Chunk the text. (You should have at least 5 chunks on each side!)
When faced with a full page of text, reading it can quickly become overwhelming. Breaking up the text into smaller
sections (or chunks) makes the page much more manageable. You do this by drawing a horizontal line between paragraphs
to divide the page into smaller sections.
4. Highlight with a purpose. (Please note that not ALL of these need to be completed. These are suggestions. You
should always have a purpose for your highlighting and that may vary dependent on the article format).
Highlight and mark the authors claims.
Highlight and mark the authors thesis.
Highlight and mark arguments the author makes in favor of his/her stance.
Highlight and mark counterarguments.
Circle key terms (words that are defined, repeated throughout the text, and words/phrases you dont know)
Circle names of sources, power verbs, and figurative language
Circle words that show bias (with strong connotation)
5. Left margin: What is the author SAYING?
In the left margin, summarize each chunk in 10-words or less.
6. Right margin: Dig deeper into the text
In the right-hand margin dig deeper in roughly 10 words:
Use a power verb to describe what the author is DOING. (For example: Describing, illustrating, arguing, etc..)
Note: It isnt enough for you to write Comparing and be done. What is the author comparing? A better answer
might be: Comparing current technology with future possibilities.
Represent the information with a picture. This is a good way for you to be creative to visually represent the
chunk with a drawing.
Ask questions. If you could ask the author anything, what would it be? Do you have a question about a fact,
statistic, or statement he/she made?
List your reaction. Do you agree or disagree with the authors point? Is this information surprising? Why?
7. In the bottom margin, write your thoughts about the overall article in 2-3 complete sentences. Do you
agree/disagree with the author? What is your reaction to his/her article/argument/point? Please note: I dont like
this article. Its dumb. Will not qualify as a thoughtful response!
8. Make a T-Chart, indicating Whats Said and Whats Left Out. Under Whats said list a fact or statistic. On
the right hand side Whats Left Out, consider the questions that are left unanswered for you. You should have at least
6 total bullets.