<p>So I am going to be a junior next year and I have a summer assignment for AP Lang which is to read and annotate some nonfiction works. How do I annotate correctly?</p>
<p>I somehow was able to pass through AP Lang without ever learning how to annotate. I was taught it but never did it. I would suggest looking online. A simple google search of “ap lang annotation” will do.</p>
<p>We were told to “annotate,” too for summer reading, but we never actually really talked about it during class. Basically, just scribble some notes in the margin and highlight things that you think are important. Googling this would be more helpful.</p>
<p>First, don’t highlight. Use only your pen, it’s easier. Underline things you feel are important. When you see a simile or metaphor, underline it. Try to see patterns in the works you have to read, like if there’s any repitition or use of alliterations. Also, try to figure out the way that the speaker is talking, aka the tone of the piece. Try to figure out the purpose of the writing-the message the speaker is trying to impress on the audience. That is essentially what the rhetorical analysis question is: the methods the speaker uses to convey his or her message to the audience. Just take notes in the margins summarizing what you’re reading. But seriously, it’s so much easier to do this with just a pen or pencil.</p>
<p>@swizzle13 Thanks a lot!</p>
<p>Spotting and analyzing rhetorical devices is nice. But don’t be afraid to record your own thoughts when you annotate— my English teacher always encouraged us to do that.</p>
<p>For example, if you disagree with something the author said, say so and explain why in your annotation. Or when you find a line you particularly like, say so.</p>