Suggestions for Textbook Annotation and Mark-up

 

Textbook annotation can help a person get the most out of reading a textbook by highlighting, note taking, and marking symbols in the book.

The following is a list of suggestions a person should do when reading textbooks:

 

Marking Text

 

• Highlight text to help locate important information.  Studies have shown that text passages highlighted are more easily remembered than the same passages underlined.

• Use different color highlights to group different information (e.g. Orange for vocabulary words, green for rules, etc…)

• Do not over use highlighters – it will make it difficult to later determine what is important.

• Underline main points and important terms with a colored marker or pen to make them more recognizable.  NOTE: Underlining is not as effective as highlighting therefore, just underline key terms and import words.

• Circle vocabulary words to draw attention to them.

• Use numbers and letters next to headings and sub-headings to help your mind organize the thoughts presented.

• Use Post-it Flags for quick reference.

 

 

Use of Margins

 

• Write short notes or paraphrase in the margins to help organize and condense the information.

• Mark symbols (*, ^, ß,P, etc…) in margins next to important sections

• Write key words and definitions in the margin.

• Place a “?” in margin where you need clarification of context.

• Indicate steps in a process by using numbers in the margin.