Module 2 Assignment: Annotating and Outlining

For this assignment, you will write an annotation, using an article of your choosing from this Reading Anthology. Remember, annotating means actively engaging with a text by pausing to reflect, mark up, and add notes as you read. Review the page on annotation in this module if you need a refresher.

STEP 1: First, pick out five passages you find noteworthy and add your thoughts and ideas about each passage, as shown here:

Passage # Quotation and Location My Comments / Ideas
1 Direct quote (paragraph #) Add your comments here
2 Direct quote (paragraph #) Add your comments here
3 Direct quote (paragraph #) Add your comments here
4 Direct quote (paragraph #) Add your comments here
5 Direct quote (paragraph #) Add your comments here

STEP 2: Next, write a bulleted outline of the article you read (review the page on outlining and mapping, as needed). If the work you chose is fictional, include the characters, setting, plot, point of view, and themes. If it is an essay or nonfiction work, look for the thesis statement, topic sentences, and supporting details.

STEP 3: Finally, write a paragraph reflecting on how annotating the piece you read contributed to your understanding of it.

Sample Grading Rubric
Criteria Proficient Developing Not Evident Points
Annotates five passages Identifies five direct quotes or passages from the text and adds thoughtful commentary in at least a few sentences, highlighting why that passage is important, interesting, or noteworthy. Does not identify five quotes, or does not sufficiently add commentary to the highlighted passages. Incomplete annotation __/8
Bulleted outline Creates an outline modeled after those seen in the course. If it is an essay, students should identify the thesis statement, topic sentences, and supporting details in the outline. if it is fictional, students identify the characters, setting, plot, point of view, and themes Does not fully create the outline, misses key bullet points, or excludes important details in the outline. Missing or incomplete outline __/8
Annotation Reflection Includes a thoughtful reflection about how annotating the reading contributed to understanding the work, and why. Does not explain why the reflection was valuable in enough detail. Incomplete or missing reflection __/4
Total: __/20