HOW TO MARK A READING
1. Underline sentences that reveal crucial information, main points, conclusions, etc. Be
discriminating! Imagine that the sentences you underline will be the only items used
in writing a summary; this way you will be more selective.
2. Make notes in the margins as you react to passages. Respond to the author with your
own comments.
3. Place a question mark in the margin to indicate something you didn’t understand.
Then, when the teacher reviews the reading, you’re ready with questions.
4. Put an exclamation mark in the margin to indicate something that surprised you or
you found to be unusual.
5. Use a star to denote a recurring idea.
6. Use a check mark to indicate a fact or statistic you want to remember.
7. Put a smiley face next to something you agree with.
8. Put a frowning face next to something you disagree with.
9. Circle key words.
10. Put a square around words you don’t know. Then you can go back and jot a quick
definition in the margin, especially if the word is critical to your understanding of the
passage. Or at least, you can ask your teacher the definition!