ENGLISH I
CLOSE READING &
ANNOTATION GUIDE
LEFT MARGIN:
Put paragraph in your words
for better understanding
(this is not in complete sentences)
Within Text:
_________put star beside main idea
(this is usually in first paragraph)
What is this text about as a whole?
_________highlight at least 5 details that support the
main idea
(Ask yourself how the author PROVES the
main idea)
__________circle 3 words you don’t know
__________put question marks over 2 sentences or
passages that you don’t understand or are
confusing
RIGHT MARGIN:
___________draw a star and write PURPOSE of article
(Why did the author write this?)
1) inform: describe, explain, give facts, tell what
something looks like
2) instruct: to tell the reader how to
do something; outline a process
3) persuade: to influence the reader to
take action or take author’s opinion
4) narrate: tells sequence of events
into the life of a human, life form, or situation
5) respond: to express ideas about a topic; to engage
in critical, evaluative thinking; may include a
specific prompt or format
______________put definitions of 3 words you circled
______________put a + sign beside a section where you learned
something new