Steps to annotation
1. Read the poem in its entirety
2. Write down general thoughts/first impressions (emotions and images)
3. Highlight the title and write down first impressions of the title
4. Count the number of lines
5. Highlight and define unfamiliar words
6. Highlight capitalization and punctuation
7. Highlight sound elements/rhyme/rhythm
8. Divide the poem into parts based on supporting details (can also be
based on punctuation/thematic ideas). Generally summarize each
part.
9. Identify the speaker and audience
10. Identify poetic devices and explain their use.
11. Identify tone in each section
12. What is the main idea or thematic idea? What is the author’s purpose?