Specifically, the class was instructed to read through and annotate it twice with Consider the Lobster. So I have a deeper understanding of this text in comparison to others. When annotating, I typically look for phrases that stand out to me. When using this technique, I use it in a broad context so I could be looking for keywords or complete sentences that draw my attention. This could be something I find confusing, and I note it in the margins by asking a question. To see if the writer will answer my question later on. Alternatively, even something that expands my perspective on the idea being discussed. I usually annotate this by highlighting sections and adding my thoughts in the margins. Initially, I will have a short thought like a word or phrase, then draw an arrow and add a connection to my personal life or other parts of the essay. I will also note essential sections that I could use in an essay. I define essential sections with lots of ideas to unravel or include the author’s opinion. I never usually annotate those sincerely because I like to save them if I use them in an essay and analyze it with my thesis in mind. I choose to annotate like this. After all, I struggle with focus during reading because I easily zone out. So I almost approach it like a word search. I find words and/or sentences and make connections between them. Like when you are doing a word search, you look for a letter, find the word, and then when you are looking for another word, you might come across a previous word or one on your list and was not focused on yet. If I end up zoning out after I am done with a paragraph, I will always reread it. If I do not do this, I might not make certain connections that are vital to my understanding. When writing informal responses, I usually summarize the annotations I have made. If I think of something that adds to my annotations while writing my informal response, I will add it to the response. When annotating, I try to make it as easy as possible to make connections between different sections and/or topics discussed. So in the margins, I might also write keywords that stand out to me that summarize the passage. I do this to quickly go back and notice critical words or phrases that connect and analyze them. I struggle to make connections with different texts as I see each text with new and invigorating ideas. 

Note: File was too big to insert. There are four files, each with five pages in order from 1-20. 🙂