Literature Study Guide: Test Review I-J

Annotations

Notes you make directly on a text. They help you interact with the story instead of just reading it passively

Why do we annotate

To follow plot structure and see how events build

Why do we annotate pt.2

To understand characters more deeply(thoughts, actions, motivations.)

Why do we annotate pt.3

To track literacy devices( imagery, symbolism, figurative language, tone)

Why do we annotate? Pt 4

To make it easier to find key quotes later for essays or discussion

Why do we annotate pt5

To stay active as a reader and connect with the text.

Annotate Step 1

First pass-characters

-Focus only on the main characters

-Highlight or underline what reveals their personality decision or changes

-Write short margin notes(ex:shows greed)

Annotate Step 2

Second Pass-Plot Sections

• Bracket or mark where expositions, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution occur

Annotate Step 3

Third pass- Devices and Comments

• Go back and mark literary elements like imagery repetition, irony, or symbolism

• Write brief notes about why they matter(eg. “dark imagery—>sets mood)

• This makes the story arc visible on the page

• Example: Draw a bracket around the climax scene and label it

Final Benefit for Annotation

It creates a map of the story which makes it easier to locate quotes, understand characters, and connect device to the plot when writing or diagraming

Plot Diagram- 1. Exposition (beginning)

Introduces the characters, setting (time & place) and the basic situation

Plot Diagram- 2. Rising action

• A series of evens that build suspense or tension

• The conflict (problem) becomes clear and starts to develop

• Each event makes the story more exciting and leads up to the climax

• Question: What events are making the problem bigger or more complicated?

Plot Diagram- 3. Cliimax

• The most intense or exciting moment of the story

• The turning point: something changes for the main character

• Usually where the main conflict reaches its highest point

• Question: what’s the most dramatic or important moment?

Plot Diagram- 4. Falling Action

• Events that happen after the climax

• Shows how the characters begin to solve the conflict

• Tension decreases

• Question: What events are wrapping up the story?

Plot Diagram- 5. Resolution

• The conflict is resolved (solved, settled or explained)

• Loose ends are tied up

• The story concludes

• Question: How is the story finally resolved?