How to Annotate an Article

Nota bene is an Italian and Latin phrase which means 'note well'. Annotation got its name from this phrase.

Annotation refers to the process of taking notes to analyze or examine a piece of writing. It includes summarizing the written work by reading it actively and understanding its meaning.

Annotations are not limited to text. They are also used in markup languages. They are added within the code of web pages for better readability. They are also used to describe the source code. Most commonly, they are used in academics. Here's your guide to annotating an article.

Annotation involves underlining or marking text that aids the user in understanding it. Annotations also involve writing a summary of the written work, in one's own words. In the simplest terms, annotations are notes that define the context of an article. You can annotate by hand, or using a computer.

► Note the source of information at the top of the page.

► Highlight the text where needed, so that you may be able to refer to it later.

► Note down the page and line number for easy reference.

► Always annotate as you read.

► Focus on the themes used, and write them down in the margin.

► Encircle the difficult words, as you read. Highlight the important points (those supporting or explaining the main idea) in the article.

► You should have a text-based PDF rather than an image-based one. PDF reading programs allow you to highlight specific lines while images won't allow any manipulation.

► Download a PDF Reading program like Adobe Reader or Apple Preview.

► If you are using Apple Preview, you should go to Tools menu and select 'Annotate' to access the annotation tools. If you are using Adobe Reader, you should go to the View menu and select 'Comment' and then 'Annotations'.

► When you come to a passage that you wish to highlight, use the highlight tool. If you wish to comment, then use the text-bubble tool to write in the margins.

► After you are done, save the article.

► Click the browser add-on button. In some cases, you need to highlight the page text before clicking on the button.

► Use the annotation toolbar to highlight or draw information.

► Save the annotation if you want to use it outside the web page.

► Tap 'Save' to confirm and save it.

► Tap the number where the note appears and click 'Edit Note' to make changes to it. To delete the note, tap the number and click on 'More' and select 'Delete Note' to delete it.

These were some of the ways used to annotate an article. Annotations are most used by students as a part of academic research. They serve as an effective way to examine and understand articles, poems, essays, or even books and movies. Lately, they have made their way to the internet where they appear in the form of tags and bookmarks.