👉 A critical or explanatory commentary or analysis
Alright class, settle down, let’s take a look!
You’ve encountered the word “annotation” and the dictionary gives you a pretty good clue – "a critical or explanatory commentary or analysis." But what does that
really
mean? Let's break it down.
Think of it like this:
Annotation is all about adding extra layers to something.
It’s more than just reading; it’s
actively engaging
with the text, image, or whatever you're studying.
Here’s how we can think of it in a few ways:
Critical Commentary:
This means you are offering your opinion, your thoughts, and your evaluation. You're saying, "I see this... and here's
why
I think it's important." It’s about questioning and interpreting!
Explanatory Analysis:
This part is about breaking things down. You might explain
how
something works,
what
it means in context, or
why
a particular detail is significant.
Let’s rhyme it up for clarity
:
“Annotation's the key, you see,
To add your thoughts, thoughtfully and free!
A note, a mark, a comment bright,
To shed some light and make things right!”
Examples to help you understand:
In a book:
You might annotate with notes about characters’ motivations, important themes, or confusing passages. "This sentence is tricky – I think it means..."
On a diagram:
You might add labels, arrows, and explanations to clarify its function or how the parts connect. “Here's an arrow pointing to this component because…”
In a photograph:
You might write captions describing what’s happening, historical context, or your personal reaction. “This photo shows… and it makes me feel...”
Essentially, annotation is about adding
your
understanding and insights to something you’re studying. It's a way of showing you’ve truly
engaged
with the material!
Do you have any questions about this? Would you like to see some more examples or perhaps try an activity where you annotate something yourself?
