Identify the writer’s research question, thesis, and/or main argument. 

Step 1: Annotate your article 

Annotate the chosen reading in all of the ways listed here:

1. Break up the text into sections (use the text’s headings if given) and complete a descriptive outline in the margins.

2. Identify the writer’s research question, thesis, and/or main argument.

3. Identify key words that might direct you to the writer’s intended audience.

4. Identify different types of evidence the writer uses to support the thesis. This is a list of different types of evidence that could be used (i.e., not all writers use all of these types):

a. Examples such as stories or scenarios.

b. Facts, numbers, statistics, graphs, charts, tables, etc.

c. Firsthand accounts through primary research like interviews, letters, or diaries.

d. Images such as photographs or info-graphs.

5. Circle unfamiliar words, phrases, and concepts AND define those terms.

6. Highlight or underline key words and key phrases you find important.