All About Annotation
The strategy we use for creating summary jots (the literal understanding of a story)
What is the 5Ws
The way an author describes a person in a fiction text, including the personality traits, physical features, internal thoughts, etc.
What is characterization
The scandal made him a pariah in his own political party.
What is someone who is treated like an outcast
During the school board meeting, Janet pounded her fist on the table, insisting that more funds be directed towards arts education.
What is passionate (will also accept intense, bold, heated, etc.)
Read this statement and decide if it is a theme: “In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch defends Tom Robinson because he believes in justice.”
What is no--this is a non-example because it’s a plot detail, not a universal theme
The 5Ws used to create literal summary jots
What is "who", "what", "when", "where", and "why"
DOUBLE JEOPARDY! The time period, geographic location, social environment, and political dynamics of a certain place in a story
What is setting
Despite witnessing the children's tears after the accident, the driver showed a callous disregard for them, going about his business rather than stopping to see if they were alright.
What is showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others
DOUBLE JEOPARDY! Janelle believed every rule was meant to be questioned, and she never followed directions without first asking ‘why.’
What is inquisitive (will also accept curious, independent, rebellious)
Janie’s three marriages in Their Eyes Were Watching God show that love teaches people about independence. Explain why this could or could not be considered a strong theme statement.
What is: It could be a theme if rephrased to be universal (e.g., love teaches lessons about independence), but as stated it is too tied to a specific plot detail.
DOUBLE JEOPARDY! The strategy we use for creating synthesis jots (the deeper meaning of a text)
What is the fiction thinking frame
The information a writer puts before their evidence to help orient their reader to what's happening in the story
What is context
The church building was vandalized with blasphemous art.
What is representing holy or sacred things in a way that is disrespectful or profane
Everyone else laughed at the old man’s story, but Daniel listened without interrupting, nodding at each pause as if it were the most important tale he’d ever heard.
What is respectful (will also accept attentive, empathetic, understanding)
Something that a theme statement is NOT
What is one word, specific to the text, a command, a plot summary
The elements of the fiction thinking frame
What is "characterization", "conflict", "setting", "response to conflict", and "theme"
A concrete object that stands for a more abstract idea in a story
What is a symbol
The South African ambassador to Paris had previously served as a police minister, a role requiring negotiation and representation within the government.
What is a person who acts as a mediator between two groups in order to bring peace and harmony
When the spotlight turned on her, Maya froze for half a second, then straightened her shoulders and delivered her lines with a voice that grew stronger with each word.
What is courageous (will also accept brave, resilient, adaptable, etc.)
DOUBLE JEOPARDY! Something that a theme statement IS
What is universal, a message the author teaches the reader, applicable to most people in most places, a complete thought
The difference between summary and synthesis
Summary is the literal understanding of a text, while synthesis combines your own inferences/unique thinking about the text into a coherent thought
A symbol or idea that is repeated over and over again in a story in order to convey a larger theme
What is motif
My girlfriend's letter to me was ambiguous; therefore, I do not know if she plans to visit me or not.
Open to more than one interpretation; having a double or even unclear meaning.
Even though Victor knew the shortcut, he let the others lead the way, correcting their mistakes only when they were about to get truly lost.
What is humble (will also accept selfless, a leader, patient, wise, etc.)
"Maintaining a connection to one’s cultural heritage can be a source of strength and resilience when facing unfamiliar challenges."
"True understanding between cultures comes from empathy, dialogue, and a willingness to bridge differences."
"Challenging tradition can be an act of self-discovery and empowerment, allowing individuals to define their own paths."