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How to annotate effectively (Language + Literature)

AQA English · Skills

What good annotation looks like

  • Track the question focus (theme/character/relationship/attitude) as you read.
  • Pick evidence with intent: choose words/phrases that create meaning (not just long quotes).
  • Zoom in on 1–3 key words: connotations, tone, imagery, semantic field.
  • Notice methods: metaphor/simile, contrasts, repetitions, sentence lengths, stage directions, structure shifts.
  • Write the ‘so what’ in the margin: what does this suggest about…? / what is the writer trying to make us think/feel?

Key steps (method)

  • Read once for gist: who/what/where, and what the overall mood/message is.
  • Read again slower and underline high-impact words (verbs, adjectives, nouns, evaluative language).
  • Label methods (language/structure/form) only when you can explain the effect.
  • Add 1 short note per highlight: suggests / implies / presents / reflects + meaning.
  • Link 2–3 annotations into a mini-idea you could turn into a paragraph.

Common mistakes

  • Highlighting lots of text with no explanation (looks busy, adds no marks).
  • Naming a technique without effect (e.g. “metaphor” but no why it matters).
  • Only annotating obvious things (plot) instead of writer’s choices.
  • Writing huge notes that you can’t use quickly in an answer.

Support videos

Notes