When beginning to critically read an article, I typically start by reading through the whole paper once without making any marks. I typically then circle back to read through and annotate in the margins with questions I may have, or points that I think may be surprising or important. When marking up a text, I usually use a mixture of both symbols and text. For example, when I find something surprising or important, I may place an exclamation point or a star next to it. This helps me to mark important parts of the text, while also not losing my place or involvement in reading through the paper. Usually, when I go back for the second read through the article, I will begin placing actual text in the margins. Things I am writing in the margins are questions I may have, or words that help remind me of what a certain paragraph may be about.
I think that annotating and informal responding are two good strategies to further understand a text. In the past, I have read through many books or papers and forgotten what they may be about even just days later. Annotating helps to focus you in more, and ensures that you are thinking on a deeper level about the text. In the grand scheme of things, this can help you to form inferences or create a more detailed understanding about the text. These strategies have furthered my abilities to both comprehend and elaborate upon the texts I am reading. Finding stronger evidence and discussing deeper insights are two apparent abilities that I have improved upon within my writing by utilizing these strategies in my readings.
