What is an annotation in reading?

• A. A summary of the entire chapter.
• B. A type of punctuation used to separate clauses.
• C. A note or comment added to a text to explain, question, or emphasize.
• D. An illustration drawn by the author.

Answer: (C)

Annotation is a reader-generated note or comment added directly to the text. It means actively engaging with what you read—explaining anything that’s unclear, asking questions, noting important details, and making connections to other ideas or your own experiences. Annotations are usually written in the margins, underlined or highlighted passages, or on sticky notes, and they help you remember and discuss the text later. This is different from summarizing the whole chapter, which is a separate skill that condenses content. It’s not about punctuation or illustrations; those belong to how the text is written or presented, not to reader commentary.