Annotating and Paraphrasing Primary Sources (Archives)

Step 1: Underline key words

Step 2: Put a question mark on the ideas you don’t understand or find puzzling.

Step 3: Summarize key historical events and ideas: Does this make sense? What does

this say? What does this mean?


Step 4: Write phrases or sentences that express your reactions and interpretations.

Step 5: Note the author’s intentions and assumptions.