Writing the Text of Your Annotation - LiteratureInContext/LiC-data GitHub Wiki

Annotations for LiC should not be too long or wordy, but they should not be too brief, either. They need to be precise and accurate, and they need to be well-written. They should help readers understand an allusion or a context, and map out a way for the reader to find more reliable information on their own. You must strike a balance between a description that is too wordy and a description that does not give any information. Keep in mind that attention spans are shrinking, so make your point quickly and succinctly! Always attribute your research and add a link to your reference. You can include an additional reference for more information if appropriate. Be sure your sentences of explanation are clear, grammatically correct, and suitable for an “encyclopedia” in tone and style. For reference please take a look at the Wikipedia guidelines for writing, especially sections 2 and 3, “Information Style and Tone” and “Provide Context for the Reader": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Writing_better_articles.

There are two types of annotation: editorial and gloss. An editorial annotation is more in-depth; it goes beyond defining a word, for instance. A gloss annotation is more brief—for instance, a definition or a translation.

Characteristics of a good annotation:

  1. Length. Editorial annotations should be between 2-4 sentences, though this may vary based on your professor’s goals.
  • The first sentence should state clearly what is being referenced.
  • The second should give a succinct explanation for why it is important, drawing on your research.
  • The third should alert the reader where to find more information, which should be hyperlinked within the annotation.
  • [Gloss annotations should be 1 sentence. It should contain a paraphrase, or “direct quotes,” but it should be encased in your own language. Be sure to note your source.]
  1. Media. Consider including an image, if it makes sense to do so. Be sure your images are appropriate!
  • If you use a picture, add a succinct explanation.
  • If you use a picture, there are additional details to include in the XML—see documentation.
  1. Writing.
  • Clear
  • Succinct
  • Objective
  • Typo-free
  • Complete sentences (optional in the case of glosses)

Sample Annotation Text

Here is a sample annotation, focusing solely on the writing (external links have been provided, but the image has not):

Victor Frankenstein here quotes Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s 1798 poem, “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”. Coleridge’s most famous poem is a tale narrated by an ancient sailor returned from a long, ambitious journey during which, having shot and killed an albatross, all other members of the crew die and the mariner is cursed, doomed to tell his story forever. Shelley was familiar with Coleridge’s Romantic poem and invokes it to flesh out her characters. To learn more about Coleridge’s poem, listen to this podcast from the BBC. The image included here, from a later digital edition of the poem illustrated by Gustave Doré, shows a moonlit bay filled with broken ships carrying dead men.