Why background reading and annotating is important.

1. Background Reading
Why is background reading important?
1. Gives context for your topic
2. Identifies major ideas, events, people etc.
3. Helps you formulate a research question
4. Provides key words for search vocabulary

2. Background Reading
Where do I find sources for background
reading?
• Reference Databases
• Reference books (print or digital)

3. Background Reading
Why are reference sources useful for
background reading?
● Credible, no need to fact check
● Gives a summary of the main points: who, what,
when, where, why
● Usually points to additional sources

4. Read Background Sources Actively
● Underline or highlight sentences that give a MAIN IDEA or IMPORTANT
FACTS
● Circle UNFAMILIAR WORDS to look up later
● Record your REACTIONS or QUESTIONS by making notes in the margin
● Make CONNECTIONS to what you already know; make notes in the
margin
● Place a star or checkmark next to IMPORTANT passages
● Put a QUESTION MARK next to things that are unclear or you want to
learn more about
● Circle unique or important KEY WORDS to use for additional searches