Read the text passage two or three times to get a better understanding of the text. Look up any words you do not understand in the dictionary. This will help you figure out whether or not the text is important enough to be annotated.
Highlight or underline any words that appear important to you. Write notes on the sides of the words as to what you think the words imply or their significance to the text.
Write any questions you have in regards to the text or words you have highlighted. Write samples of similar words and how, if used, they may change the meaning of the original text. Write down research you want to do in regard to the text sample. Write down any links from the text to other text samples you have read of a similar context.