Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Break it down. Follow a logical sequence. Use this as your template for your table of contents. Review your steps. Gather your supplies.

Answer: Whether a simple step-by-step instruction sheet, or a manual for a 35mm digital camera, breaking it down into digestible chunks has several benefits: It lets you focus on individual parts of the whole. Your goal is to familiarize the user with how to learn the process. How to perform the function can be left for a tutorial at the end, if desired, or left for the user to discover on their own. It would do no good, for example, to describe how the flash on a camera works until you've shown how to attach the lens, load the film, turn on the camera, and adjust the focus. This is especially useful if you do not know the subject matter well. Once you've defined the logical sections, review them to make sure everything is covered. Have the items that you're describing on hand and ready to use as described in the manual. If you're making a paper box, have paper, scissors, tape, glue, and a ruler handy. If you're writing about a camera, make sure your camera is disassembled. If possible, the product you're writing about should be back in the box at this point.

Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Choose a simple backdrop. Avoid wide-angle lenses. Set your camera's ISO at 100 and the shutter speed at 1/200th or 1/250th of a second. Set your main light above and slightly to the left of your client. Diffuse the flash.

Answer: The focus should be on the client's face, not on what's behind them, so choose a plain backdrop. Opt for something in either a solid color or with a minimalist design. If you're shooting outside, use a wide aperture to blur the background. Lenses with wider angles can distort a person's face. Instead, use a lens with a narrow focus to slim your subject's face. Look for a lens with a large aperture and a small f-number. An aperture of f/4 is good for natural light, while f/8 is usually best for studio lighting. The ISO determines the sensitivity of the camera's sensor. A lower setting means less sensitivity to light and a finer grain in your photograph, which will help create a crisp image.The shutter speed determines how much light is let into the photograph. The measurement indicates how long the shutter is open (1/250th of a second, for instance). Faster shutter speeds are good for capturing fast motion, while slower speeds are usually used for creative photography. Normal range is considered 1/30th to 1/250th sec. Using a reflector directly across from the main light will fill in shadows on the face, creating a soft, flattering appearance. Eliminate shadows on the backdrop by pointing a light behind the subject. Having the flash hit the face directly can be too harsh. Diffuse the flash by using a softbox or umbrella, or by bouncing the flash off of a nearby wall. This will cause the light the wash across the face in a more flattering way.

Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Make a photocopy of the article. Choose a writing tool. Create a separate notation page, if needed. Use Post-it notes. Complete an annotation paragraph.

Answer:
If you are focusing on a paper article or a book chapter, it may be easier to work from a paper copy. Go ahead and print out a clear copy of the work. Try to create a photocopy that leaves plenty of open space in the margins. You can also file away this paper copy for future reference as you continue your research. Carefully consider what writing tool to use for your notations. If you choose a yellow highlighter, just make sure to use it in a limited fashion, otherwise it becomes less meaningful. A pencil is a good tool to use because you can go back later and edit your comments for clarity, if needed. If you are visual learner, you might consider developing a notation system involving various colors of highlighters and flags. If your comments begin to overflow the margins, then you may want to use another piece of paper for extra annotations. Just make sure to write down the page numbers for each comment or marking. You could also divide the page up according to sections of the article. If you are borrowing a book or have a work that you'll need to return unmarked, then you can use sticky flags or Post-it notes to make your annotations. Just be sure to choose a size of Post-it that will provide ample space for your comments. And, you'll want to handle the text carefully or your Post-its could fall out. Depending on how you've taken your notes, you could also remove these Post-its to create an outline prior to writing. After you've finished reading and completed your annotations, then combine all of this knowledge into a single paragraph. This 3-4 sentence paragraph should identify the thesis and include a brief summary of the work. It can also mention any notable sources. This rough annotation can then be used to create a larger annotated bibliography. This will help you to see any gaps in your research as well.