Overview

A cumulative document that evolves over an entire unit of work, serving as a record of all interesting points, character observations, theme notes, key quotes and anything else the reader uncovers during study. Students transfer notes from annotations, activities and class discussions into organised categories, constantly updating and refining. By senior school, creating a Text File should be the first thing students do when encountering a new text. It can stretch to 30–40+ pages and serves as a revision aid, resource and potential assessment piece.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. At the start of a new unit, students set up their Text File with category headings: Characters, Themes & Ideas, Key Quotes, Language & Style, Context, Symbolism & Imagery, My Questions, My Inferences.
2. After each lesson or reading session, students transfer relevant notes, observations and ideas from their work into the appropriate categories.
3. Students are encouraged to add their own observations, questions and connections — not just teacher-directed content.
4. Periodically, students review and reorganise their Text File, adding links between categories.
5. The Text File becomes the primary resource for essay planning, revision, and assessment preparation.
6. At the end of the unit, students reflect on how their understanding of the text evolved over time.

Tips

• Establish the Text File at the very start of the unit and make regular updating a routine.
• A digital format works best for ongoing editing and reorganisation.
• The Text File can replace traditional notes and become an assessment piece in itself.
• Model what a strong Text File entry looks like vs. a weak one.

More Synthesising Activities