marginal notes — brief comments or annotations written in the margins of a book, document, or paper

a focused student holds a pencil and carefully writes small comments in the white space beside printed paragraphs. The student's hand moves precisely along the edge of the page while reading the main content. After writing each brief note, the student pauses to read the next section before adding another comment. The open book shows multiple small handwritten annotations scattered throughout the white borders of both pages. A nearby librarian glances approvingly at the student's careful study method. brief comments or annotations being written in the margins of a book or document