Notes

Many writers resist taking notes on their subject because it can seem time-consuming. However, this is one of the most important ways writers successfully keep their information organized. Taking notes also helps make sure writing is in the author's voice, avoiding inadvertent plagiarism. Finally, note-taking saves time in the writing process because the writer is more familiar with their information and can more easily put it together without having to constantly refer back to their sources.

Notes & Annotation Resources

  • Notecards - Write out a separate card for each note, be sure to include the source and consider adding a category/topic for each note.

  • Diigo - Install the Chrome Extension to save sources, annotate, organize and share.

  • NoodleTools - Make & organize digital notecards, create an outline, & generate citations. Can collaborate with other students, or use alone. Easy to keep all research in one place.

  • PowerNotes - Install the Chrome Extension to streamline the process of evaluating sources, saving content, organizing, outlining & formatting citations.

As You Take Notes, Consider:

  • Central ideas or information; provide summary of key events or ideas that develop.

  • Series of events and if the events caused one another.

  • How what you are reading is presented: sequentially, comparatively, causally etc.

  • How key sentences, paragraphs or larger portions of the text contribute to the whole meaning of what you are reading.

  • The author's point of view. Does he or she have bias?

  • What evidence does the author provide? Does it make sense? Can you find holes in his or her reasoning?

Organizing Notes

When you feel you've got enough notes for your paper/project, it's time to organize them! The structure and organization of your paper is as important as the content. You may have a great argument but if it isn't organized, your ideas won't be understood. To write an argument, you need to provide clear and relevant evidence. This doesn't happen by accident (Badgerlink).

Tips as you begin to consider organization:

  • Read through notes and sort each one into a pile/category based on topic or area of research. Visual learner? Consider creating a concept map for your notes.

  • Designate one pile for the introduction and one for conclusion.

  • Aim for 5 piles; fewer will make it difficult to create a paper with enough divisions.

  • Focus on having the same number of cards per pile to help add balance to your final product.

  • If you have a lot of piles with only 2 cards, either toss them as irrelevant to your paper, or try to fit them into another pile.

  • Do not remove cards from a pile that "duplicate" the same information from two sources. This, in fact, will help add balance and support to your writing, illustrating that you referenced multiple sources and discovered the same information.

  • When your cards are organized, you can create a working outline.

What's the best way to organize your research for your topic?

  • Chronological (by date) or Sequential (in order, step-by-step)

  • Hierarchical (broad to specific)

  • Topical Pattern or Major Models/ Theories (Address each separately)

  • Compare & Contrast, Advantages & Disadvantages, Problem & Solution, or Cause & Effect

  • Spatial (physical location or layout)

Example Notecard