Note-Taking

Most of the graphic organizers can help you with note taking and summarizing. 

Informal Outlining

Informal outlining is accomplished when main ideas are identified, listed, and supported by the listing of the essential details. Verbatim notes are not effective. The more notes, the better. Students should revisit their notes.

Webbing

Webbing is creating notes about key points using visual representations, typically circles. The importance and relationships of the key points are shown through relative size of and connections between the circles.

Combination Notes

Combination notes combine informal outlining, webbing, and summarizing. A page is divided into three sections. The last section, segmented across the bottom, is reserved for summary statements.

Teacher-Prepared Notes

Teacher-prepared notes provide models for students. Students should build a repertoire of note-taking strategies to choose from.

Cornell Notes

The Cornell method provides a systematic format for condensing and organizing notes. The student divides the paper into two columns: the note-taking column (usually on the right) is twice the size of the questions/key word column (on the left). 

Some Note-Taking Techniques

Scan

Scan each source before you start writing notes. Use titles, headings, subheadings, and other formatting elements to guide you as you scan a text.

A good approach is to read the first several paragraphs of a section of text, and then read the first paragraph of each subsequent section. Identify the main point and determine how the paragraphs support this point. To confirm that you have correctly identified the main topic, carefully read the concluding paragraph, as this is often where you will find a clear recap of the key points and support in a text.

Paraphrase

Write the main point and supporting points in your own words. This is called paraphrasing, and it has two important purposes.

• First, by restating an idea in your own words, you actively think about what the idea means and gain a deeper understanding of it.

• Second, by restating you avoid plagiarizing (copying without proper attribution) the ideas of others. Just as you are putting considerable effort into your research project, so did the writers of the sources you are using. If you use direct quotes, cite them properly in your notes.​

Abbreviate and Highlight

When taking notes, feel free to write using phrases, fragments, word abbreviations, and paraphrased sentences. In addition, use bullet points, underlining, and highlighting to emphasize important information, points, and details. Be concise, precise, and efficient. 

Cite

Be meticulous about recording all of the source information in your notes, including page numbers. This will not only help you in documenting sources, but it will save time if you want to go back to review your sources for more information when you begin writing.

Organize

Use notecards, a notebook, or even sticky notes (if you have hard copies of your sources) to record your notes. Remember: paraphrase everything except direct quotes, and be sure to include the title, author(s), publisher, and page number for all of your sources.